Smart Start’s earns a 2.6-star rating from 27 reviews, showing that the majority of clients are somewhat satisfied with their ignition interlock devices and services.
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SmartStart is a rip off its not customer service they just want Your
SmartStart is a rip off its not customer service they just want Your money
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Absolute horrible customer service
Absolute horrible customer service. I am a Combat Veteran in the Veteran Treatment Court Program and they nearly impossible to get a hold of. This company is absolute garbage and I would recommend that any court officials use a different system or if you have a choice, go with someone else.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
place is bordering on criminal
Terrible company. I got a device installed which i was required to get before applying for an IILL in Pennsylvania. I fill out all the forms and one form specific requires a Smart Start Rep. to fill out the "Statement of Vendor" portion. When i went to get it installed the mechanic said that he was not able to sign it as he is not a rep of Smart Start, which is understandable. I called Smart Start and was told they will be faxing a completed copy, including the "Statement of Vendor portion to PennDOT and to send the form I have. Well after waiting for my camera card from PennDOT for 3 weeks, i get a letter saying that "Statement of Vendor" section needs to be filled out. I cant get ahold of a live person, but have no problems when it comes to paying them money. Joke of a company do not use them at all.
Got my Smart Start installed on [protected]
Got my Smart Start installed on [protected].For the 1sr 2 months was OK.My husband takes it in to get calibrations for the month.I blew well over 60 times in September 29th.My pre po officer told me only 41.What ?I *** down everyday.Could go to prison for their neglect to give correct info.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
This just happened to me march to aprils calibration. They said i only started my car 33 times. When they did finally send the whole months data..it showed over 100 times that i started my car. They blame each other.
You can't reach anyone to resolve my issue to have my paperwork sent to the dmv to restore my license I've completed my court order 12 months
You can't reach anyone to resolve my issue to have my paperwork sent to the dmv to restore my license I've completed my court order 12 months and I'm going on 14 months and can't reach anyone when I do my call is directed to a menu and call is ended I've been on the hold for hours multiple times
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
If your state allows another device company, save your self some trouble and go to with them
If your state allows another device company, save your self some trouble and go to with them. They are quick to install and charge extra money for the so called "violations" but when you have satisfied your court order and want it removed, it's a hustle like no other. Their customer service is not the best either.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
nothing but problems Wonderful staff working for them but inadequate business
nothing but problems Wonderful staff working for them but inadequate business. I believe they are going out of business and rightfully so, as they are pathetic in every way as far as doing their jobs and providing the service they say they do. I've had numerous run ins and problems with their practice and am here to warn anyone out there to not go with them no matter what you do because you will end up in the same boat I'm in right now because of their lack of capabilities to make their devices work. I will now pursue financial repercussions for their mess and time I have spent trying to get things right. To everyone good luck with this company oh this is so typical, their site will not even get my review to go thru, WTH
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
The shops go out of business. Not the interlock companies. Hold the intstallers at the shop responsible. They are certified by the states. The interlock companies have nothing to do with wrongful installation caused by hole in the wall shops. You can change shops!
Terrible company
Terrible company. I got a device installed which i was required to get before applying for an IILL in Pennsylvania. I fill out all the forms and one form specific requires a Smart Start Rep. to fill out the "Statement of Vendor" portion. When i went to get it installed the mechanic said that he was not able to sign it as he is not a rep of Smart Start, which is understandable. I called Smart Start and was told they will be faxing a completed copy, including the "Statement of Vendor portion to PennDOT and to send the form I have. Well after waiting for my camera card from PennDOT for 3 weeks, i get a letter saying that "Statement of Vendor" section needs to be filled out. I cant get ahold of a live person, but have no problems when it comes to paying them money. Joke of a company do not use them at all.
I had an in home device for over 12 months and recently replaced that with one of there car devices
I had an in home device for over 12 months and recently replaced that with one of there car devices. I was told by the customer service agents and shop agents that I need not worry about the upcoming *** for my in home device since I now have the car device. While waiting for approval to return the in home device, it was past the 3rd of the month so it was locked out due to non payment. When I called I was told to just return the in home device when I can and not to worry about that ***. When I returned the in home device they were now charging me $240. After receiving emails that my account was past due, I called to rectify and was told they will not waive or at least credit part of the fees. Terrible company to use. If your given other options, I highly recommend you use those other companies. Smart start are a bunch of money hungry thieves who can care less that you cant afford these services. Not even during COVID will they take into consideration anyones circumstances!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
Smart Start Complaints 19
Technician didn’t follow protocol and now I’m being punished another 6 months.
Hello my name is Sarah Douglas. I have been having issues with the service provided by your company. I had first gotten my device installed on the 5th of January. Not only did the tech not install the motem they also told me I only had to come in every 3 months and next appoi Was on 4/4/24. Then, on January 21st I got a notification on my hand held that I...
Read full review of Smart StartSmart start extorting money.
Was charged a lock out fee, I went at the date 11/28/2023 I was supposed to but the tech told me cord was bad in his computer and couldn't service my device and to come back next day at 1pm I did he told me to come back at 2:00 I did waited till 5:15 he never showed I went the next day with no issues but he said I'm being charged for being two days late so how am I responsible to pay 96.00 this wasn't my fault?
Read full review of Smart StartRemoval
I had the Smart Start in my truck for a year and had a few issues, but my biggest issue is when they removed the device from my truck. Now I have to jump start my truck every time I use it. This is unacceptable! I went by AutoZone and had them test the battery and they said it is fine, but the reserve capacity is very poor. This truck is only 3 years old...
Read full review of Smart Start and 3 commentsIs Smart Start Legit?
