Reviews
This profile includes reviews for Smart Start's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Review Ratings
Average of 112 Customer Reviews
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Review fromAraceli A
Date: 07/11/2024
1 starAraceli A
Date: 07/11/2024
This is the second time I am being charged a fee to restart my car because the smart start shop I go to made a mistake and my cartridge expired. Both times Ive been stuck in over ****************************************************** unlock my car with a code. O had my calibration scheduled for today but I went in yesterday. They have already charged wmy car but Im still being told I have to pay to have my car started then I have to drive to business to get them to fix their mistake. I would like to be reimbursed for my time and my money.
Smart Start
Date: 07/12/2024
Hello, the account shows that an unlock code fee was charged in the amount of $27.06, this has been credited back to your account.Review fromGayle P
Date: 07/02/2024
1 starGayle P
Date: 07/02/2024
Well, I have spent the last 3 hours trying to get a solution to a problem. I first waited on the telephone forever to finally be connected to their call center in the ***********. Now, I am on a text waiting for someone to text me. I have been waiting over an hour. It is amazing to me that is is practically impossible to get help to try to prevent a problem, but the company sure knows how to lock out or charge extra if you are late on anything. I wish the court system would look at the reviews for this company and decide to go with a more reputable company.Smart Start
Date: 07/03/2024
Hello, the notes in your account show you were advised of the following information:
Here's the info for the closest shop to ************, ** ******. They're open Monday - Friday from 8:30am til 5pm, and you can call them directly at ************** if you want to let them know you're coming in.
**************
Smart Start of *******************
**************************************************************************************************Review fromBen C
Date: 06/25/2024
1 starBen C
Date: 06/25/2024
This company is awful. They have predatory practices I dont understand how these companies are allowed to operate with predatory policies like banks. 80 dollars for a lockout fee is ridiculous plus they wont help you if youre vehicle needs towed. This company **** big timeSmart Start
Date: 06/26/2024
Lockout fees are assessed when the ignition interlock device logs skipped and/or positive alcohol tests pursuant to state regulations. The fee covers the cost of the additional service that must be conducted, including downloading of the data, resetting the unit, calibration check, and transmission of data to the state authorities. The lockout fee is standard in the ignition interlock industry. If a lockout is due to a unit malfunction, the lockout fee is credited back to the customer. In addition, if a tow is required due to a unit malfunction Smart Start will reimburse the cost of the tow if it is by an authorized tow company and the unit malfunction is validated.Review fromEtya S
Date: 06/02/2024
1 starThey are scam artists!! I set up the account with ********************** and received the usual email to sign a lease I had my device installed 5/6/24. I waited 2.5 weeks for my sped license to show up and nothing. I called department of transportations only to be told that smart start never submitted any of my paperwork to them and forms are missing. Ive called multiple times to there customer service line only to be disconnected EVERY SINGLE TIME! Ima o glad that they are taking there no-weekly money while Im sitting here STUCK BECAUSE THEY ARW USELESS!!! Im 2 seconds away from changing to a different company!Review fromTracey T
Date: 05/24/2024
1 starSmart Start is a complete Rip Off. If I could give -0 stars I would. On March 25th 2024 I went into the **** WA location and used my credit card to pay for the 2 months $230 due and to get re calibrated. The tech at the front desk said he was having technical issue processing the payment, he then asked for assistance from I guess the lead tech returning from lunch they asked for the credit card again to process it, I was told it went through and I was giving a receipt. When I went back in May 2024 to make my next 2 month payment. I was told I owe $460. I asked why and was told I had not paid since Jan2024. How is that possible when they cant recalibrate your device unless you have paid. Now I am trying to reach what seems to be a nonexistent HQ, because the ******************** says she (***) cant help me. She gave me a # HQ only to find out that was just Administration which I stayed on hold for 1 hr to be told I need to talk to ********************. 2 things I was trying to find out 1- What is there process/policy if they have a payment issue at no fault of the Cust after a Cust has left there premises/how is the customer notified.(LTR/Email) 2- It should be illegal that you cant get any help at this company. They have got to be the MOST UNPROFESSIONAL employees I have ever dealt with. NO ONE knows anything I am on hold still another 20 minutes with administration to ONLY find out is what really is there corporate info, its like no one knows. ****************** has given me an email as she says she doesn't have or (wont give HQ info.) WHY is there no HQ contact info??? I think there needs to be a class action law suit against this company. They are ****** the customer and taking advantage of their vulnerability. The Phn # in their contact HQ# goes ONLY to administration the Additional Contact Info Phn# says Other Phone on their site just goes right back to Credit and Collections. NOT THE **** JOB TO MAKE SURE YOU DID YOUR JOB. #CLASS ACTIONReview fromLaura H
Date: 05/23/2024
1 starThis place is criminal. Was quoted a monthly fee that lasted 2 months then mysteriously increased by 56%.Company also charged me twice (1 fee higher than the other) for a fix they had already quoted. I am eager to resolve these issues, but it appears the have no employees. So add that frustration to their incompetence.Review fromCaleb R
Date: 05/17/2024
1 starI am disgusted with the level of service after I had my interlock installed. THIS IS A WARNING TO THOSE TO CONSIDER SMART START - ONCE IT IS INSTALLED THEY DO NOT HELP YOU. I have spent my ENTIRE day trying to reach out and get help from someone. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT DOCUMENTS I AM REQUIRED TO SUMBIT THROUGH THE PORTAL. NOBODY KNOWS WHAT DOCUMENTS I NEED TO SEND THEM. The device stays on for 10 minutes after the car is shut off. I was NOT told there would be a chance of a retest after turning off the car. I might already have a violation and i haven't had the device for 12 hours. THEY ALSO TOLD ME NOTHING ABOUT HOW THE DEVICE WORKS - I LEFT MORE CONFUSED THAN I CAME!!! I WOULDN'T WISH THIS EXPERIENCE ON ANYONE - I WISH I STAYED WITH INTOXALOCK!!!Review fromJohn E
Date: 05/13/2024
1 starJohn E
Date: 05/13/2024
For the second time, a mechanic unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a bypass code after calling the provided phone number multiple times a day for three days waiting several hours on hold each time and ultimately triggered a violation. Even though I obtained detailed documentation of the incident from the service place, SmartStart would not waive the violation fee and instead referred to some unspecified state laws that they claim prohibit them from waiving the fee, which is absolute non-sense. Service is non-existent and made-up bogus fees that are a direct result of the non-existent are being collected. Stay away from this company if at all possible.Smart Start
Date: 05/14/2024
Hello, please send your contact information to ************************************ so that I can look into this complaint for you.Review fromolivia m
Date: 05/08/2024
1 starLike everyone else, Im being charged bogus fees that were never mentioned. When I asked for the contract to see where the fees are mentioned, I was referred to the shop that installed the device - a mechanic with absolutely no access to smartstart and the contract.This is just outright theftReview fromAleshia L
Date: 04/18/2024
1 starDo not use this company! The customer service is impossible to get a hold of. The shops that install are third parties and can give you little help in trying to navigate the whole process. Half of the representatives are rude and talk to you like you are an idiot. After going through all the hoops to get the breather removed. 2 months later they called and said I had a balance. The women I spoke with ****** in the credit and collections company could not tell me why I had a balance after two months, talked over me repeating herself then hung up on me when I asked to speak to her manager. People want to know why they are paying you. Just treat people with some decency. I would not ever send anyone I know to this company!
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