Tired of guessing how much that remote car starter will actually cost you? You see prices for the hardware online, but the final, installed price remains a mystery, making it impossible to budget. You need a clear, definitive answer that breaks down every component of the total cost.
A professionally installed remote car starter typically costs between $349.99 and $600 in 2025. This total price includes both the remote start system hardware and the cost of professional labor.
Leveraging extensive analysis of available data from top installers and retailers, this guide unpacks every factor that influences the price of a remote car starter with installation. We’ll break down the hardware costs versus labor, explain why a system for a BMW costs more than for an older truck, and help you decide between professional installation and the DIY route.
Key Facts
- Total Cost Expectation: The all-in price for a quality remote start system with professional installation generally falls between $350 and $600, with basic packages starting around $349.99.
- Hardware vs. Labor: The final price is a combination of the system hardware (typically $150-$500) and the installation labor, which can range from $100 to over $600 depending on complexity.
- Vehicle is the #1 Factor: Newer vehicles, luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and cars with push-to-start ignitions require more complex and expensive integration modules, significantly raising the installation cost.
- 2-Way Systems Cost More: Systems that provide 2-way confirmation (letting you know the car has started) cost more than basic 1-way systems but offer greater range and peace of mind.
- Professional Installation is Recommended: Based on data from industry experts, professional installation by certified technicians is the safest and most reliable option, protecting your vehicle’s sensitive electronics and warranty.
Remote Car Starter Installation Costs in 2025: The Definitive Price Guide
A basic, professionally installed remote starter on a non-luxury vehicle typically costs between $349.99 and $449.99. The total cost, including a quality system and installation, generally ranges from $350 to $600. This price covers both the remote start system itself and the expert labor required to integrate it seamlessly with your vehicle’s electronics.
Based on analysis of top retailers and installers, this price point represents the most common scenario for the average car owner. However, this is just a starting point.
A professionally installed remote car starter typically costs between $349.99 and $600 in 2025. This total price includes both the remote start system hardware and the cost of professional labor.
Here are the key takeaways you need to know about the total cost of a remote car starter with installation:
* Hardware Cost: The physical remote start kit, which can range from a simple add-on to a sophisticated system with a smartphone app.
* Labor Cost: The fee for a professional technician to safely and correctly install the system, which varies greatly depending on your vehicle.
* Key Factors: The final price is heavily influenced by your vehicle’s make and model, the features of the system you choose, and where you get it installed.
But why is the price range so wide? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Two Main Costs: The System vs. The Installation
The total cost is split between the remote start system (hardware), typically $150-$500, and professional installation (labor), which can range from $100 to over $600. Understanding this division is the first step to figuring out your personal “how much is a remote car starter with installation” cost. Many cheap online kits for $40-$100 often mislead buyers by excluding the necessary bypass module and the significant cost of labor.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for:
| Cost Component | Typical Price Range | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| System Hardware | $150 – $500 | The remote start “brain,” key fobs, antenna, and wiring. More expensive kits include advanced features like 2-way communication and longer range. |
| Professional Labor | $100 – $600+ | The technician’s time and expertise for vehicle assessment, wiring integration, programming the bypass module, and final testing. |
| Required Modules | (Often Included in Labor) | A bypass integration module, which allows the remote starter to communicate with your car’s factory anti-theft and computer systems. |
Pro Tip: When getting a quote, always ask for an itemized breakdown of parts versus labor to ensure transparency. This helps you understand exactly where your money is going when determining how much is a remote car starter with installation for your specific vehicle.
Cost of the Remote Start System (Hardware Only)
Hardware costs range from $100-$250 for basic OEM add-on kits to $200-$500 for advanced aftermarket 2-way or smartphone-controlled systems. The system you choose is a major part of the final price. Here are the most common types and what you can expect to pay for the hardware alone.
- Basic OEM “Add-On” Systems
- Price Range: $100 – $250
- Key Feature: Uses your existing factory key fob (often by pressing the “lock” button three times) to start the car.
- Best For: Users who want a simple, cost-effective solution and don’t need long-range capability. The range is limited to your factory remote’s distance.
- 1-Button Aftermarket Systems
- Price Range: $200 – $350
- Key Feature: Comes with a dedicated, small one-button remote. It typically offers a significantly longer range than a factory system.
- Best For: Drivers who need more range than the OEM option but still want a simple, no-frills remote start.
- 2-Way Confirmation Systems
- Price Range: $200 – $500
- Key Feature: The remote fob provides confirmation—through beeps, vibrations, or an LCD screen—that your car has successfully started. These systems boast the longest range.
- Best For: Anyone who can’t see their car from their home or office and wants the peace of mind of knowing their vehicle is running.