Smart Start earns a trustworthiness rating of 100%
Highly recommended, but caution will not hurt.
We found clear and detailed contact information for Smart Start. The company provides a physical address, 4 phone numbers, and 2 emails, as well as 4 social media accounts. This demonstrates a commitment to customer service and transparency, which is a positive sign for building trust with customers.
Smart Start has claimed the domain name for smartstartinc.com for a long time, which suggests that the website is established and has a history of being in operation. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that the website has been around for a while and may have a reputation to maintain.
Smartstartinc.com has a valid SSL certificate, which indicates that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the browser and the "https" prefix in the URL to confirm that the website is using SSL.
Smartstartinc.com has been deemed safe to visit, as it is protected by a cloud-based cybersecurity solution that uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to help protect networks from online threats.
A trust mark has been identified for a smartstartinc.com, but it is important to verify the trust mark and its source to ensure that it is legitimate. Ensure that the trust mark is genuine by clicking on it and verifying its authenticity through the issuing organization's website.
Smart Start as a website that uses an external review system. While this can provide valuable feedback and insights, it's important to carefully evaluate the source of the reviews and take them with a grain of salt.
Several positive reviews for Smart Start have been found on various review sites. While this may be a good sign, it is important to approach these reviews with caution and consider the possibility of fake or biased reviews.
We looked up Smart Start and found that the website is receiving a high amount of traffic. This could be a sign of a popular and trustworthy website, but it is still important to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of the site before sharing any personal or financial information
Smartstartinc.com regularly updates its policies to reflect changes in laws, regulations. These policies are easy to find and understand, and they are written in plain language that is accessible to all customers. This helps customers understand what they are agreeing to and what to expect from Smart Start.
However ComplaintsBoard has detected that:
- Smart Start protects their ownership data, a common and legal practice. However, from our perspective, this lack of transparency can impede trust and accountability, which are essential for establishing a credible and respected business entity.
Customer service
11-4-23. This was my due date. For my payment. Smartstart mobile insight is the device I’m using. My complaint is about their customer service. It is very bad! I’m one day pass due As of now 11-5-23 They lock my device at 10:00pm on a Saturday 11-4-23. With no way to resolve the situation. I won’t have the funds till Tuesday at midnight. I will miss 9...
Read full review of Smart StartInterlock device
I have had a smart start device since February of 2022 for a DWI from 2019. I have a couple of issues with them... First one is I got violation errors when a dealership has the car and called for bypass and followed the instructions but the dealership did it wrong and locked me out of the device. Smart start only partially refunded these. Wasn't my fault at all and they decided they get to keep money for the dealership messing up and this was fully proven to them.
Recently I had a total computer failure of the unit... It has to be fully replaced... Here is that story --8/1/2023 I came out of work to my car and could not get a recall error to go away to allow me to drive.. so I left the car at my office overnight and got a ride home. The next day 8/2/2023 I had to get the car towed to the smart start service station so they could find the problem and fix it.. I'm four years sober so it wasn't a bad blow... I've NEVER had a bad blow or locked myself out due to my own doing just that dealership screw up. Anyway I didn't have to pay for the tow because I could prove to my insurance it was malfunction with the smart start unit so my road side covered it. I missed 4 hours of work on 8/2/2023 due to having to get the unit replaced. At this time I have filed an incident for missing income but when I brought this up with the agent on the phone he said I can try but they probably won't. I lost out on 74 dollars for that four hours... Due to malfunction with their unit. I would like this money replaced or added as a discount to my monthly calibration fee.
Desired outcome: Refund paid for lost hours of work 74 dollars can be applied to monthly fee. I would also like a review on the policy of not refunding all violations when it's proven in black and white that they were not caused by the driver
Being charged monthly after explaining to the customer service rep that my car is not drivable
I am filing an complaint because on July 2022 my car’s engine malfunctioned which resulted me having to get a whole new engine. Therefore my car is not drivable. I explained this to the Smart Start associate and was told to just file an appeal once I get the engine repaired. I am still trying to come up with money for the engine repairs and on top of that having to pay for the breathalyzer unit. Smart start is refusing to at least suspend the monthly fees. My program ended August 2022 but I’m finding myself in over $1600 debt for a unit that should already been uninstalled back in 2022. I asking to have those fees removed and an reasonable amount so I can have that device removed out of my vehicle. Thank you
Desired outcome: To have those fees removed and an reasonable amount so I can have that device removed out of my vehicle. Thank you
Smart Start Device
I want to request a list of violations, so that I don't accidentally do something to violate unknowingly. For example, I once went to a gas station and left my jeep running while I ran inside to get food & leaving it running while not inside gave me my 1st violation. if I do something similar to that; which has nothing to do with me having alcohol of any sort & the latter is the sole purpose of me being court ordered to have this device in my vehicle.
Desired outcome: HAVE WORKING KNOWLEDGE USING & OPERATING THE DEVICE SINCE IM REQUIRED TO DO SO FIR 1 YEAR, WITHOUT VIOLATING ALL BECAUSE NO ONE CERTIFIED HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO PROVIDE ME WITH THIS INFORMATION & EDUCATION.
I got my interlock device put in June 27, 2022
I got my interlock device put in June 27, 2022. its had nothing but issues and kept glitching and they would tell us to unplug the device and re-plug it and it worked the first couple times but then it got worse and worse. And its all scripted so every time I called they gave me the same answer and it was hard to get a hold of anybody. A calibration appointment came up on the device but we couldnt make it to the appointment because thats when we had the big issue. The device would let me test and pass but would not start. I am sitting in almost 100 back-and-forth with Smart start having to wait an hour and a half each time to get a call back. They werent being very good with communication they were putting in a request to get someone to come to me it never happened I ended up having to tow it because they dont care about their customers. When we had it towed to the Smart Start In *** they called *** and claimed there were wires cut when they looked in the vehicle but they were not that way when we left it to get towed. When The guy installed it he kind of just put everything sloppily back in there But I thought he was a professional now Im thinking that he messed *** in the installation because like I said I had no issues with this vehicle until then with it starting and boom A month later it wont start. Me and my wife have been to the truck at that location a couple of times since replacing fuses to see if that would help and even saw the guy that installed it and asked him to come look at it and he wouldnt he just shrugged us off and had an attitude. They need to pay my wife back for both tows. we had to get it towed to the shop yard first Because SmartStart told us they were putting in a request so we held off on the Tow and by time we realized they werent going to help The SmartStart was closed and the tow company said that they would have to tow it there first thing Monday morning so we had to pay for two and now have to pay to fix their messup
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I had a DUI & had to get a IIBD Device.( Alcohol breathalyzer devices) well they installed it October 17th. My next appointment was November 14th. *** was not there,but told us to stop next day, he'd be there at 9am. He has not been there since I last spoke on November 14th! I've left multiple messages. Why I'm calling,my name & #. No one has been in contact with me to get this camera hooked up so I can actually drive legally. Smart Start Technology is the company who takes care of the device. I already paid the $74.99 fee to get the device installed. DMV Told me to call their cooperate office & let them know someone is completely dropping the ball in this matter.
The manager at the *** smart start is not in his office, my car is about to lock out, and was told via smart start help line to come here to get it fixed. Neighboring businesses to this location claim he is never in his office. My only option is to wait and hope he gets back to the office before my car locks up again, or pay a tow another day to have my car taken up here. This is completely unprofessional, and unsafe.
Numerous issues with a faulty device. Switched device 3x with issues still occurring. Several incident reports filed with no response. It takes 5 hours (drive time), $40 in gas and then the lockout fee. Economic loss rule apply. Counting down the last few months to get these devices removed from a company with the absolute worst customer service.
In *** my car
In *** my car. I did not receive the device (or a vehicle) until 2017. Once I installed a smart start interlock device via a certified installer I kept it for over 4 months. This allowed me to lift my flag on my license from the state of *** (where I resided in the first half of 2012) and receive a license in CA (where I have resided since the second half of 2012).From that point, I removed the Interlock device via the same certified installer that installed it. Now in 2022, I have been trying to renew my license and received information on why it can not be issued to me. *** department of licensing needs a 4 month Compliance Report submitted from Smart Start. I reached out to Smart Start about this and they replied that they would not submit the required form. They instead demand that I pay them for another 4 months in order to receive my form to be able to continue my life. Their reasoning is that I removed my device prior to the *** "end date". However this was cleared in 2017 per the *** and Smart Start (this is why I was able to get my license after this ordeal in the first place). I reached out to *** about this issue and was told that Smart Start could still send the report and they would fully accept it. I was in an email conversation with Smart Start during this time. They have not responded since the first time they felt it was acceptable to now retract the original approval for my removal of the device. They demand I pay for 9 total months in order to get a 4 month report because it was removed before the posted "end date", 5 years later.All I am asking is that Smart Start submit the report, as the *** has already said they will accept it due to the fact that I had the device for over 4 months, no further issues since that year and because we are 5 years past the end date.I'd honestly settle for paying the full amount they'd get from me for the 4 months as that is their end goal anyway.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
When calling the number provided, youre waiting for a live person for over an hour. When you use the texting option, the staff are BEYOND rude. I recently bought a new car and had to wait 2 weeks just to have them switch the device over to my new vehicle. Once they switched it over, the device began to malfunction and prompt me to blow WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. I have reached out to SmartStart NUMEROUS times and NO ONE has been helpful yet! Im so over it. On top of the stress you are already going through this company only makes it 10 times WORSE. If I could do it all over again, I would NOT choose or recommend this device or company. Save yourself the trouble and dont add to it by wasting your time or money with Smart Start!
This company refuses to fix my faulty devise or refund any of the countless violations it has caused or offer the discount I'm entitled to by state law. I have filed countless incident reports and was treated in a most shockingly unprofessional and discourteous manner. Everyone who work for this criminal scam company should be ashamed of themselves for treating folks in this manner. I'm glad they think it's funny to mess with folks and steal thier money but their refusal to do the right thing and f9llow state law is appalling and caused my family such a high degree of financial hardship that I have no choice but to file complaints with the department of consumer protection and the Complaintsboard.com as they have provided no reasonable means to resolve this issue with the faulty outdated device and refused to reimburse me for the hundreds *** hundreds of dollars that these false violations have cost me. You can see in the other complaints this shady company does nothing but lie and run folks around I'm clearly not the only one having these device issues that they refuse to make right. Terrible God aweful people that honestly should be put in jail. Worst experience I've ever had with any company in my life.
On October 19th 2022 I had the Smart Start device installed in my vehicle. The next day, less that 24 hours after having the device, I was on my way to work at 8:30am I was informed to perform a rolling retest, after several attempts, I kept getting the same error message to Hum Stronger. I tried for the full 10 minutes, as well an additional 10 minutes before the device went into a violation lockout and I had to pay $75 to have the device reset. My first issue, is that it had been less than 24 hours since having the device and it takes time to get the hang of the blowing/humming pattern. My second issue is the mechanic had to make manual adjustments to the device (it keeps randomly going into "initializing" while I am driving) and said they have an issue with faulty devices. When I submitted my incident report via the online portal (no one would help me via a phone call) the response I received was there would be no refund and this was user error. I am requesting my $75 be refunded as it is clear from the activity pulled from the deviceI I did not miss the test as claimed.
This business has charged me over $180 just this month saying that I have made violations. Thus company just does whatever they want because they know that you need this to drive
My install on July 28th 2022 was scheduled for 4pm
My install on July 28th 2022 was scheduled for 4pm. My install wasnt finished until almost 8pm and I got home at 9 pm. The shop had multiple I guess friends showing up and were being let into the bay door onto where my install was going on. My first calibration took over 2 hours and the shop owner got in my friends face because my friend threw away a piece of garbage into a garbage can just inside shop door. He was literally in my friends face threatening him. My finale calibration to meet my 90 day requirement was much smoother took around an hour and everything went fine. Ok now Ill start my complaint my final calibration was 10/28 everything went good at shop, I had to wait roughly a week for smart start and dmv to do their process. About 2 days in I stopped car for in back seat and then trunk then back in car and a few mins later device wanted a rolling retest and when I did test k noticed the lockout ( I had just went 90 days with no fails, lockouts or issues like this) I then drove a couple miles to a *** shop and when I left no issues with starting car but violation on screen. I was an hour away from home took every test on the way and I have had to file 3 incident report 2 were denied I was told I didnt take the final test on that drive. I told them that was not true in 2nd dispute and it was denied havent heard back on third. They have no email or phone number or anyone you can talk to when they deny a dispute your only option is file another dispute (customer service told me that when I called) when I had my device removed I was told multiple times $75 but I paid $166.35 and had to pay violation and had no option of discussing this with smart start. I shouldnt have had to pay $55 when I never caused that violation. I called a few days after removal and was told report must be filed online but this employee offered to refund the month if November I had to pay for well over a month and I havent seen it and no answers after wasting hours on the phone
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I made a payment to Smart Start for two months on 9/9/2022, afterwards I discovered that my removal date was 10/02/2022. I called to have my money refund that will not be used. I was informed that I could not have my money back. Now after 3 years of struggling to pay. Which actually tacked on a lot more extra money in late fees, I ask for my one payment refunded and with no explanation it is not possible. Huh? I want to know why I can't get my money? I really need it or I would not be on Complaintsboard.com complaining.
I was charged multiple violations like for brushing my teeth, and getting out of my vehicle without checking my defice and it was asking me to blow after I shut my door coincidentally. The customer service line asked me to rinse my mouth out and check device before exiting my vehicle. To top this all off I got a notice from the *** last year saying my time was extended untill further notice. So I kept paying and didn't call the ***, which is my fault. Turns out my release date was LAST year so I have been paying for a year for no reason. To top that off! My vehicle was stuck in my driveway broken down for 6 months. I was in contact with smart start and had nothing but problems the whole time. Then when I got my truck fixed smart start hit me with back fees of around 800$ for the time my vehicle was broken down. So I'm pretty much out 1600$, and they lied to me when Im trying to get it removed! I have till Fri untill my vehicle locks out. Yesterday they hung up on me after hours waiting to get my 90 day clean report, then when I talk to them today she lied and said I need the exact removal date or it will get denied by the ***. Which the *** told me was def a lie. I am paying the remaining 100$ I owe them for no reason and demanding they remove it on Friday. The *** also referred me to Oregon state police for any further issues, and I am seeing this is a problem with this company. I understand my faults, but I urge others not to use this company.
I had a smart start interlock on my vehicle
I had a smart start interlock on my vehicle. The device had constant issues from the first week after install. I had it installed at a shop in *** and it was serviced at a shop in my home town of Pueblo. I had to have the head unit and relay replaced several times due to issues with the device. When I took it in when having an issue where the device would not calibrate and has a code on the unit that rendered it inoperable I was informed that the shop that installed it had done a poor job and the wiring was a mess. Because of the bad install it kept frying the relays. When I took it in it had a code although I dont remember the exact code but my truck was functioning without the device working. So I didnt have to blow to start the vehicle. The tech replaced the head unit and the relay 4 times to get it working. Fast forward to November 1 of this year I totaled my truck in an accident. It was a very bad accident and none of my airbags deployed. After an investigation I was informed that all of my airbags should have deployed and they were pretty sure that the c*** install and faulty IID might have been the reason my airbags didnt deploy. I contacted the company after the accident and even scheduled an appointment to have a new one installed in my replacement vehicle. I thought all was fine until the night before the install I get a call from a collections employee of smart start stating I had to pay for the equipment or return it. I informed her that the truck was totaled and I didnt have access to the vehicle anymore as insurance had seized it. She was rude and threatening and ultimately I ended the call. I then have received over twenty calls from different people at smart start harassing and trying to intimidate me into paying for equipment I dont have access to. I gave *** my insurance adjusters information and told her she needed to contact my insurance. I also informed my adjuster of the calls and gave her *** from smart starts number.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
On June 28th, a company representative "***", on a recorded line, quoted me a $59.99 monthly price plus a one-time $40 fee, and she said it would all be due at the time of installation (I paid the amount due at installation). This $59.99 monthly price was about $5 cheaper per month than the other service center in my city for this service ($65) and is why I chose this location. Currently, my online account reflects a $99.99 per month charge. I called on July 30th to have this corrected and spoke with "***". I was told it would be reviewed over the next couple of days. On August 3rd, I called multiple times, thus far, to get an update and was told multiple different possible reasons for the discrepancy, but it is very apparent no one has reviewed anything and no one can seem to figure out what is going on. The last call I made on August 3rd was to "***" just left me on hold until the system said she was unavailable and required that I leave a message, after over 20 minutes on hold. Then I called the Credit and *** and "***" told me I had to speak with the "admin" department. It appears to me, from this angle, to be a blatant bait and switch tactic, followed by deliberate obfuscation.
