Smart Start: states, cost and reviews
All states have install locations except North Dakota and South Dakota.
This booking line is ours, not Smart Start's. Our bookings go to Smart Start, or to a different installer in places where Smart Start has no service center close to you. About us
Smart Start at a glance
- States that have install locations
- 48 states out of 50, plus DC
- Advertised price nationwide
- Starting at $59.99 per month
- Visit for calibration
- Starting at $25 per visit
- Installation
- From $150
- Trustpilot
- 4.6 of 5 43,627 reviews
We used Smart Start's list of locations and its pricing page, plus its Trustpilot profile and MADD for the typical install elsewhere.
What reviewers say about Smart Start
When Trustpilot sums up its recent reviews, the praise often goes to staff who are patient and knowledgeable, along with a quick and simple sign-up. Of the negative reviews posted there, 99% have gotten a reply from the company.
Smart Start device, company and complaints
- Device
- SSI-30/30 FLEX, SSI-20/35 and SSI-20/30.
- Taking a test
- Hum while you blow for 3 or 4 seconds, and stop once you hear a click.
- What it does
- The handset resembles a cell phone in size; where your state requires a camera, one is added; most electric vehicles and motorcycles can fit it.
- Driver app
- Client Portal App.
- Company
- 1A Smart Start LLC, grouped together with Low Cost Interlock and RoadGuard Interlock.
- BBB rating
- A-, without BBB accreditation (its Grapevine, Texas listing).
Its BBB page lists the complaints and how the company replied. Sources: Smart Start's device page, its test guide and its app page; plus RoadGuard Interlock's privacy policy.
Living with a Smart Start device
- Calibration visits and what they add to the bill
- Taking retests while driving, plus what a failed test leads to: failed tests and violations
- How the device comes out, and when that's allowed: getting it removed
From booking to removal with Smart Start
- Book the install: call 888-528-2919 or leave your number, and Smart Start or another installer in your state sets a day.
- The install visit happens at a service center. Cost: From $150. The handset is wired to your ignition when you drive away.
- Calibration visits follow the schedule your state has set. Starting at $25 per visit.
- Removal comes once your state clears you; see how removal works.
How does Smart Start compare with other providers?
Across the nation: all 9 companies. Choose your state at the top to show only the ones that install there.
| Company | Installation | Listed price | 12-month total | States | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Start | From $150 | From $59.99 a month | From $869.88 | 48 + DC | |
 Intoxalock | Set by each service center | From $54.99 a month | $729.88 to $809.88 *Estimate with MADD's typical install | 48 | |
 LifeSafer | $70 to $150 | $50 to $120 a month | $670 to $1,590 | 47 | |
 RoadGuard Interlock (Dräger) | Quoted by phone | Quoted by phone | Quoted by phone | 32 + DC | |
 Low Cost Interlock | $100 to $250, plus $40 set-up | From $78.76 a month | $1,085.12 to $1,235.12Includes the $40 sign-up fee | 31 | |
 Guardian Interlock | $70 to $170 | $50 to $120 a month | $670 to $1,610 | 31 | |
 Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS) | Quoted by phone | Quoted by phone | Quoted by phone | 29 | |
 ALCOLOCK | $70 to $150 | $60 to $90 a month | $790 to $1,230 | 24 | |
 Monitech | $0, free install | Quoted by phone | Quoted by phone | 1North Carolina |
In the 12-month column, we add the listed lease for one year to what installing costs and to any set-up fee. Where no install figure is posted, MADD's typical range stands in (marked *); where nothing is posted, the cell says so. Quoted by phone: you get the figure from the company during the call. MADD's overall figure to use as a guide: $60 to $80 a month, with installing at $70 to $150, or about $790 to $1,110 across 12 months ($720 to $960 when installing is free).
Compare all 9 companies, or see just these two: Intoxalock vs Smart Start
States where Smart Start installs
- Smart Start has install locations here
- Places without an install location
Smart Start installs in all states except North Dakota and South Dakota.
View these states as a list
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming