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CostHelper > Cars  > Car Alarm Installation

Car Alarm Installation Cost


How Much Does Car Alarm Installation Cost?

 
low costBasic Car Alarm: $30-$300, Alarm Onlyaverage costAdvanced Alarm: $300-$850, System Onlyhigh costAdvanced, with Installation: $400-$1,300+

Many new vehicles come with a basic car alarm built-in, but vehicle owners in high-crime areas may want to upgrade to a more comprehensive security system, while owners of older or entry-level vehicles may want add an alarm system.

Typical costs:

  • Expect to pay $30-$300 for a basic car alarm that has a siren attached to the vehicle's existing wiring system, one or two remote controls and a simple controller/brain; models at the higher end of this price range may have a back-up battery and/or more sensors than the lower-priced alarms, or a few features like a remote start or a starter immobilizer to prevent hot wiring . For example, the Viper 350 Plus 1-Way Security System 3105V[1] with a controller, two four-button remotes, a six-tone siren, a starter immobilizer and an operating range of up to 1,500' costs $240.
  • Installation of a basic car alarm typically costs another $50-$200 or more, depending on the complexity of the system and the ease of access inside the vehicle's dash, bringing the total cost to $80-$500. For example, Best Buy charges $150 for the Avital 3100L Security System with Geek Squad Installation[2] ; this package includes a 6-tone siren, two 3-button remote controls, keyless entry, a 1,500' range and a warn-away (initial low-level response) feature.
  • It typically costs $300-$850 or more for an advanced vehicle security system that has a greater number and more varied range of sensors, a sophisticated computer controller, a wider range of effectiveness and options such as a camera or a remote ignition starter, or the capacity to disable the ignition starter or cut off the gas supply if an intruder is detected. For example, the top-of-the-line Viper 5904 Responder HD SuperCode SST 2-Way Vehicle Security and Remote Start System[3] with a one-mile range, upgraded user interface, mini-USB charging port and keychain remote costs $800.
  • Installation of an advanced car security system can cost $100-$450 or more, depending on the complexity, the ease of access for the make and model of vehicle, and labor rates (as a general rule, labor costs more on a luxury, high-end vehicle than on a lower-priced standard sedan). Total costs for having an advanced system professionally installed can be $400-$1,300 or more.
Related articles: Home Security, Home Security Camera, Security Guard, Radar Detector