I have been trying for the past three weeks to get Smart Start to send my documents to the Arizona MVD. Smart Start tells me they sent it but Arizona MVD has yet to receive them and I have yet to obtain the copy I requested.
On January 27th I had the device installed in my vehicle and started getting my calibrations each month. On 2/3/22 I received an email stating that on of my DL forms has not been processed or forwarded to *** stating the vendor installed ***. I let them know that the papers should have already been processed on 1/27/22 since thats the day I gotten the install. Also I watch the man fax all the papers during my initial install. So I contacted the Penndot to figure out what was going on & they said the same thing how they never received my DL forms and they will not send me a physical license until it was completed. I contacted smart start about the situation and they wanted to send me the report however they are the only ones who can send the report mentioned by *** on the phone. They attempted to send me a service ticket which was not asked for only the report so they can send my papers for my license. They kept asking me if I signed the paperwork multiple times by now this is my second month and My account was blocked due to this reason. They kept telling me they sent it out but they lied because *** informed me they never received it. Finally *** told me I can go to their headquarters and fill out the information directly there and they will process everything as well as provide me a license which happened on 4/14 and when I asked for a refund after paying 216$ for 3 months of having the device and them not sending out the proper form and costing a delay in my service time for having the device, I was told to contact their credit/collections department. They DO NOT answer phone calls after the initial install either. Once after that I asked for confirmation they sent the paper and ended up with no response afterwards. I have all documents to prove as well. ALSO I contacted them on 1/31/22 about a Violock on my device and they never responded as well after they just put me in a que for a agent who never responded.
Called smart start July 20 to see about removal, the system had messed up my car battery which I was later told by smart start can happening depending on the third party vendors they use, I removed the service from my car by getting another companys product and had information sent in July 28 advising removal and addition from another company. i called today august 26 and spoke with *** who advises I needed to pay for august additionally, I informed her that I had another product and was paying for July and removal fee. She advised that I would have to pay for months that system was in my car even though I wasnt using it and become combative going back and forth when I asked her that is not right and I had another service I just dont have money for months to pay for something Im. Ot using . She went back and forth and advised she was a supervisor, if she was a supervisor that was very disrespectful service and she told me she doesnt deal with customer service she deals with collections and advised she had nothing else to say to me and transferred me to her manager ***, I left a voicemail for him and waiting to hear back
The nature of the complaint I filed had nothing to do with the service people or the customer service representatives
The nature of the complaint I filed had nothing to do with the service people or the customer service representatives. They were very friendly and attentive to my needs. Even when I filed my complaints, I got a quick response and a partial refund. When I set up my removal, everything went quickly. My complaint had to do with the equipment issued and company communications and accounting in reference to the equipment. It was installed on 2/26/22 for $177.95. My backup camera stopped working and I was told it would be reconnected at removal. That same day, 2 hours later, I had a violation occur out of no where.They had to replace the unit. On 3/4/22, I woke in the morning to a violation, $75. Smart start tech said it was a device error and a $75 refund was issued. 3/26 I went in for monthly service and was told device would not calibrate, needed replacing and it would take a week to get it. On 3/28 the unit shut down for missed appointment, $30, $30 for unlock code, $75 service lockout, all because the tech had to replace device. 4/11, parked my car, turned off ignition and closed the door and heard the beeper for a rolling test. Got back in and blew a good test. Called the company, explained what had occurred. Still charged $75, missed rolling test. The same situation occurred again on 6/20 but I did not hear the alarm, $75. On 7/1, I parked my car and went into a store, no alcohol, when I tried to start, it asked me to blow 3 times and then said violation lockout. $75, l complained and $75 refunded. The removal was prompt, however, I was told that to fix my backup camera, I would have to pay for diagnostic and repair. I called in a complaint and was told that the repair was in fact the companys responsibility and was told 1 of 2 managers would call to set up an appointment to repair my camera. No call received. Complained about all of the above and was told all was driver error. Im down $285, still no call, no camera fix. Did they even investigate my complaint?
