Car alarm repair specialists
Find specialists and compare prices to get your car alarm fixed locally
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What can a car alarm specialist do?
A car alarm specialist, sometimes known as a vehicle security technician, is a person who has been trained and certified in how to install, maintain and fix car alarm systems. If your alarm won't stop going off, a security technician can help.
You can tell someone is a specialist if they have a certificate from the Mobile Electronics and Security Federation (MESF) or are a Thatcham Recognised Installer (TRI).
How much does a car alarm repair cost?
The average price of a car alarm repair is £91.33. The main factors that influence the cost are the car's make and age and the sophistication of the security system.
The table below shows how prices vary between manufacturers.
| Car Make | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £90.14 |
| BMW | £60.62 |
| Citroen | £106.25 |
| Ford | £99.36 |
| Mercedes | £79.45 |
| MINI | £63.33 |
| Nissan | £113.50 |
| Peugeot | £56.88 |
| Renault | £102.40 |
| Vauxhall | £89.92 |
| Volkswagen | £97.67 |
| Volvo | £71.17 |
Common car alarm problems
Hearing a car alarm going off for seemingly no reason is infuriating - especially when it happens in the middle of the night. We’ve all probably lost sleep to a dodgy alarm at some point or another, so let’s explore what could be causing the disturbance.
Faulty sensors
Car alarms rely on sensors to detect when someone is trying to break into your car, including proximity, tilt, door lock and shock sensors. Unfortunately, all it takes is one faulty sensor to trigger the alarm.
An alarm specialist will use a diagnostic scanning tool to find issues caused by broken sensors or wiring. The good news is that sensors aren’t particularly expensive to replace.
Malfunctioning key fob
A low key fob battery can sometimes prevent the key from sending the right signals, which might trigger the alarm. Try swapping the old battery for a new one. If that doesn’t work but the issue is still related to the key, it might need to be scanned with a code reader or reset.
Faulty wiring
Problems with the wiring, such as severed or loose connections, can also trigger the alarm.
Low car battery
When your car’s battery is low on power, it might send the wrong voltage to the alarm system and set it off. If your alarm goes off during the night and the battery is flat the next morning, that’s probably what caused it. Corroded or damaged battery terminals can have a similar effect.
This guide explains how to jump start your car.
Poor installation
Fitting a car alarm is a job best left to the experts. If you or someone who owned your car previously has fitted an aftermarket alarm, it might not have been installed correctly, making it go off without reason.
Having a car alarm that isn’t fitted right could invalidate your insurance, so it’s worth getting an alarm specialist to check the system.
This troubleshooting guide explains why your alarm might be going off and how to stop it.
Car alarm repair vs key programming
Car alarm repair and key programming are two different services.
An alarm repair makes sure the alarm system works as expected. For instance, a sensor might need replacing, or the wiring might need fixing. Key programming, on the other hand, is used to create spare keys, replace lost keys and add keyless entry functionality.
Sometimes, what looks like an alarm system issue can actually be a problem with the key. A fob with a low battery or one that’s damaged could send the wrong signal to the car, triggering the alarm.
Key programming typically costs more than an alarm repair - £250.33 on average compared to £91.33.
Tips for booking a car alarm repair
Before booking, always check that the garage can do this type of repair and that the technician fixing your alarm is certified.
Check whether your car or key fob battery is flat - these are things you could fix yourself.
Find out what alarm system your car has, if possible. This information may be available in your vehicle handbook.
Find car alarm specialists near you
Car alarm repairs can be carried out at a brick-and-mortar garage or by a mobile mechanic at a location of your choice.
Related services
Car electrical diagnostic
The average price of an electrical diagnostic booked on FixMyCar is £62.34.
A car electrician will carry out a diagnostics test to pinpoint the source of the issue and recommend an appropriate repair.
Can include- Car electrics inspection
- Car electrical fault diagnostic test
Mobile mechanic
The average price of a mobile mechanic booked on FixMyCar is £81.64.
A mobile mechanic will visit you at your home or workplace and can carry out a range of repairs.
Can include- Home visit
- Servicing
- Tyre change
- Oil change
- Recommended repairs
Car key programming
The average price of key programming on FixMyCar is £250.33.
Car keys work by transmitting a signal to a receiver in your car to unlock the doors, and if your key stops working or becomes damaged, you could find yourself locked out of your vehicle. A specialist auto locksmith can reprogramme an old key or programme a new one for you.
Can include- Car key programming
FAQs
How much is a new car alarm?
Car alarm prices vary greatly. You can buy one online for as cheap as £30 or as much as £1,000 from high-end, speciality companies. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
What should you do if your car alarm keeps going off?
There are several reasons why your car alarm may be going off. Here are some ideas you could try:
Replace any blown fuses
Replace the battery of your car or key fob if needed
Disconnect the alarm from your car
Take your vehicle to a specialist to diagnose the problem
Check out this guide for more detailed advice about what to do if your alarm keeps going off.
When do car alarms go off?
Some of the most common alarm sensors and their triggers are:
Voltage sensors measure the static voltage of the car. These go off when they register a voltage drop, usually caused by someone trying to hotwire the vehicle.
Shock sensors. These are usually set off when someone moves the car or tries to force their way in. Shock sensors have a reputation for being quite sensitive and are often accidentally set off.
Bonnet and door sensors (like switches that you place on doors and the boot of your car). These go off when a thief tries to gain access to your car.
Can heat cause a car alarm to go off?
Yes - hot weather can cause pressure variations in your car that trigger the alarm.
Is a car alarm specialist covered by insurance?
While your car insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a car alarm specialist, having a car alarm installed by a specialist can significantly lower the cost of your insurance.
How do you fix a car alarm?
There are several ways to fix your car alarm, and some repairs are easy to do at home. However, if you aren’t trained to work with car alarm systems, we recommend taking your car to a specialist.
