Car Alarm Installation Cost

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.

• 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.

• 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] .

• 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. Check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[11] .

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
11.  www.bbb.org/en/us/search

Check Out All Costs for Cars		How Much Does an RV Cost?		How Much Does a Car Battery Cost?		How Much Does Car Air Conditioning Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. How much does central air conditioning cost? We give our advice on where to buy Purell and hand sanitizers. Looking for an indoor pet? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the current deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

economics Paid: 200.00 ... [more] -rishabh sharda Summer School Cost Cost of painting a car Paid: 1500.00 I've been doing body work and painting cars for nearly 40 years and watch the cost of paint and materials increase drastically. The old saying you get what you pay for absolutely applies to painting a car... [more] -D's Nutz & Bolts Auto Painting Cost Bookkeeping,Payroll,legal issues for llc, and tax prep Paid: 400.00 new business looking for bookkeeper, tax prep , and knowledge of LLC regulations and required tax forms sent out for states requirements (Arizona)... [more] -Bonnie Rose (Owner)/A.Freeman Bookkeeper Cost Clearing land and debi Paid: 300.00 Burnt trailer needs bee tore down and drive way needs to be pushed some trees has falling down... [more] -Jewel singletary Backhoe Cost 1 hour later, no results, no Paid: 1956.00 I was charged already by University Physician Group:$190 for Spiromatry$40 for the test$30 for CO2 Diffuse CapacityI spent $40 on the copayI was later sent a bill for $1,956 additional directly from the hospital and not insurance paid... [more] -Robby E. Pulmonary Function Test Cost Foundation Repair Paid: 22250.00 1800 Sq ft house, 1 level:Diagonal cracks in brick all around the house; exterior right front wall of attached garage appeared to have heaved; patched interior walls were revealed as cracks after purchase; door casings separated at top corn... [more] -Cheney Foundation Repair Cost