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
My issue is with the collections department
My issue is with the collections department. Let me be clear and state I have had a great experience with Smart Start up until it was time to remove my device from my vehicle. I was informed I owe $779 for a missing head unit. Long story short, I was in an accident (not my fault) and my car was totaled and not drivable. My car was then towed to a lot (i had no control over). During that time Smart Start told me I had to pay for a bounty to drive out and remove the device. This occurred on April 8th 2022. I was able to get the new device on my new car because i was TOLD the old device was successfully removed. Fast forward 5 month to September 2nd 2022. I was politely informed by the calibration tech that I had an unpaid balance on my account for "missing equipment". He provided me a number to call and said there were no notes on my account of the details. This was a complete surprise to me. I called and was rudely informed my balance is due because when the bounty went to retrieve the old unit, there was no head unit. Now I am 100% certain that bounty had my cell phone # because he called me to inform me he was heading to the yard to remove the device. I NEVER heard a word from him after. Naturally assuming everything was fine. The yard has no notes the bounty couldn't get all equipment. Collections informed me on 9/2/22 that there were two "attempts" to notify my in June 2022. in which no voicemail was left. Why would you wait over 2 months to attempt to inform me something was missing. How would I try and track something down after 2 months. I understand I am responsible for ALL equipment in my vehicle, however the car was no longer in my possession. What am I supposed to do after an accident? remove the device myself before its towed to make sure it does not go missing? How could I track missing equipment 2-5 months after the fact? I am NOT paying this full amount. Someone needs to contact me and work with me on this. Lets be human here and see this is not fair.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Ok I had to have a breathalyzer installed in my car to get my license
Ok I had to have a breathalyzer installed in my car to get my license. So I went and got it installed well first day the unit under my dash fell down and the splice the guy put in my yellow ignition wire cut the wire in half which I had to put back together to start the car and I took it back to him and told him it had fallen well he had fixed it back with zip ties and it was good. Next I went almost everyday for a month to the DMV and I was unable to obtain my license because I could not get the company to send the paperwork in to the DMV showing the device was installed. So finally the lady was like ok as long as it's in your car I'll give you your license so got them finally, then I have been trying to get put on the indegent program to waive the monthly payment so I could afford to take care of my family. Then my car tore up and I made sure to call and notate my acct telling them that it's inoperable even sent the state a signed document saying it was tore up well after that I finally got the car fixed. About a week ago I walked out and my driver door won't stay shut and that box is hanging down and it looked like someone broke into it and tried to steal it but couldn't get it and when I turned the key it started without me having to blow in it so I took it to the shop and told the guy about it he asked me if I was able to start it without the key I told him yes once and he told me the thing had been shorted out and made a call and the guy told him to charge me 900 to fix the box which I didn't have and I asked do I need to make a police report to cover the damages he said that doesn't matter blah blah now your going to be charged with a felony offense and charged 1000 to restart the program. Ok I don't see why I can be held responsible for someones actions that's out of my hands and out of my control so I called the company directly to address the issue so they transfered me 6 times and hung up on me 3 seperate times the same day I am very pissed off and no one will help me.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I contacted Smart Start, Inc
I contacted Smart Start, Inc. customer service to resolve a lock-out related issue. The customer service representative was helpful and informed me that I would not be financially liable for the lock-out fee for the current month (they agreed to defer the fee via credit and I would be billed at a later date, as I am currently laid-off due to COVID19). However, this information that was communicated to me turned out to be false, as I was required to make the full payment at the time of my service to unlock my vehicle. I paid with my card despite my minimal funds and called customer service back to inform them of the issue. Representatives were unhelpful and I was told multiple times by various employees that they "didn't know what to do" and offered no resolution, despite their company being at fault for the credit error at the time my vehicle was serviced. I eventually was connected to a service rep by the name of ***. *** informed me, much like other reps, that she did not know what to do and offered no further resolution. It was at this time that I asked to speak with her supervisor. She informed me that her supervisor had left the office. I calmly explained that I had difficulty believing that and still required further assistance even if her supervisor was not present. She promptly hung up on me. I did not curse, nor did I raise my voice or alter its tone in any fashion that would have led her to respond in such a manner. Essentially, I was told that I was responsible for the financial ramifications of their product and credit department not functioning properly and thus, would like to seek further assistance and resolution regarding Smart Start, Inc.'s errors. I understand that by law I am required to have this interlock system in my vehicle, and I am fully compliant regarding this. However, while there are laws that dictate how I am able to drive legally, there seems to be no laws in place that prevent this company from taking advantage of someone who has worked to rehabilitate themselves over the course of three years and has demonstrated full compliance during that timeframe.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
On 07/17 I went to a local Smart Start service center to have my Portable device uploaded
On 07/17 I went to a local Smart Start service center to have my Portable device uploaded. Upon arrival I was told that my account was $175 past due and i would have to pay this amount to get up to date. I contacted smart start and was transferred 4 times until i finally reached the Collections department. I explained the situation to the Rep. I explained to her that i make my payments on time Bi-weekly Via the Smart start client portal. After her doing some investigating she said that since the start of my service I had been paying for extensions. I asked her to clarify what she meant. She Said " when making a payment throught the client portal you are paying for an extension. I was shocked, I pulled up there application and looked over it vigorously. I was unable to locate anywhere the word extension. The only option on the client portal is payment. after pressing payment it gives you the option of either 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or a month. She explained to me that this was considered an extension. Again no where on this application is the word extension mentioned, just the word payment. So apparently I have only made extension payments since the start of my service. I asked to speak to a supervisor to explain my side of the story and the inaccuracy of the "smart start client portal". The portal has never shown a past due balance. It has always been completely up to date with no past due balances. So I was highly confused. I was connected with *** who started the conversation in a very hostile manner. *** would speak over me and would not allowing me to speak. When I would speak he would speak to try and have control of the situation. *** said that he and his employees had never seen the portal. This was shocking to me. being in the tech industry it is very important that all employees are made familiar with your services and applications. *** told me i was to pay the $120.00. Which was not the same amount mentioned before. He simply kept demanding i file and incident report. So I did. After getting of the phone with *** he then added the amount past due to my account not allowing me to continue with my services it has been over a week that I submitted this "indecent report" with no results.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I bought a certified used vehicle from West Herr Nissan of williamsville NY on new year's eve
