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Which One: Starlink Safety Plus or Safety Plus & Security Plus

36K views 34 replies 15 participants last post by  securityguy  
#1 ·
Just bought a 2017 Forester 2.5 Limited and I am being offered the Starlink Safety Plus subscription free for first year and $99 for second year or the Safety plus & Security Plus for $49 the first year and $149 the second year. What are the pros and cons of each? Are they worth the expense? Does anybody have any experience in using them? Thanks in advance.
 
#4 ·
I got the Safety Plus and Security Plus.

To each their own.
 
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#6 ·
No, I haven't had to, but I test it occasionally. I figure the one time I/we may need to use it is like other insurance, good to have but hope you never need.

Also, some of it is just me. Why have all these bells and whistles in such an awesome vehicle and eschew any one of them. I could do without SXM, too, and never use ACC, etc. But... nah, I am enjoying it all... including the turbo, despite what I know it does to the MPG. 32+ MPG when I want it, and a bit :) less when I smile.
 
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#8 ·
I did the $49 one. I was skeptical, seemed unnecessary, but for 50 bucks I can demo a new tech.

The pin code rear hatch entry is handy, can lock keys in car. No risk of loosing keys on hiking, camping, biking trails. Used it several times...

Then one day, it wouldn't take the code. The same code I had used multiple times.

Used a buddies iPhone, mysubaru app to rescue, unlock doors.
 
#11 ·
This is very "rough and ready." I drove to a place in the mountains where there is no cell phone service according any phone I have ever owned--the only kind of place I could imagine wanting to use the Starlink Safety service. I was quite shocked when it connected, the operator was able to read my location, etc. So, I'll take the free year and maybe continue.
 
#13 ·
I don't imagine I will buy anything. However, I tried out the Starlink system in a cell area that, based on my iPhone 6, was completely dead and which was dead for more than four miles in both directions. It worked. I was astounded. Apparently Starlink uses the AT&T network; the antenna/radio for Starlink is much better than that of a portable phone (much bigger antenna). Nevertheless--and this is just personal--checking an AT&T coverage map reveals lots of mountain, desert, and outback areas where I like to go and which offer no signal whatsoever.

Remember that the prices charged for Starlink are almost pure profit. For roadside assistance, you have Subaru's warranty service as well as a probably much better service available for next to nothing from your insurance agent (towing, etc.). I have another much cheaper method for avoiding lockouts. So that leaves automatic response if an airbag goes off. I like that idea. However, big frontal accidents often kill portions of the electrical system and often break the car's battery. My guess is that would be "game over" for Starlink. My guess--not definitive. I could be wrong.
 
#17 ·
I was surpised the other day when my wife set off the alarm by accident as she was sitting in the car when I went into a store and she opened the door and my phone got an alert the alarm was set off and the vehicle location.
 
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#19 ·
I'm going to try out the security plus option for the introductory $49 cost. I like the idea of the remote locator and the peace of mind. Plus, I think USAA gives an insurance discount for using Starlink, that might lower the overall cost by another 10 or 20 bucks.
 
#21 ·
Have you confirmed this with USAA? I also use them for insurance so that would be a nice boon.

I went with the $49 security plus upgrade for the first year, figured why not try it out and see if it seems worthwhile. I have a baby and it is nice to know that if the wife gets locked out or breaks down, flat tire etc. she can focus on the little one and have help come her way (if she remembers to use it :|). I'm not sure I will keep it long term but for a year or two.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Due to the fact that when your vehicle is stolen police have legal right to subaru tracking (and Subaru will provide) even if you dont pay for the service because it is always connected just not usable.

or at least this was what I was told this by the manager of the dealership I purchased my 18 trek from. So even if you dont pay for it, you should still be eligible for discount?
 
#33 ·
Due to the fact that when your vehicle is stolen police have legal right to subaru tracking (and Subaru will provide) even if you dont pay for the service because it is always connected just not usable.

or at least this was what I was told this by the manager of the dealership I purchased my 18 trek from. So even if you dont pay for it, you should still be eligible for discount?

@nkrader, USAA only offers the discount if you have the service activated, other insurers may do it regardless.
 
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