Remote start systems typically cost between $300 and $1,500 installed, depending on your vehicle type and the features you choose

The price breaks into two parts: the device itself and the labor to install it. A basic remote start unit runs $100 to $500 new, while installation at a car audio shop or dealership adds $200 to $1,000 or more. Luxury vehicles, all-wheel-drive cars, and manual transmissions cost more to install because the wiring is more complex. If you buy the system online and have a local shop install it, you may pay less than going through a dealership, but some shops charge extra to install aftermarket parts.

The final bill depends on whether your car has existing security system wiring (which speeds installation), whether you want add-ons like trunk pop or heated seats included, and your region's labor rates. A Honda Civic with an automatic transmission in a mid-sized city might cost $400 to $700 total. A BMW or Audi with all-wheel drive in the same city could run $1,200 to $1,800.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic remote start hardware costs $100 to $500; installation labor adds $200 to $1,000 depending on vehicle complexity and shop rates.
  • All-wheel-drive vehicles, luxury brands, and manual transmissions cost significantly more because installers must integrate with existing systems.
  • Dealership installation is usually more expensive than independent car audio shops, but may carry a warranty tied to your vehicle's service history.
  • Getting quotes from at least two shops before committing can reveal price differences of $300 to $500 for the same vehicle and system.

What the hardware itself costs

Remote start units range widely in price based on brand and capability. Budget systems from brands like Viper, Compustar, and Avital run $150 to $300 and handle basic start-and-stop functions. Mid-range systems ($300 to $500) add features like smartphone control, GPS tracking, or integration with your car's factory security system. Premium systems ($500 and up) offer two-way communication, climate control integration, or compatibility with luxury vehicle electronics.

The device alone is only part of the cost. Installation requires wiring harnesses, relays, bypass modules (for vehicles with immobilizers), and sometimes additional sensors. These parts add $50 to $300 to the total hardware cost depending on your vehicle's electrical system. A shop will typically bundle these into a single installation quote rather than itemizing them separately.

Installation labor varies by vehicle and shop type

Independent car audio shops usually charge $200 to $600 in labor for a straightforward installation on a common vehicle like a Toyota, Honda, or Ford. Dealerships typically charge $400 to $1,000 for the same work, partly because their hourly rates are higher and partly because they may require you to use their preferred system or warranty terms. Some shops charge flat rates; others bill by the hour (usually $75 to $150 per hour, with installations taking 2 to 8 hours).

Vehicles with all-wheel drive, automatic transmissions with electronic parking brakes, or factory security systems that require integration take longer to install. A 2020 Subaru Outback or Audi A4 might require 6 to 10 hours of labor because the installer must tap into multiple modules and verify that the remote start does not interfere with stability control or other safety systems. A 2015 Honda Accord with a manual transmission takes 2 to 4 hours because the wiring is simpler and the installer does not need to bypass an electronic parking brake.

Dealership versus independent shop pricing

Dealerships charge more per hour and often require you to purchase their recommended system, but they have direct access to your vehicle's wiring diagrams and can integrate remote start with factory features like heated seats or remote climate control. If your car is under warranty, a dealership installation may preserve that warranty, whereas an independent shop's work might void it depending on your manufacturer's terms.

Independent car audio shops are usually cheaper and may offer more flexibility in system choice, but quality varies. A well-reviewed local shop with experience on your vehicle model can deliver the same result as a dealership for 30 to 50 percent less. Before choosing a shop, ask whether they warranty their work, how long the installation takes, and whether they can show you examples of the same system installed on your vehicle model.

Additional costs and hidden fees

Some shops charge extra for specific features or complications. If your vehicle has a push-button start instead of a traditional key, expect an additional $100 to $300 because the installer must integrate with your car's smart key system. If you want the remote start to work with your factory alarm or to unlock doors remotely, add $50 to $200. Cellular connectivity (so the system works beyond radio range) adds $100 to $300 to the hardware cost.

A few shops charge a diagnostic fee ($50 to $100) to assess your vehicle before quoting, though most include this in the final price. Some require you to bring your car in for a consultation before they can give you an accurate quote. If you need the system installed quickly (same day or next day), some shops add a rush fee of $100 to $300.

How to get accurate quotes

Contact at least two or three shops in your area with your vehicle's year, make, model, and transmission type. Tell them which features matter to you (smartphone control, heated seat integration, etc.) and ask for a written quote that breaks down hardware, installation labor, and any add-ons. Ask how long the installation takes and whether they warranty the work. A quote should be specific to your vehicle, not a generic range.

Online retailers like Amazon or Best Buy sell remote start systems for less than shops charge, but you still need to pay a shop to install it. Some shops will install aftermarket systems you provide, though they may charge a higher labor rate (sometimes 20 to 30 percent more) because they are not selling the hardware themselves. Factor this into your comparison: buying a $200 system online and paying $800 to install it is often more expensive than buying a $300 system from the shop that installs it for $500.

Warranty and long-term reliability

Most remote start systems come with a one- to three-year manufacturer warranty covering the device itself, but not the installation. The shop's warranty on labor is separate and typically covers 12 to 24 months. If something fails after the warranty period, repair costs can run $100 to $400 depending on what broke. A relay or wiring issue might cost $150 to fix; a failed control module might cost $300 to $400 plus labor.

Higher-end systems from brands like Viper and Compustar tend to be more reliable and have better warranty support than budget brands. Spending an extra $100 to $200 on the hardware upfront can save you money on repairs later. Ask the shop which brands they recommend for your vehicle and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install remote start myself to save money?

If you have automotive electrical experience, you can buy a system and install it yourself, saving the $200 to $1,000 labor cost. However, improper installation can damage your vehicle's electrical system, void your warranty, or create safety issues. Most people without experience should hire a professional.

Will remote start work on my manual transmission car?

Yes, but it costs more. The installer must add a bypass module to prevent the engine from starting while the car is in gear. This adds $100 to $300 to the total cost and requires more complex wiring than an automatic transmission installation.

Does my dealership have to install remote start, or can I go to an independent shop?

You can use an independent shop. However, check your warranty terms first—some manufacturers void the warranty if non-dealership work is done on electrical systems. Many independent shops carry liability insurance and warranty their work, so ask about this before deciding.

What's the difference between a one-way and two-way remote start system?

A one-way system ($150 to $300) sends a signal to start your car but does not confirm whether it started. A two-way system ($300 to $600) sends back a signal confirming the engine is running. Two-way systems cost more in hardware and sometimes in installation, but give you certainty that your car actually started.

Can I add remote start to a car that already has an aftermarket alarm?

Yes, and it may cost less because some of the wiring is already in place. Tell the installer about your existing alarm system when you get a quote—they can often integrate the remote start with it, saving time and money.