Car Alarm Installation Cost

How Much Does Car Alarm Installation Cost?

Basic Car Alarm: $30-$300, Alarm Only

Advanced Alarm: $300-$850, System Only

Advanced, with Installation: $400-$1,300+

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

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Amount: $390.00

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