I bought a certified used vehicle from West Herr Nissan of williamsville NY on new year's eve. I'm upset about this vehicle purchase to begin with because it wasn't the vehicle I was supposed to buy. I wanted a Ford fusion, bank wouldn't finance it, too old, then he said I was buying a Ford Focus. The next day I went to meet him he said they sold the focus.So I end up with this Mazda 3 that I didnt even drive. I test drove the fusion. I didn't even test drive the car I bought. I met him at the dealership that day with my old car with the device installed in it. . I scheduled to have a smart start device installation in the vehicle that day. So I had to drive my car to the smart start dealer because it has a breathalyzer device in it. They had a west Herr rep drive the Mazda to the shop. Well I had the device installed in the vehicle before I even drove the car, so I couldn't tell you how the car ran. But when I left with the car that day I immediately started having electrical issues with this vehicle. The rolling breathalyzer would make everything in the car go nuts. Every light was on. Engine light, key light, transmission, the computer screen blanked out. I called the store immediately and explained what was happening. He asked,, did it stall? I'm like,, no. He said we'll it should be fine bring it in tomorrow. This was ten minutes after I left the shop. I'm a delivery driver, I got to work that night, I'm in my first delivery and my car stalls in the middle of an intersection when the device did a random breathalyzer. Everything in the car just shuts down. The smart start device basically rebooted the entire cars electrical system. Finally after two minutes of people screaming and blowing their horns at me the device reboots and it asks me to blow, I did and I got the car to start. I drove it to my job and told my boss I couldn't drive. I lost that shift. The car started and I got it to the smart start rep the next day. But that car stalled twice on the way there. Keep in mind I've had this car two while days at this point after financing it for $11,000. He tinkers with it for 20 minutes, and said I should be good to go. The car drives well for about a day, then the car just completely dies at work. Won't even start. Second shift lost, So I call the smart start guy and he said its not his problem, he installed it properly, it's west herrs problem. They sold me a bad car he said. So I call west Herr, and I have it towed on the third day if ownership, losing a third shift at work. to west Herr and they changed the battery. I had to uber to pick up the car that day. I'm a delivery driver I bought this car to make money so far I've lost four shifts. Approximately 600 in tips. Actually that's a pretty fair assessment. I'm driving the car again that night with the car and the car died again at work. I call the smart start rep he's telling me he wants to wash his hands of the problem. I'm asking west Herr to take the car back and they said that I'm stuck with the vehicle because they're not liable for a faulty breathalyzer installation. Basically both companies telling me to go to hell, and I have no car after just shelling out a bunch of money. So I have the car towed again to the smart start representative, now apparently both companies are gonna meet on monday Jan 11 2021, to discuss the issues plaguing that car. While I've basically lost my job and any means to get anywhere to get a job during a pandemic. With two companies telling me to get bent.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I contracted COVID-19 and was not able to make my appt on the date
I contracted COVID-19 and was not able to make my appt on the date. before the date came, i called them and told them. the lady told me that I shouldnt go in, and that there was a 7 day countdown and I would have to call and get lockout codes after that until I was off quarantine from the health dept. Never said anything about being charged for them (important for later). Now I'm in quarantine and had to go to the hospital, call for a code and go. THEY GIVE ME A 6 HOUR CODE. I get out of hospital and I start to recover, and have to drive to get meds. I then call again for another unlock code and the guy says "we should have given you a 3 day unlock code from the start. I'm sorry about that". He gives me a 3 day unlock code. So after never advising me of a CHARGE when i have COVID-19 and CANNOT go to a service apt, and then saying they screwed up and didn't give me a 3 day code from the beginning, I then have a family member take the car in after sanitizing it etc, and she calls and tells me the service guy (the *** service guy is awesome btw. Knows what he is doing and can diagnose faulty Smart Start devices like a pro. but of course smart start never admits its a faulty device so good luck with that. Just read the other complaints. this company is mafialike) saying I have to call into the cust service line for the smart start company and pay them, they changed it 3 months ago. I'm supposed to get charged 178.50 every two months. when i call them, they try and charge me 298$ ! I find out the extra charge is for unlock codes. I tell them I'm not paying for those. I cannot go to my calibration apt because the health dept quarantined me. I AM STILL IN QUARANTINE. They say "too bad, you have to pay and you were advised on Nov 11th when you called in." I tell her no i wasn't, she says "ok ill pull the call and check". She does so and guess what... has to admit flat out that she lied. I was NOT told there would be charges, especially for COVID19 related delay in getting the car in and needing a code. Nor was there a 3 day code given as the phone rep said should have happened in the first place. so they are trying to charge me for 2 codes, 120$. And lying about "advising" me of that (and got caught in the lie). She transfers me to a supervisor "***" who (I admittedly I got angry and snapped at him a bit) starts telling me over and over "you WILL be charged for this and ill put your account in an admin lockout until you pay it." So I ask for a supervisor, and he claims that there IS NOONE higher than him. he doesnt have a supervisor. so i just start repeating myself and asking for a supervisor over and over. I am tired of this at this point, and very angry. Im still sick and on meds and tired of dealing with price gouging jerks who lie and they extort money from people for being sick. So im a bit of a jerk to him, but reel it back in and just repeat over and over that I want a supervisor now. He claims he is the last stop and there is no supervisor above him. Then he threatens to put me on hold until a supervisor can be reached but says flat out after that there is no supervisor. So i tell him 'you dont get to dump me in a queue and ignore me. and you dont get to claim you told me there was a charge when you didnt, and you dont get to CHARGE ME when im fighting to breathe and hoping my asthma and COVID-19 doesnt kill me". He keeps repeating himself and saying inflamatory things like "i dont know how much clearer i can be, there is no supervisor and your account will be locked out until you pay for the codes you got" etc. Finally i just stop responding and say "let me speak to your supervisor" over and over and he refuses over and over and hangs up on me. THIS is the type of service you will get with smart start. Liars, thieves, extortionists, who care only about profit, and not about anything else. If they can lie and charge you for something, they will. They WILL charge you for anything they can regardless of their faulty devices or administrative mess ups. I expect, IF they answer this, it will be some corporate doublespeak non answer and I still will get charge 120$ for having COVID after they TELL YOU not to come in if you have it. Of course they would tell you that, they get more money if you dont! This company is exploitation and corporate malfeasance at its worst.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Price Gouging by way of unnecessarily delaying the retrieval of my device (and necessary data download) so that I would be penalized by the
