How much does it cost to add blind-spot monitoring to a car?
In most cases, if your car already has blind-spot monitoring, there is no extra cost beyond the chosen trim or package. If you’re retrofitting, expect a range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, depending on the method and the vehicle.
Blind-spot monitoring uses radar or cameras to track vehicles in adjacent lanes and warn you with lights or sounds. As driver-assistance tech has expanded, many new cars include BSM as standard or as part of a package; adding it to an older car typically involves either a dealer-installed option or an aftermarket kit, each with its own price structure. This article outlines typical costs and what affects them.
Factory-installed options and typical price ranges
Prices for factory-installed blind-spot monitoring depend on whether the feature is standard, optional, or part of a driver-assist package on new cars. The ranges below reflect typical US market pricing as of 2024-2025 and vary by brand and region.
- Standard or included: If the model’s trim includes BSM, there is no separate fee beyond the trim or package price.
- Optional upgrade: For models that offer BSM as an optional upgrade, expect roughly $500 to $1,000 added to the vehicle’s price, and sometimes more if Cross-Traffic Alert or additional safety tech is included.
- Higher-end/luxury variations: Some premium brands charge more for advanced versions; total package costs can reach about $1,200 to $1,800 or higher in certain configurations.
Summary: Factory-installed blind-spot monitoring typically costs nothing when standard, or about $500-$1,000 as an upgrade, with higher-end packages potentially exceeding that range.
Aftermarket and retrofit options
For older vehicles or models that never offered BSM, aftermarket solutions provide a path forward. Options range from low-cost DIY kits to professionally installed, radar-based systems.
- Basic DIY kits: Entry-level kits with simple sensors and indicator lights can start around $50-$200, though they often require manual wiring and may lack seamless integration with the car’s safety systems.
- Mid-range aftermarket systems: Radar- or camera-based kits with a dedicated display or mirror integration typically run about $200-$500 for parts, with installation costs around $100-$250 if you hire a shop.
- Premium, fully integrated aftermarket systems: High-end kits that wire into the vehicle’s warning lights and provide cross-traffic alerts can total $500-$900 for parts, plus $150-$300 for professional installation; some specialty installers may charge more for advanced integration.
Overall, retrofitting commonly costs about $300-$1,200 depending on system sophistication and installation choice.
What to consider before purchasing or retrofitting
Beyond sticker price, weigh installation complexity, warranty implications, and compatibility with existing driver-assistance features. Compatibility with your vehicle’s sensors, dashboard alerts, and insurance implications can influence the value of adding BSM.
- Vehicle compatibility and integration: Some cars require specific wiring or CAN-bus integration; not all aftermarket kits work perfectly with every model.
- Warranty and insurance: Dealer-installed options typically carry a warranty; aftermarket installs may affect warranty coverage or insurance terms, depending on policy.
- Cost vs. benefit: Consider safety benefits, maintenance, and potential resale value when deciding between aftermarket and dealer-installed options.
Always verify compatibility and discuss warranty and insurance implications with a reputable installer or dealer before proceeding.
Summary
Blind-spot monitoring costs vary widely. If your car already has BSM, there may be no extra cost. Factory upgrades typically run about $500-$1,000, with luxury configurations sometimes higher. Aftermarket retrofits can range from roughly $300 to $1,200, depending on system quality and installation. When budgeting, factor in installation, warranty, and potential insurance implications, and compare dealer options with reputable aftermarket solutions.
Bottom line: assess your vehicle’s current capabilities, weigh the pros and cons of dealer-installed versus aftermarket solutions, and get quotes from multiple installers to ensure you’re getting a safe, properly integrated system.
How much does it cost to install blind spot monitors?
The total cost to install an aftermarket blind spot monitor (BSM) system typically ranges from $450 to $1,000, with the system kit costing $250-$500 or more and professional installation accounting for the remaining $200-$500. Installation costs can vary significantly depending on the system's complexity and your local labor rates.
Cost breakdown
You can watch this video to learn about the costs and installation of blind spot monitors: 59sShortWithTechYouTube · Sep 22, 2024
- Blind spot monitor system: Prices vary widely based on features and accuracy.
- Basic systems: ~$250 and under, with lower accuracy and functionality.
- Mid-range systems: ~$250-$500, with higher accuracy than basic systems.
- High-end systems: $500 and over, with the highest reliability and advanced features.
- Professional installation: ~$200-$500, depending on labor rates and the complexity of the job.
- Installation is labor-intensive, requiring precision and electrical knowledge to mount sensors, run wires, and calibrate the system correctly.
- Professional installation can cost almost as much as the kit itself because of the time and skill involved.
Factors affecting the total cost
- System complexity: Camera-based systems are generally more expensive than sensor-based systems, and the overall cost can also be higher if it requires bumper removal or significant modification.
- Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles may have pre-wiring that can simplify installation and reduce labor costs.
- Local labor rates: Installation costs will fluctuate based on where you live.
Is blind spot monitoring worth it?
How Effective Is a Blind-Spot Monitoring System? In theory, blind-spot monitoring is a great feature to help curb collisions caused by the blind spot. However, when put into practice, this system may not be as effective as originally planned.
How much does it cost to add blis to a car?
The total cost for aftermarket blind spot sensors, including professional installation, typically ranges from $450 to $1,000. The sensor kit itself costs between $250 and $500, with installation adding another $200 to $500 depending on the system's complexity and your vehicle.
Can you add blind spot monitoring to a car?
Yes, you can add blind spot monitoring (BSM) to a car through aftermarket kits or by having a system professionally installed. These systems use radar or ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provide a visual or audio alert. Options range from simple DIY kits to more complex installations that may require professional help for wiring and calibration, with costs varying accordingly.
Options for adding blind spot monitoring
This video shows the installation of a blind spot monitoring system: 56sShortWithTechYouTube · Sep 22, 2024
- Aftermarket kits: Many companies sell DIY BSM kits that can be purchased online or at auto parts stores.
- DIY installation: Some kits, especially those that mount on the license plate, are designed for DIY installation and can be done with basic tools. The process of running wires can be time-consuming.
- Professional installation: Even if you buy a kit, you can have a professional installer do the work for you. This is a good option if you are not comfortable with the wiring or mechanical aspects of the installation.
- Factory-style upgrades: Some third-party shops can install systems that are designed to look and function like factory-installed systems.
- Requires professional calibration: These advanced systems often require special programming or calibration that may only be available through a dealership, which can be difficult to find or more expensive, say JustAnswer users.
- Cost: This is often the most expensive option, potentially costing over $3,000 for parts and labor, notes a JustAnswer user.
What to consider
- Cost: Prices for aftermarket kits range from around $75 to over $300, while professional installation can add another $200 or more.
- Complexity: Simple kits are easier to install, but more advanced systems that integrate with your car's computer or use factory-style components will require professional help.
- Features: Look for kits that offer a visual alert (often an LED indicator), an audio alert for when your turn signal is on with a vehicle in the blind spot, and adjustable sensitivity.
- Warranty: A factory-style upgrade could potentially void your car's warranty, so it is important to check with your dealership first, say Reddit users.
