How Much Does Remote Start Cost? What Drivers Actually Pay
Remote start lets you start your car's engine from a distance — warming it up in winter or cooling it down in summer before you get in. It's one of the most popular aftermarket upgrades on the market, but what you'll pay depends on several factors that vary widely from one vehicle and situation to the next.
What Remote Start Actually Is
A remote start system sends a signal — either from a dedicated key fob or through a smartphone app — to your vehicle's ignition system, starting the engine without you physically turning a key or pressing a button. The car runs until you get in and take over, or until a preset timer shuts it off.
Some vehicles come with factory-installed remote start from the manufacturer. Many don't. For those that don't, aftermarket systems can be professionally installed or, in some cases, self-installed.
The Basic Cost Breakdown
Remote start costs fall into two buckets: equipment and labor.
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Basic aftermarket kit (fob-based) | $30 – $150 |
| Mid-range kit with longer range | $100 – $250 |
| Smartphone-connected (app-based) | $150 – $400+ |
| Professional installation labor | $75 – $200+ |
| Total installed (typical range) | $150 – $500+ |
These figures reflect general market pricing and vary by region, shop, and vehicle. They are not quotes.
What Drives the Price Up or Down
Your Vehicle's Make and Model
This is the biggest variable. Older, simpler vehicles with basic ignition systems are generally easier and cheaper to install remote start on. Modern vehicles with push-button start, transponder keys, or advanced anti-theft systems require additional bypass modules — hardware that tricks the car's security system into allowing the remote start. Those modules add cost, sometimes $50–$150 or more on top of the base kit.
Manual transmission vehicles add another layer of complexity. Remote starting a stick shift raises safety concerns (the car can lurch forward if left in gear), so most installers either decline the job or use specialized systems that include safety lockouts — which adds to the price.
Hybrid and electric vehicles present the most complexity. Many EVs don't use a traditional combustion engine to heat or cool the cabin — they use their battery systems. Some have native remote climate control through a manufacturer app, which makes aftermarket remote start less relevant or even incompatible. For hybrids, compatibility varies by model.
Fob vs. Smartphone App
Basic systems include a dedicated remote fob — a separate device you carry alongside your keys. These typically have a range of a few hundred to a few thousand feet.
App-based systems — often called connected or telematics systems — work over cellular or Wi-Fi and give you unlimited range. You can start your car from across town. These systems usually require a monthly or annual subscription after purchase, commonly in the range of $5–$30/month depending on the provider and feature set. That recurring cost matters over time.
DIY vs. Professional Installation 🔧
Aftermarket remote start kits are available at auto parts retailers and online. The hardware itself can be purchased for under $100 in some cases. But installation involves tapping into your vehicle's ignition wiring, anti-theft system, and sometimes the data bus — work that requires automotive electrical knowledge and the right tools.
A botched installation can trigger your car's anti-theft system, prevent the vehicle from starting, or in rare cases cause electrical damage. Most experienced installers take 1.5 to 3+ hours on a typical job, and that labor time increases on vehicles with more complex wiring.
If you're comfortable with automotive wiring and have installed electronics before, DIY is feasible. For most drivers, professional installation is the safer choice — and some system warranties are voided by self-installation.
Factory vs. Aftermarket
If your vehicle already has remote start built in — or if your manufacturer offers it as a dealer-installed option — that's worth exploring before going aftermarket. Dealer-installed systems integrate cleanly with the factory key fob and security system. They're often more expensive upfront but come with manufacturer support.
Some automakers also offer remote start through a subscription app (like GM's OnStar, Toyota's Remote Connect, or Hyundai's Blue Link). These services may already be available on your vehicle, sometimes at no extra hardware cost — though subscriptions apply.
Ongoing Costs to Factor In
- App-based systems: Monthly or annual subscription fees
- Replacement fobs: $20–$80+ if lost or damaged
- Professional re-programming: Sometimes needed after battery replacement or software updates on newer vehicles
What the Numbers Don't Tell You 🌡️
A $150 install on a 2008 pickup and a $150 install on a 2022 SUV with push-button start are not the same job. The quoted price at one shop in one region may be half — or double — what another shop charges for identical work.
Your vehicle's year, make, model, trim level, existing security system, transmission type, and the shop's labor rate all shape what you'll actually pay. The range of $150–$500 is honest but wide — and outliers exist on both ends.
Whether the upgrade makes sense for your situation depends on your climate, how often you'd actually use it, what your vehicle already offers from the factory, and what a qualified installer quotes you after looking at your specific car.