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How to Pay for an Aftermarket Remote Start System

How to · Auto

How to Pay for an Aftermarket Remote Start System

Upgrade your car for the winter without draining your savings by using a smart payment window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $450 before anything else
Across the 0% window $30.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $450 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Your car is a tool meant to make life easier, but scraping ice in freezing temperatures is the exact opposite of that. Installing a remote start system now keeps your interior warm and your windows clear before the first frost hits.

Shops are usually quiet in late summer, so you can often score a better price before the winter rush hits. Expect to pay about $450 for the hardware and the professional installation.

The 15-month window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once those 15 months are up, the card issuer will start charging interest on whatever remains, which is the fastest way to turn a budget-friendly project into a debt trap.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop during the lull

    Call local electronics shops now while they are slow. Ask if they offer a discount for off-season installation. You want the work done before the October cold snap creates a months-long waitlist.

  2. 02

    Check the hardware

    Don't just buy the cheapest kit. Ensure the remote start is compatible with your specific car model and security system. A cheap unit that causes electrical issues will cost way more than the $450 you saved.

  3. 03

    Use your card window

    Use your Discover it® Cash Back card to cover the $450 cost. This card gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a 15-month window to pay off the balance without paying any interest.

  4. 04

    Automate the math

    Divide your $450 balance by 15 months. That comes out to $30.00 per month. Set up an automatic payment for that amount so you hit a zero balance well before the 15-month window closes.

  5. 05

    Verify the warranty

    Ask the shop how long their labor warranty lasts. A good shop will stand by their install for at least a year. Get the details in writing so you aren't stuck with a faulty system once the snow actually falls.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Will a remote start void my car warranty?

Generally no, but it depends on your manufacturer. As long as the system is installed correctly and doesn't interfere with your car's computer, you should be fine. Check your owner's manual or ask your dealer to be sure.

Can I install this myself?

Unless you are a trained technician, avoid it. Modern car electronics are incredibly complex, and one wrong wire can disable your ignition or drain your battery. Professional install is part of the cost for a reason.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR period early. Always make at least your minimum monthly payment on time to keep the promotional rate active.

Is the $450 estimate fixed?

That is an average. Some luxury cars or vehicles with complex security systems require more labor or expensive bypass modules. Always get a written quote that includes parts and labor before any work begins.