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+Squad+In...
3.  www.viper.com/P-5904V/Viper-5904-Responder-Hd-Supercode-Sst-2-way-Security-And-Remote-S...
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.c?id...
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=Find&s...
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

Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? Mother's Day is coming up. We cover the cost of massages and other spa treatments. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

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

Replace leaking supply line40' w/copper from meter to house Paid: 2150.00 Water supply line leaking, need dig trench, 40' Type L copper pipe. 1st plumber quote $6500. Did some research, 2nd quote is $2150. Depth by city code 16 - 18", both licensed, guarantee 1 year... [more] -Meeept2000 Replacing Copper Pipes Cost About to start babysitting Paid: 6.00 I’m about to start babysitting for their first time ever (for pay) and I was wondering if my pay was too high or too low. Tha family has two boys, a ten year old and an eight year old... [more] - Baby Sitter Cost cost of ear drops Paid: 67.00 I was prescribed antibiotic drops for an ear infection. Went to pick up at Walgreen's and declined due to price of $219. I asked the medical facility to send prescription to Costco. Picked it up there for $67... [more] -jeffo Ear Infection Cost Be aware Paid: 0.00 Be aware that many of the listed locksmiths are a call service and many of them are in another state. Some even try to pass as other businesses. Academy lock is a thief and abuses they employed too. There are many... [more] -Martin Y. Locksmith Cost Deep cleaning Paid: 9999.00 As a dental hygienist with 22 years experience, I can tell you “DEEP CLEANING” is not a SCAM! 1st and foremost remember your insurance coverage is to assist with treatment payments... [more] -Tasha Nicole Teeth Cleaning Cost 04 Nissan Sentra Paid: 120.00 I had one key for the car I just bought a few months back, well... While I was closing the front door to my house my key was caught and severely bent, I tried to gently tap it back straight but needless to say it snapped in half... [more] -Mz Sentra Key Copy Cost