A remote start kit lets you start your car's engine from a distance using a key fob or smartphone app, without sitting in the driver's seat.
The system works by sending a wireless signal to a receiver installed in your vehicle. That receiver triggers your car's starter motor and fuel pump, turning on the engine just as if you had turned the key yourself. Most kits let you start the car from 100 to 1,000 feet away, depending on the model and whether obstacles block the signal.
Remote start is useful in cold climates — you can warm up the engine and cabin before you get in — and in hot weather, when you want the air conditioning running before you enter. Some people use it for convenience or security, since you can confirm the car started without walking to the parking lot.
Key Takeaways
- Remote start kits range from around $150 to $500 for the device itself, plus $300 to $1,500 for professional installation depending on your car's make and model.
- Aftermarket kits work with most vehicles but require running wires through your dashboard and steering column, which is why professional installation is usually necessary.
- Factory remote start (built by the manufacturer) is more reliable and integrated but only comes on certain trim levels and model years.
- Remote start will not work if your car is locked, if the battery is too low, or if your transmission is in gear — safety features prevent accidental starting.
- Some insurance companies offer small discounts for remote start because the feature can deter theft, though you should confirm this with your provider.
Aftermarket kits versus factory remote start
Aftermarket kits are sold separately and installed after you buy the car. Brands like Viper, Compustar, and Avital make these systems. They connect to your car's ignition, fuel pump, and starter through wires run behind the dashboard. An aftermarket kit gives you flexibility — you can add it to almost any vehicle — but installation is labor-intensive because a technician has to trace and tap into existing wiring without damaging anything.
Factory remote start comes built into the car from the manufacturer. It uses your car's existing electrical architecture, so it integrates more cleanly and is less likely to cause electrical problems. However, factory remote start is usually only available on higher trim levels or specific model years, and you cannot add it later if your car did not come with it. If you want factory remote start, you need to buy a vehicle that already has it.
Factory systems are generally more reliable because engineers designed them specifically for that car's electrical system. Aftermarket systems are more versatile but depend on the skill of the installer.
Installation costs and what they cover
The remote start device itself typically costs $150 to $500. Installation is where the expense grows. A professional installation usually runs $300 to $1,500, depending on how complicated your car's wiring is. Luxury vehicles, cars with push-button start, and vehicles with advanced security systems cost more to install because the technician has to work around more complex electronics.
When you pay for installation, you are paying for the technician's time to run wires, splice into existing circuits without breaking anything, program the system to your car, and test it. Some shops include a warranty on the installation — usually one to three years — which covers defects in the work but not normal wear or damage from accidents.
A few dealerships offer remote start installation for vehicles that did not come with the feature, though this is less common than aftermarket shops. Dealership installation is often more expensive but may carry a longer warranty.
How remote start interacts with your car's safety systems
Remote start will not work if your car is locked, because the system is designed not to start a vehicle someone else might be trying to steal. You have to unlock the car first — either with your key fob or by pressing the unlock button on the remote start fob — before the engine will turn over.
If your transmission is in gear, remote start will not engage. This is a critical safety feature: a car in gear would lurch forward or backward if the engine suddenly started. The system checks the transmission position before allowing the start signal through.
Low battery voltage also prevents remote start from working. If your car's battery is too weak to turn the starter, the remote start receiver will not attempt to start the engine, because doing so could drain the battery completely and leave you stranded.
Range, signal strength, and interference
Most remote start systems work from 100 to 1,000 feet away, depending on the kit and your surroundings. Metal buildings, dense urban areas with many radio signals, and thick walls reduce range because they block or interfere with the wireless signal. In an open parking lot with no obstacles, you might reach the full range. In a parking garage or downtown area, the range might drop to 200 or 300 feet.
Two-way systems — which send a signal back to your fob to confirm the car started — have slightly shorter range than one-way systems, because the fob has to receive the return signal. However, two-way systems are more useful because you know whether the start command actually worked, rather than guessing.
Some newer kits use cellular signals instead of radio frequency, which means they work from anywhere you have a cell signal — even across the country. These systems are more expensive and require a monthly subscription, usually $5 to $15 per month.
Maintenance and troubleshooting common problems
Remote start systems need very little maintenance. The main thing is replacing the battery in your fob when it dies, which is the same as replacing a car key fob battery — usually a $5 to $15 part you can buy at any drugstore or electronics retailer.
If your remote start stops working, the first step is to check whether the fob battery is dead. If the fob works for locking and unlocking but not for remote start, the problem is usually in the receiver or wiring, and you should contact the shop that installed it. If the system is still under warranty, the shop should diagnose and repair it at no cost.
Occasionally, a software update to your car's electrical system (done at a dealership) can interfere with an aftermarket remote start. If this happens, the installer may need to reprogram the system to work with the new software. This is another reason to keep the contact information for the shop that installed your kit.
Insurance, theft prevention, and resale value
Some insurance companies offer discounts of 5 to 10 percent on comprehensive coverage (the part that covers theft) if your car has remote start, because the feature can make the car less attractive to thieves — they cannot easily start it without the fob. However, not all insurers offer this discount, and the amount varies. Contact your insurance company to ask whether they recognize remote start as a theft deterrent.
Remote start does not significantly affect your car's resale value. Some buyers see it as a nice feature, but most do not pay extra for it. If you are selling a car with aftermarket remote start, mention it in the listing, but do not expect it to raise the price substantially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a remote start kit myself?
It is technically possible if you are comfortable working with car wiring, but most people should not attempt it. Running wires through your dashboard requires removing trim panels and tracing existing circuits without accidentally cutting into them. A mistake can damage your car's electrical system or create a fire hazard. Professional installation is worth the cost.
Will remote start drain my car battery?
Remote start uses a small amount of battery power each time you use it, but not enough to drain a healthy battery. If your battery is already weak or old, remote start might speed up the point at which it dies. If you use remote start frequently in very cold weather, you may need to replace your battery sooner than you would otherwise.
Does remote start work with push-button start cars?
Yes, but installation is more complicated and expensive because the technician has to integrate the remote start system with your car's push-button ignition and security system. Expect to pay at the higher end of the installation cost range — $1,000 to $1,500 — for a push-button vehicle.
Can I use remote start if my car is parked on the street or in a garage?
Yes, as long as the signal can reach the car. In a garage, the signal may not penetrate thick concrete or metal walls, so range drops significantly. On the street, range is usually full unless tall buildings or other obstacles block the signal. Test the range in your actual parking situation before committing to installation.
What happens if someone steals my remote start fob?
A stolen fob is a security risk, but the car still will not start without the key in the ignition or the push-button start activated. The fob only sends the start signal; it does not unlock the car or disable the steering wheel lock. If you lose your fob, contact the shop that installed the system and ask them to reprogram the receiver so the old fob no longer works.