Remote start installation costs between $300 and $1,500 depending on your vehicle and the system you choose
The price breaks down into two parts: the remote start unit itself (usually $100 to $800) and labor to install it (typically $200 to $700). A basic aftermarket system for a straightforward car costs less than a premium system for a vehicle with push-button ignition or a complex electrical setup. If you go to a dealership, expect to pay more than an independent shop, and if your car has advanced security features, installation becomes more involved and expensive.
The final number depends on three things: what kind of car you drive, which remote start brand and features you want, and where you have it installed. A 2010 Honda Civic with a basic remote start from a shop like Best Buy or a local car audio installer will run you $400 to $600 total. A 2020 luxury sedan with factory push-button start and integrated security systems could cost $1,200 to $1,500 at a dealership.
Key Takeaways
- Remote start hardware costs $100 to $800, and professional installation adds $200 to $700 more, depending on your vehicle's complexity.
- Dealerships charge more than independent installers, but they warranty the work and handle vehicles with advanced security systems more reliably.
- Older cars with manual transmissions and straightforward electrical systems are cheaper to install than newer cars with push-button start or keyless entry.
- Some insurance companies offer small discounts for remote start systems, so check your policy before paying the full cost.
- Buying the system and installation separately from different vendors usually costs less than buying a package deal, but requires more coordination.
What affects the price of remote start installation
Your vehicle's year, make, and model is the biggest cost driver. Older cars with traditional ignition switches and simpler wiring are faster and cheaper to wire in. Newer cars with push-button ignition, keyless entry, or factory security systems require more complex integration, which means more labor time and sometimes custom programming. A 2005 Ford F-150 might cost $400 to install; a 2022 BMW might cost $1,200.
The remote start unit itself varies widely in price and features. A basic single-button system from brands like Viper, Compustar, or Avital runs $150 to $400. Mid-range systems with smartphone control and longer range cost $400 to $600. High-end systems with GPS tracking, climate control presets, or integration with your car's factory system cost $600 to $800 or more. You do not need the most expensive option unless you want smartphone features or live in a very cold climate where you want to warm the car remotely.
Where you have it installed matters. A dealership service department will charge $400 to $700 in labor alone, but they have factory wiring diagrams and can handle complex integrations. An independent car audio shop or Best Buy typically charges $200 to $400 in labor and may be faster for straightforward installations. Some shops charge a flat rate; others charge hourly ($75 to $150 per hour). Always ask for a quote that includes both parts and labor before you commit.
Dealership installation versus independent shops
Dealerships are more expensive but handle complex vehicles better. They have access to factory wiring diagrams, can program the system to work with your car's security features, and warranty both the parts and the work. If your car has an immobilizer, factory alarm, or push-button start, a dealership is often the safer choice because they know how to integrate remote start without triggering false alarms or disabling security features. The downside is you will pay 30 to 50 percent more than an independent shop.
Independent car audio shops and retailers like Best Buy are faster and cheaper for straightforward vehicles. They work on dozens of cars a week and have streamlined installation processes. They can usually install a basic remote start in two to four hours. The risk is that if something goes wrong — if the system conflicts with your car's factory security or if wiring is done incorrectly — you may have limited recourse. Ask whether they warranty the installation and for how long.
Before choosing, call both a dealership and an independent shop with your vehicle's year, make, model, and trim level. Get a written quote from each. The difference in price may be worth paying for dealership informed if your car is newer or has complex electronics.
Remote start features and what they cost
A basic remote start does one thing: start your engine from a distance using a key fob button. This is the cheapest option and works well if you want to warm up your car on cold mornings or cool it down in summer heat. You press the button, the engine starts, and it runs for 10 to 15 minutes before shutting off automatically. Cost: $150 to $300 for the unit, $200 to $400 for installation.
Smartphone control adds $150 to $300 to the unit cost. You start your car from your phone using an app, which is useful if you are far from your car or want to check on it remotely. Some systems also let you lock and unlock doors, check fuel level, or set climate control through the app. Installation cost is the same as basic remote start because the wiring work is identical.