- Smartphone Module Add-Ons
- Price Range: Adds $100 – $200+ to a system
- Key Feature: Allows you to start, lock, and unlock your car from anywhere using a smartphone app. Often requires a subscription fee.
- Best For: Users who want unlimited range and the convenience of controlling their car from their phone.
Which type of system sounds like the best fit for your daily routine?
Cost of Professional Installation (Labor Only)
Labor costs for installation typically run from $100 to $600, reflecting the complexity of integrating the system with your vehicle’s specific electronics and security features. This is where the real expertise comes in, and it’s what separates a reliable remote start from a potential electrical nightmare. Modern vehicles are rolling computers, and installing a remote car starter involves much more than connecting a few wires.
Here’s what a professional installer does to justify the labor cost:
- Vehicle Assessment: The technician identifies your vehicle’s specific wiring, factory anti-theft system, and any unique requirements (like a push-to-start ignition).
- Wiring Integration: This is the most critical step. Certified installers carefully integrate the remote starter’s wiring with your car’s electrical system. They may use a vehicle-specific T-harness for a cleaner connection or perform precise wire splicing on older models.
- Module Programming: The installer programs a bypass module. This special component “talks” to your car’s computer, tricking it into thinking the key is present so the engine can start without disabling the factory anti-theft system.
- System Testing: Finally, the technician thoroughly tests all functions—remote starting, shutdown features, door locks, and safety mechanisms—to ensure everything works perfectly and safely.
Quick Fact: Certified installers, often holding MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) and ASE certifications, are trained to work with complex vehicle electronics, protecting your car’s warranty and sensitive systems. This expertise is a key part of how much is a remote car starter with installation.
Key Factors That Influence Your Final Installation Price
The three biggest factors determining your final price are your vehicle’s make/model/year, the type of remote start system you choose (basic vs. advanced), and your installation method (professional vs. DIY). While we’ve covered the average costs, these variables can cause the price to swing dramatically.
Does your vehicle fall into one of these more complex categories? Understanding this upfront can save you from surprise costs later. Let’s dig into each factor.
Factor 1: Your Vehicle’s Make, Model, and Year
Newer, luxury, and push-to-start vehicles are the most expensive due to complex factory security systems requiring special integration modules. The specific car you drive is the single most important variable in determining how much a remote car starter with installation will be.
- Newer/Luxury Vehicles (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, push-to-start):
- Impact: High cost. These cars have sophisticated computer networks and encrypted anti-theft systems.
- Why: They require advanced, vehicle-specific bypass modules and often need special T-harnesses to integrate without damaging the factory wiring. Labor is significantly longer and more complex.
- Older Vehicles (Pre-Mid 2000s):
- Impact: Moderate cost. These vehicles can be simpler, but they present different challenges.
- Why: If the car doesn’t have factory keyless entry, the installer may need to add extra relays and wiring to control the door locks, adding to the labor time.
- Manual Transmission Vehicles:
- Impact: High cost and limited availability. Many shops will not install remote starters on manual cars due to safety risks.
- Why: It requires extensive safety failsafes to ensure the car is in neutral with the parking brake engaged before it can start. Industry data shows that while possible with modern systems, it’s not always recommended due to safety concerns.
Pro Tip: For push-to-start vehicles, ensure the installer has specific experience with your make and model, as these are among the most complex installations.
Factor 2: The Type of Remote Start System
Systems with advanced features like 2-way confirmation (beeps/vibrations) and smartphone control cost more but offer significantly greater range and convenience. As discussed earlier, the hardware you select directly impacts the overall price. A basic system will keep your costs down, while a feature-rich one will increase them.
Here is a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| System Type | Key Feature | Typical Hardware Cost | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Way System | Sends a signal to the car | $150 – $250 | Budget-conscious users who can see their car. |
| 2-Way System | Sends a signal and receives confirmation | $200 – $500 | Users who need confirmation and longer range. |
| Smartphone Control | Unlimited range via an app | Adds $100 – $200+ | Tech-savvy users who want ultimate convenience. |
Think of it like sending a text versus getting a delivery confirmation. A 1-way system just sends the command, hoping the car gets it. A 2-way system tells you the command was received and executed, giving you valuable peace of mind.
Consider where you typically park. Is it a long walk from your office or apartment? That might make a long-range, 2-way system worth the investment.
The Big Decision: Professional Installation vs. DIY
Professional installation offers expertise and a warranty for $100-$600 in labor, while a DIY approach saves money but requires significant technical skill and carries the risk of damaging your vehicle. This is the final major decision that affects how much is a remote car starter with installation.
