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Home › Pay › Common problems › Satellite radio
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Satellite radio

Many cars come with a satellite radio trial. When it ends, a paid plan may start, often at a higher rate than the first offer. Some people also keep paying for a radio in a car they no longer own. Your car's free AM/FM radio and your phone may already cover what you like to hear.

Common problems to watch for

  • A trial in a new or used car that rolls into a paid plan
  • Low promotional rates that jump at renewal
  • Cancellation that requires a call or chat instead of a simple button
  • Retention offers made while you are trying to cancel
  • Charges continuing after the car is sold or traded in

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

AM/FM radioYour car's built-in AM and FM radio is free and carries local news, music, sports and weather.
Apple CarPlay or Android AutoPlay music, podcasts and audiobooks from your phone on your car's speakers, if your car supports them. Neither lists a fee.
Library audiobooks through LibbyLibby lends free audiobooks with a library card and works with CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth for listening in the car.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

If you listen daily and love the channels, a plan can be worth it. Pay the renewal rate only after asking for the current promotional rate.

Before you pay

  • Check the full price after any promotional period ends
  • See whether your phone can play similar content through your car
  • Ask how to cancel: online, chat or phone
  • Confirm which car the plan is tied to
  • Note the renewal date on your calendar

How to cancel

  1. Check the provider's website for online cancellation; some allow it, others use chat or a call.
  2. Say clearly that you want to cancel, and decline offers if you don't want them.
  3. Get a confirmation number or email and keep it.
  4. When you sell or trade in a car, cancel or transfer the radio plan the same week.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Why am I being charged for a car I sold?

Satellite radio plans are often tied to the radio in the car, not to you, and they don't end when the car is sold. Contact the provider, tell them the car was sold, and ask to cancel. Ask whether a refund is possible for months after the sale.

Can I get a lower rate?

Often prices differ between new customers, renewals and promotions. Before renewing, ask what rates are available. Be ready to cancel if the price doesn't work for you. Get any special rate and its end date in writing.

What free options work in my car?

Your AM/FM radio is free. If your car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can play music, podcasts and audiobooks from your phone, using your phone's data. Libby lets you borrow audiobooks free with a library card and works in the car.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.