GPS tracking and advanced features like geofencing (automatically starting your car when you leave work) or integration with smart home systems cost $400 to $800 for the unit alone. These are luxury features and are worth the cost only if you use them regularly. Most people find basic or smartphone-controlled remote start sufficient.
Installation timeline and what to expect
A straightforward installation on an older car takes two to four hours. The installer runs wiring from the battery through the firewall to the ignition switch, connects the remote start module, programs the key fob, and tests the system. If everything goes smoothly, you drive out the same day.
Newer cars or complex integrations take longer. If the installer needs to integrate with your factory security system, reprogram modules, or run wiring through tight spaces, the job can take six to eight hours or require a second appointment. Some shops schedule remote start installations as a full-day job to avoid delays.
Before you schedule, ask the shop how long they estimate for your specific vehicle. If they say "we will call you when it is done" rather than giving you a timeframe, ask again. A reputable shop should know roughly how long your car takes based on their experience.
Ways to reduce the cost
Buy the system and installation separately. Some people purchase a remote start unit online for $100 to $200 less than a shop's price, then pay the shop only for labor. This works if the shop will install third-party equipment — many will, though some require you to buy from them. Call ahead and ask.
Choose a basic system without smartphone features. If you do not need app control, a traditional key fob remote start saves you $150 to $300 and works just as well for warming up your car.
Install at an independent shop rather than a dealership if your car is older or has a straightforward electrical system. You can save $200 to $400 in labor. Get quotes from at least two shops before deciding.
Check whether your insurance company offers a discount for remote start systems. Some insurers give small discounts (usually 5 to 10 percent) because remote start can reduce theft risk. The discount may offset part of the installation cost.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume all remote start systems are the same. A $150 system and a $600 system differ in reliability, range, and features. Read reviews for the specific brand and model before buying. Viper, Compustar, and Avital are well-established brands with good track records; cheaper no-name brands may fail sooner or have poor customer support.
Do not skip the warranty. Ask the installer for a written warranty on both the equipment and the labor. A good warranty covers parts for two to three years and labor for one year. If the remote start stops working after six months, you want to know whether the shop will fix it for free.
Do not install remote start on a car with a manual transmission unless the system is specifically designed for it. Most aftermarket remote start systems will not work safely with manual transmissions because they cannot verify the car is in neutral. If you have a manual transmission, confirm with the shop that the system they are installing supports it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install remote start myself to save money?
You can if you have electrical experience and the right tools, but most people should not try. Incorrect wiring can damage your car's electrical system, trigger false alarms, or disable safety features. The labor cost ($200 to $700) is worth paying to avoid a $2,000 repair bill. If you are mechanically skilled, watch installation videos for your specific car first, then decide whether you feel confident.
Will remote start void my car's warranty?
Not automatically, but it depends on your manufacturer and what goes wrong. If the remote start causes damage to your car's electrical system, the manufacturer may deny a warranty claim for that component. Dealership installations are safer because they follow factory guidelines. If you use an independent shop, ask them to document that the installation did not modify any factory systems.
Does remote start work in cold weather?
Yes, that is one of its main uses. Remote start works in any weather, though very cold temperatures may reduce battery range slightly. In extreme cold, your car may take longer to start, but the system will keep trying for the programmed duration (usually 10 to 15 minutes). Make sure your battery is in good condition before installing remote start.
What is the difference between remote start and keyless entry?
Remote start starts your engine from a distance. Keyless entry unlocks your doors from a distance. Some systems do both, but they are separate functions. Remote start requires more complex wiring because it connects to your ignition system; keyless entry connects to your door locks. You can have one without the other.
Can I add remote start to a car I just bought?
Yes, remote start can be added to almost any car, though older cars and cars with manual transmissions require more careful planning. If you just bought the car, wait until after the first service to install remote start so the dealer can inspect the vehicle and you can confirm everything is working correctly. This also gives you time to decide whether you actually want it.