Be honest about your technical comfort level. Is saving a few hundred dollars worth the risk of a costly mistake? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each path.
Option 1: Professional Installation
Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly by a certified technician, includes a warranty, and is the safest option for modern vehicles. For the vast majority of car owners, this is the recommended route.
- Pros:
- Expertise: Performed by MECP-certified technicians who understand complex vehicle electronics.
- Safety: Guarantees that all safety features are working correctly, preventing accidental movement or theft.
- Warranty: Reputable shops provide a warranty on both the product and their labor.
- Time-Saving: The installation is completed efficiently, usually in a few hours.
- Cons:
- Cost: Labor fees add significantly to the total price.
One crucial fact to remember: Most dealers do not install remote starters themselves; they often hire an outside company. Getting it done at a reputable, independent mobile electronics shop can often provide better value and more specialized expertise.
Option 2: DIY Installation
DIY saves on labor costs but is only recommended for those with strong technical and wiring skills, as mistakes can be costly and void vehicle warranties. If you’re considering this path, you must be prepared for the risks and requirements.
- Pros:
- Cost Savings: You eliminate the $100-$600+ labor fee.
- Satisfaction: The pride of completing a complex technical project yourself.
- Cons:
- High Risk: A single mistake can damage your car’s computer (ECU), costing thousands to repair.
- No Warranty: You are solely responsible if the kit is defective or if your installation causes a problem.
- Can Void Vehicle Warranty: If an electrical issue arises later, the manufacturer may deny warranty coverage due to the aftermarket installation.
- Time-Consuming: What takes a pro 2-3 hours could take you an entire weekend.
If you are still considering the DIY route, here is what you absolutely must have:
* A high-quality, vehicle-compatible remote start kit.
* The correct bypass module for your car’s anti-theft system.
* A detailed, accurate wiring diagram for your specific make, model, and year.
* Proper tools, including a multimeter, wire strippers, and connectors.
* Significant experience and comfort with 12-volt electronics and wire splicing.
For those looking to streamline their setup, investing in a complete remote car starter kit can simplify the process and ensure you have all the compatible components needed for a successful installation.
FAQs About how much is a remote car starter with installation
How much does it cost to install a remote start on a car?
The total cost to purchase and install a remote start on a car typically ranges from $350 to $600. A basic system installed on a standard vehicle will be closer to the lower end, while advanced systems or installations on luxury or push-to-start vehicles will be at the higher end.
Can a remote start be added to any car?
Almost any car with an automatic transmission can have a remote start system installed. Manual transmission vehicles are more complicated and not all shops will work on them due to safety concerns. Newer, more complex vehicles like European luxury brands require specialized modules and expertise, but it is generally possible.
How much does Best Buy charge for remote start installation?
While prices vary by location and vehicle, retailers like Best Buy often offer remote start systems with installation packages. These can range from around $200 for very basic systems on simple cars to over $500 for more advanced units. Always get a vehicle-specific quote, as additional parts and labor are often required.
Do car dealerships install remote starters?
Most car dealerships do not install aftermarket remote starters themselves. They typically subcontract the work to a local mobile electronics specialist. You can often get better pricing and more direct communication by going straight to a reputable, certified installation shop.
Is it hard to install a remote car starter yourself?
Yes, for the average person, it is a very difficult and risky task. It requires a deep understanding of automotive electrical systems, the ability to read complex wiring diagrams, and the skill to properly splice into critical vehicle wires. A mistake can cause expensive damage to your car’s computer systems.
Does installing an aftermarket remote start void my car’s warranty?
Legally, a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. However, if the remote starter or its installation directly causes a failure (e.g., a faulty wire damages the ECU), the manufacturer can deny warranty coverage for that specific repair. This is a major reason why professional installation is recommended.
Final Summary: Making the Right Choice for Your Budget and Vehicle
In summary, you should expect to pay between $350 and $600 for a quality remote car starter with professional installation. The final cost depends heavily on your vehicle’s complexity and the system features you choose. For most people, the convenience, safety, and peace of mind offered by professional installation are well worth the investment.
Here are the most critical takeaways to remember:
- Total Cost Expectation: Budget for the $350-$600 range for a reliable, professionally installed system.
- Biggest Price Factor: Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and ignition type (key vs. push-to-start) will have the largest impact on your final quote.
- Installation Recommendation: To protect your investment and ensure safety, professional installation by an MECP-certified technician is the strongly recommended choice.
Now that you’re armed with this information, your next step is to find a reputable local installer and get a precise quote for your vehicle. You can now ask informed questions and understand exactly what you’re paying for, ensuring you get the perfect remote start solution for your needs.
Last update on 2025-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