What should be included:
  • A basic car alarm has one or more sensors attached to a siren. Most modern car alarms have a variety of sensors -- open/close switches on the hood/trunk/doors, pressure sensors and motion/tilt detectors -- plus a distinctive siren, a radio receiver for remote control, an extra battery so the alarm works even if the car does not, and a small computer control unit that is the system's "brain."
  • Installing a car alarm requires basic electronics knowledge, the right tools (good crimpers and strippers, a soldering iron, a drill and bits, a voltmeter, etc.), the ability to correctly take apart and reassemble the vehicle's dash, the patience to exactly follow detailed instructions while in uncomfortable positions in tight spaces, and the proper wiring schematic for the vehicle. An advanced security system requires intensive wiring and must be properly integrated with the vehicle's entire electrical system.
Discounts:
  • Do-it-yourself installation to save labor charges is possible, but can be difficult. For determined do-it-yourselfers, Crutchfield has do-it-yourself instructions[4] and Motorz TV provides a video overview[5] .
Shopping for car alarm installation:
  • If the goal is to deter break-ins, a basic alarm may be enough. If the objective is to protect items inside the vehicle, it could be better to get a more advanced system designed to monitor all possible points of entry, or one that can be expanded to include additional sensors. An eBay guide explains how to choose a car alarm[6] .
  • Car alarm systems are sold and installed by retailers like Best Buy[7] , Sears[8] or Walmart[9] ; or sold by online retailers like Amazon[10] .
  • The shop should post all its policies (labor rates, guarantees, payment methods, etc.). Ask if they specialize in this particular type of vehicle, and look for certificates of advanced course work or other training.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Need Viper remote start alarm installed
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Benny in Menifee, CA.Posted: July 9th, 2020 04:07AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Tacoma
Shop: N/A
I purchased this Viper alarm w/remote start new in the original box. I'm looking for an installer that lives near me. & Quote or estimate if anyone is interested contact me. Thanks
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alarm for new 2019 Toyota Corolla
Amount: $895.00
Posted by: JoshInLA in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: March 18th, 2019 02:03PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Shop: Toyota dealership
This is the price quoted by the dealer. I don't know what kind or brand alarm it is. I haven't yet bought the car. The dealer said I had to get it through them or it would void the warranty. This seems high for an alarm, but I'm used to having one and feel I need one. My neighborhood has reports of break-ins and sometimes I go to other areas that don't look safe. Internet research is what brought me to this website. I'm going to continue to research before I make my decision.
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install caralarm chrysler van 2007
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Tom Tran in sanjose, CA.Posted: January 4th, 2019 04:01PM
Car Make: 2007 chysler town &countryCar Model: chysler 2007 van town and country
Shop: no
Hi
I want to install car alarm system in my car , tel me how much cost cost ?
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525 for Viper 5706v parts and labor
Amount: $390.00
Posted by: Rosetej in Chicago, IL.Posted: July 23rd, 2016 08:07PM
Love it.
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ViperSS5000
Amount: $2,500.00
Posted by: ARichGuyNameTyler in Walterboro, SC.Posted: April 14th, 2016 07:04AM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Cobalt
Shop: VperSecurity
The reason my price is so high is because i have cameras in the dash and much more. I can connect my phone to my car as well. it was worth how much it was because of the items i have in the car. An audio system that cost up to 2000 is a big deal. Not counting everything else i have.
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Viper 5706v with remote start
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: D-Stay-High in Marrero, LA.Posted: December 4th, 2015 11:12PM
Shop: Extreme Audio
Got the Vioer 5706v 2-Way LCD with remote start installed. Everything is working great. 2015 Tundra
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Viper alarm with proximity sensor and voice module
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Muneco803 in patchogue, NY.Posted: May 15th, 2015 09:05AM
Car Make: jeepCar Model: grand cherokee Summit
Shop: Somewhere in patchogue NY
I was quoted for this installation. Did not pay it yet. But I feel like its a hell of a lot. I did the math and came up with these prices from caraudiogiants.com
alarm 189.00
field disturbance sensor 34.00
Voice module (warning stand back) 61.00
Total is 284 without install. That mean labor is almost 500 dollars? He said it'll take 2 hours. I think its a rip off. I'm willing to pay 600 at most for a perfect installation which means no scratches on any of the interior plastic parts, no wires hanging, etc. I already have a factory alarm which has remote start and gps tracking. It just doesnt go off of you break a window. Only if you open a door. I need to be alerted if anyone goes near my car. Just had 2 center caps stolen the other day.
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$525 for Viper 5706v parts and labor
Amount: $525.00
Posted by: HondaCRV2014 in Brooklyn, NY.Posted: May 5th, 2014 01:05PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: CRV
Paid $525 for parts and labor on Viper 5706v for 2014 Honda CRV
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lost my wiring diagram
Amount: $340.00
Posted by: matt macormic in rock springs, WY.Posted: November 22nd, 2009 02:11PM
Car Make: jeepCar Model: grand cherokee limited
Shop: amazon
i was wondering if you guys could email me another copy of the wiring diagram for the 5902
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tx alarm
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: JDUB in fort worth, TX.Posted: June 29th, 2009 07:06PM
Car Make: 99 fordCar Model: f150
Shop: out of business
I had mine done by a professional shop and it was a crimestopper alarm

worked great
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External Resources:
  1.  www.viper.com/P-3105V/Viper-350-Plus-1-way-Security-System
  2.  www.bestbuy.com/site/Avital+3100L+Security+System+for+Select+Vehicles+and+Geek+Squ...
  3.  www.viper.com/P-5904V/Viper-5904-Responder-Hd-Supercode-Sst-2-way-Security-And-Rem...
  4.  www.crutchfield.com/learn/learningcenter/car/security_install.html
  5.  on.aol.com/video/viper-5900-car-alarm-installation-108744290
  6.  www.ebay.com/gds/how-to-choose-a-car-alarm/10000000003401795/g.html
  7.  www.bestbuy.com/site/Car-Audio-GPS/Car-Security-Remote-Starters/pcmcat211400050011...
  8.  www.sears.com/automotive-alarms-locks-security-alarms/s-1206803086
  9.  www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?atc=1&search_query=car+security&ic=16_0&Find=F...
  10.  www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=car+alarm
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