Price Gouging by way of unnecessarily delaying the retrieval of my device (and necessary data download) so that I would be penalized by the department of revenue in the state of MO who would then deny my application for re-licensure based upon the requirement (again) that I re-install a Smart Start Interlock device for an additional 90 days - while paying all necessary costs to install, maintain, and remove the device (again) - AFTER I had already completed the requirement for the 12 month duration I had the device originally installed / maintained / and returned to Smart Start as agreed upon almost a YEAR prior to the repeat, subsequent 90 day requirement ...this was all documented in their system AND in my previous Complaintsboard.com complaint I filed throughout this ongoing nightmare of an experience as I was being inappropriately charged during my initial 1 year service period with this company and their ignition interlock device as a result of a malfunctioning product and quite possibly the worst customer service across departments of any company on the planet. This industry needs more competition to ensure Smart Start and providers like this cannot take advantage of folks who are already in an uphill battle with legal costs and legal mandates they are facing as they work to get their personal life in order following a mistake they are already suffereing severe consequences as a result of. In my case, I have had enough. I already had erroneously charged fees refunded after NUMEROUS complaints because I will simply not stand for being charged fees that are illegitimately charged as either a (dis)function of the product/process in which they are assessed and/or the procedures in place that should be safeguards for preventing them. However in my case on the day my original device was to be removed my vehicle stalled AS A RESULT OF THE DEVICE that was interfering with the wiring and also draining my battery. (a secondary point altogether) Despite this my car was older anyhow and I wasn't able to come up with the money to get it out of the tow lot so I coordinated with Smart Start for a technician to retrieve the device in February and was told my obligations were complete. However, I was contacted for the next 180 days by multiple Smart Start customer care reps saying I was financially responsible for the device and each time I re-routed them back to the initial convo in which I was told over and over again my device was retrieved and I would never be contacted again. Yet again and again I was called for the SAME REASON only to find out that Smart Start did not have a tech retrieve my device for MONTHS despite my OFFERING TO PERSONALLY go and meet them there on the day of the scheduled removal in February and every time they called after that. Fast forward to December and i am suddenly INELIGIBLE for license renewal because 'my end date with DOR was not rreached before the bounty/removal was complete" despite me making every single effort and fielding every single phone call resulting with my obligations being satisfied. *** (my MO rep who knows me well now) sid I would have to 'reinstall and go 3 months violation free despite 0 violations in the previous 12 months and I would then be cleared nationally" - instead of push back I asked her to document the HECK out of her part as well as the dozens of internal smart start reps assigned to this nightmare over the previous 8 months since my device was returned so that I would NEVER EVER be ethically charged for the biggest debacle in customer service history...and yet when time came to 'reinstall' a device in a vehicle it had no business being required to be installed in but no human being with smart start willing to connect the dots, download the data from the previous device and review the notes to take responsibility for the ACTUAL DISCONNECT and DETERMINE HOW THEY COULD HAVE CURED THE ISSUE BEFROE IT EVER BECAME A RETROACTIVE ONE and how maybe instead of passing the buck to the next guy on the dialer they could have looked at their internal communications, policies, and PROCEDUREALLY made the adjsutments needed to properly resolve this issues by doing the one thing their monopoly on the industry does not require them to do: WHICH IS DOING RIGHT BY THE CUSTOMER FIRST and avoiding penalizing many of us who DONT EVEN DRINK and ABIDED BY THE REQUIREMENTS of this ignition interlock seriously ad choose SMART START when they promised to be everything they had no intention of ever being... and after being denied repeatedly for my fees to be refunded as should have been done and many threats of further complaints as far up the chain as it takes from me - I am seeking indemnification from the Complaintsboard.com and the powers that be
The worst
About Smart Start
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Smart Start has established itself as a trusted and reliable provider of ignition interlock devices. The company's devices are some of the most advanced on the market, featuring cutting-edge technology and user-friendly designs that make them easy to use and maintain.
In addition to ignition interlock devices, Smart Start also offers a variety of other alcohol monitoring solutions, including portable alcohol monitors and remote alcohol monitoring systems. These products are ideal for businesses and organizations that need to monitor their employees or clients for alcohol use.
Smart Start is committed to providing top-quality products and services to its customers. The company's customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns, and its nationwide network of service centers ensures that customers can get the support they need, no matter where they are.
Overall, if you're looking for a reliable provider of ignition interlock devices or alcohol monitoring solutions, Smart Start is an excellent choice. With its advanced products, commitment to quality, and top-notch customer support, Smart Start is a leader in the industry and a trusted partner for both individuals and businesses.
Overview of Smart Start complaint handling
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Smart Start Contacts
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Smart Start phone numbers+1 (800) 880-3394+1 (800) 880-3394Click up if you have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number+1 (469) 735-4683+1 (469) 735-4683Click up if you have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (469) 735-4683 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (469) 735-4683 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (469) 735-4683 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (469) 735-4683 phone numberCustomer Care+1 (800) 880-3394+1 (800) 880-3394Click up if you have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (800) 880-3394 phone number+1 (817) 307-4992+1 (817) 307-4992Click up if you have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (817) 307-4992 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (817) 307-4992 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (817) 307-4992 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Smart Start by calling +1 (817) 307-4992 phone numberLegal Affairs
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Smart Start emailsinfo@smartstartinc.com96%Confidence score: 96%Support
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Smart Start address500 E Dallas Rd Ste 100, Grapevine, Texas, 76051-7658, United States
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Smart Start social media
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Checked and verified by Stan This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn moreOct 29, 2024
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