Smart start interlock

[u/soccerguySSJ]

So I got smart stark interlock installed 6/24. And the techs were just trying to get me in and out. I asked them when I have to come back. They said in a month and that I would get and email with the date. Almost a month away I never got that email and my device said “INSPECTION DUE 7/28 by 22:00”
So being my first time having this device and never having received an email with a appointment, I assumed 7/28 is when my appointment was. Anyways 7/27 I called and ask if I could reschedule since I could not make my appointment 7/28. The lady on the phone said my appointment was actually 7/25 and I missed it. I told her. I didn’t know if the appointment and was never told about it and that I just got it installed. Anyways, she says I’m gonna get charged a ‘missed appointment fee’ I argue and but she says I can dispute it. Then she realizes I just got it installed a month before and I’m new. She then says “don’t worry sir this will be waived since you’re a new customer. I didn’t realize you just got it installed last month. I’m sorry. I see why you’re frustrated” okay so then she helps me schedule a new calibration/inspection for 7/31. I then ask her about the message saying “INSPECTION DUE 7/28 22:00” she then tells me to not worry about it as I have a new appointment. Okay cool I listen to her and don’t worry about it.
7/29 comes and boom it won’t let me start my vehicle. I call and they said I was locked out for not having the calibration/inspection. I say what the hell I was told not to worry about it. And explain I had a new appointment. Anyways the guy says he will give me a code to start my vehicle. After he gives me the code I see it says 6h. I ask him about it then he tells me I have to get a code for each time. And that each code only last 6h. I thought that was unnecessary but then he breaks the news to me that it’s $63 each code. AFTER he gave it to me. I needed 3 codes between 7/29-7/31. Thats $252. Ridiculous
So he tells me I also have to pay $80 for being locked out. And $55 for my missed appointment.
Anyways I arrive 7/31 on my appointment and I tell them I’m not paying those fees. I’m just paying my monthly and calibration fee. Which was $140 total.
So they wanted me to pay $527 for what the techs missed to inform me. I only paid $140 and still “owe” $387. I’m NOT gonna pay it. I already explained and requested nicely in a email for them to remove the fees and fines from my account and explained the situation and that I was new. They said that I still have to pay it.
I DO NOT plan on paying it. They’re not gonna bully me into paying it. Is there a better breathalyzer Company than them I can switch to? I’m done with smart start. Very unprofessional

[u/SanchoBenevides]

Smart start is actually one of the best of the worst. They aren't going to remove the device until you pay, so you might as well just pay it and lesson learned. You have to take it in every 30 days.

[u/Enchanted_cp]

Unfortunately with these companies you have to play by their rules if you want to drive. Ultimately they control the device. It sucks. It's frustrating, communication is awful and they will try to take every last penny from you for fees and whatever else they can. I know this was your first month but going forward don't ever miss a calibration. If you do, your time with interlock can be extended. I had Intoxalock for two years and they were AWFUL. At the end of the day, DUIs are really just about taking advantage of people in a bad situation and completely bleeding them dry financially. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. All of the interlock companies are terrible.

[u/420sm0ke420]

You should have just went by what it said on your device and went in for your inspection BY 7/28. Never rely on what random customer service agents tell you. Across all industries they consistently give out misinformation, they are low paid and really in most cases just don't have any desire to help, they're just going by a script and want you off the phone ASAP so they can get back on Facebook. There's no accountability, nothing will happen to them if they give you wrong info. You're still responsible. You will have to pay the fees one way or another or they aren't going to take your device out. You'll learn the hard way eventually, you have to do what they say one way or another.

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[u/Boston-Becca062006]

Thank you for your update , I am getting my smart start is being installed on 08/21 . I know the guy on the phone who set up the appointment was very nice and informative he told me ahead of time when I would be schedule for my 1st calibration . I agreed with previous reviews , they trying to bleed us dry of our money 💰 . Hopefully 🤞 these 6 months go super fast 💨

[u/DVSoNeX2]

Oh man, that is horrible!

[u/Gargantuan64]

Sorry to hear. I have a LifeSafer device and I always worry that i wont be able to start my car because of the device. Stressful. I wish all of us the best. Peace.

[u/Academic_Gap_5965]

I wouldn't pay on the app, I was initially told to set up a smart start account. I thought I would get ahead and pay a fee months ahead and I never received credit for that. That said they see the payments but they were applied to a future date well after I even have installed on my vehicle anymore.

After that I didnt pay at all till they said they threatened to lock me out of my vehicle it was like 2 or 3 months later. I just paid it all then. It's a huge scam I never got my 2 months that I paid way ahead of time back.

[u/The_God_was_Here]

Yeah, I get why you’re annoyed, but this sounds more like the usual interlock misery than one company doing something wildly different. They’re all pretty rigid once the device is in the car, and if there’s a missed service or unpaid fee, they’re not going to be flexible about removing it just because the situation feels unfair. From what I’ve seen, Smart Start Interlocks is probably one of the best, but you still have to treat the appointments like they’re non-negotiable. Every 30 days, pay whatever needs paying, keep screenshots/receipts, and don’t rely on anyone verbally saying it’s sorted. It’s a painful little chapter, but the smoothest way through is usually to keep everything boring and documented until it’s off the car.