unplugged
Well-known member
We have all experienced or will soon experience the end of our "Free Trial" on Sirius radio and traffic. When that day occurs, you will be met with a letter demanding $14.50 a month plus $3.99 for Sirius traffic. What does all this mean, and is there a discount possible?
The $14.50 a month is the "Select" plan with over 140 channels that was included in your free 6 month Sirius trial. The $3.99 "Traffic" is for those green, yellow or red bars on your Nav map and is also how your navigation calculates your arrival time based on traffic.
One way sure way to save money is to drop both Sirius plans and you will be left with Sirius "Travel Link." The Travel Link is how you get freebies like theater times and EV charge station info. This is a five year free trial. Or you could opt for the "Just Music" plan which costs $9.99 a month. Also, despite what the service representative might tell you, you can sign up for the Traffic only plan for $3.99 a month.
The other way to save money takes a little more effort. Don't call the 888 number listed on your renewal letter. This number sends you to a rep who doesn't have a clue about keeping you as a customer. Instead, call 866-635-2349 where you will be greeted by a friendly computer voice. Select the correct option (Yes, you are a customer that speaks English, yes you have plan, etc.). But finally, wait for the option to CANCEL your service. This puts you directly to the retention department.
Tell the friendly guy or gal that you would like to end your service on the free trial date because it costs too much and, after all, this is a Focus, not a BMW or Lexus. Between sobs, let the rep know that if only the price were a little less, like half off, you would consider keeping the service. You should be offered a half-off the Select Plan for $86 a year. (If not, you need to polish your acting skills. Hang up and try again.) The regular price is $174 a year.
EDIT: BTW, this works even if you already have a more expensive monthly plan or are about to renew your yearly plan. Give it a try next time you are about to be automatically renewed.
Unfortunately, I didn't find a way to get a deal on the Traffic. This remains at $4 a month or $48 a year in addition to any radio plan.
Hope this helps.
The $14.50 a month is the "Select" plan with over 140 channels that was included in your free 6 month Sirius trial. The $3.99 "Traffic" is for those green, yellow or red bars on your Nav map and is also how your navigation calculates your arrival time based on traffic.
One way sure way to save money is to drop both Sirius plans and you will be left with Sirius "Travel Link." The Travel Link is how you get freebies like theater times and EV charge station info. This is a five year free trial. Or you could opt for the "Just Music" plan which costs $9.99 a month. Also, despite what the service representative might tell you, you can sign up for the Traffic only plan for $3.99 a month.
The other way to save money takes a little more effort. Don't call the 888 number listed on your renewal letter. This number sends you to a rep who doesn't have a clue about keeping you as a customer. Instead, call 866-635-2349 where you will be greeted by a friendly computer voice. Select the correct option (Yes, you are a customer that speaks English, yes you have plan, etc.). But finally, wait for the option to CANCEL your service. This puts you directly to the retention department.
Tell the friendly guy or gal that you would like to end your service on the free trial date because it costs too much and, after all, this is a Focus, not a BMW or Lexus. Between sobs, let the rep know that if only the price were a little less, like half off, you would consider keeping the service. You should be offered a half-off the Select Plan for $86 a year. (If not, you need to polish your acting skills. Hang up and try again.) The regular price is $174 a year.
EDIT: BTW, this works even if you already have a more expensive monthly plan or are about to renew your yearly plan. Give it a try next time you are about to be automatically renewed.
Unfortunately, I didn't find a way to get a deal on the Traffic. This remains at $4 a month or $48 a year in addition to any radio plan.
Hope this helps.
