Directed Electronics was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1982 by Darrell Issa (now a U.S. Congressman representing California's 49th District) and his wife Kathy, as a maker of vehicle security products. In 1986, Directed Electronics moved to Southern California, where the business began to expand rapidly.
Automobile theft was rising dramatically, especially in major metropolitan areas, and Directed's commitment to research and development led to advances in integrated circuit-controlled security systems that propelled the company to the forefront of the field. The Viper(R) and Python(R) brands were introduced, and sales more than doubled between 1989 and 1990, leading to Directed's inclusion in the Inc. 500 the following year.
Automobile theft was rising dramatically, especially in major metropolitan areas, and Directed's commitment to research and development led to advances in integrated circuit-controlled security systems that propelled the company to the forefront of the field. The Viper(R) and Python(R) brands were introduced, and sales more than doubled between 1989 and 1990, leading to Directed's inclusion in the Inc. 500 the following year.
Services
Directed's new DS4 technology makes our solutions simple, efficient and easier to execute. Retailers: When you become an Authorized Directed Dealer, we become your business partner. Become a Dealer! A global leader in security and control telematics, we make life more secure, comfortable and fun in and around your vehicle.
Our Foundation supports numerous beneficiaries in North San Diego county including: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos & Vista, The Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Casa de Amparo, and Solutions for Change. In addition we support The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Metropolitan Baltimore, MD.
VIPER created the smartphone car control category and is pioneering the keyless lifestyle revolution with VIPER SmartStart, which has been downloaded to more than three million iPhone, Android and BlackBerry handsets. VIPER also offers a full window film line, all made-in-the-USA of the highest quality materials.
AstroStart remote car starter and security systems are designed for vehicles, but their primary benefits of convenience, comfort and security were developed first and foremost to meet our customers needs. Safe and easy to use, AstroStart products are engineered to provide our customers with years of reliable and trouble free service.
For more than 20 years, Automate has been the go-to brand for New Car Dealers. Automate is designed and built exclusively for expeditors and New Car Dealers. It works the first time, right out of the box, and doesn't come back-keeping the CSI and Customer loyalty rating high for your dealership.
For Consumers, Automate provides a wide variety of unique systems and solutions designed to integrate seamlessly with your new car purchase, while not voiding your factory warranty.Automate consumers are covered by a national dealer support network and an innovative 3 year 36,000 mile Guaranteed Protection Plan.
For Consumers, Automate provides a wide variety of unique systems and solutions designed to integrate seamlessly with your new car purchase, while not voiding your factory warranty.Automate consumers are covered by a national dealer support network and an innovative 3 year 36,000 mile Guaranteed Protection Plan.
Reviews (9)
John D.
Apr 24, 2020
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Do not buy any of their products ie. Viper or Clifford car alarms, etc.
They do not stand behind their own products or even honor their own stated written warranties.
In order to get warranty coverage from them, I literally had to almost sue them and also was about to complain to the attorney general. Only then did they admit I should be covered under my warranty.
You've been warned, this is a very shady company.
They do not stand behind their own products or even honor their own stated written warranties.
In order to get warranty coverage from them, I literally had to almost sue them and also was about to complain to the attorney general. Only then did they admit I should be covered under my warranty.
You've been warned, this is a very shady company.
Michael K.
Dec 08, 2019
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Lost
Oct 27, 2019
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Their products were great, but recently when I was looking into adding a system to my current vehicle I discovered they stopped letting End Users(aka, us customers who aren't "authorized dealers") have access to install manuals and firmware revisions for their devices. Frankly, I find it insulting that this company considers its customers so intellectually inferior that we can't install something ourselves.
Well it certainly doesn't help you locked away the information that would have helped with that instead of forcing us to try and guess or get stuck with a module that won't work without a firmware
Well it certainly doesn't help you locked away the information that would have helped with that instead of forcing us to try and guess or get stuck with a module that won't work without a firmware
Cris B.
Sep 16, 2019
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Avoid at all cost! I have set up an automatic payment for my subscription and promptly notified them once I traded in the car. It took forever with me receiving an automatic reply almost every other day until someone sent me an email and one from a Customer Service Manager promising that they would resolve my issued and close the account. Guess what, fast forward one year, they're taking money away from my account again. At this writing, I still have to contact them again and have them do a refund and close the account for good. This company is totally inefficient and horrible, horrible
Ramon R.
Jan 13, 2019
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John D.
May 23, 2017
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Avoid this company. I have a viper alarm for past 2 years w smart start GPS function. Received an "offer" to upgrade my 2G module to a Verizon CDMA module for $99 plus install. So I don't get it!! Your updating your system and want me to purchase a new module because there's a chance the new network will NOT support ur old equipment I have a 3 year contract for??? If you think this company will treat you any different than they have treated myself and other past customers U should buy it.
Now my renewal is due..... kiss my a$$.
Now my renewal is due..... kiss my a$$.
Patrick M.
Apr 02, 2017
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WATCH your credit card bill if you own a Smart Start unit. They've double billed me twice now and denied it right up until my credit card company reversed the charges. Only after that happened they admitted to a "billing error" but stated that THEY credited back the charge in error - WRONG. They fought it and my bank denied them.
Jeremy A.
Jul 20, 2016
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Jeffrey B.
Mar 05, 2014
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Three years ago I signed up with this company's "Smart Start" service to allow remote start of a vehicle using your internet connection. I had two vehicles with this service. One vehicle I owned and the other I leased. I signed both vehicles up for a 3-year plan which recently expired. I renewed the vehicle I owned for 3-years and I chose to let the other vehicle expire. The remote car starter has been removed from the leased vehicle but we have not had time to install into the new leased vehicle. I had planned on starting the other vehicle once we had the device installed
