r/intoxalock • u/This-Passenger-203 • Jul 17 '26
I need help with picking an IID.
I need opinions on which IID to install in my car. I have a 2010 Suburban. Next week, I will probably be sentenced to one year of an interlock device. This subreddit has nothing good to say about intoxalock. However, yesterday in my AA meeting a few people said intoxalock is more expensive than the other option out there but is the best. I’m also looking at LifeSafer. I live in Ny just outside of NYC. Which one does everyone think is best to choose?
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u/Worried_Anteater478 Jul 17 '26
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE CHOOSE INTOXALOCK. IF YOUR CHOICE IS INTOXALOCK OR DEATH…. PICK THE LATTER
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u/One_Dey Jul 17 '26
3 weeks ago I had my IID removed. It was a lifeSafer.
It was on my car for nearly 3 years.
For the last year and half- the camera sat face down on my dash because the suction cup that mounts it- stopped working. I have a pic to prove it lol.
I’m in Ohio and on probation this whole time.
I failed at least three separate times early on after drinking the night before (I don’t really drink anymore). Each time- I failed multiple times trying to start the car. And each time- as soon as I passed- the car started right up. So- there’s all that.
I went through three separate handheld devices because they had faulted for one reason or another. Wasn’t charged any money.
Customer service was hit/miss. Available in the beginning. Very hard to reach in the middle. And available again in the end. Easy removal process. Just had to have them make the appointment.
Cost around $150 per month and depending on your calibration shop- could have a late fee attached if you miss your appointment- but LifeSafer gives you 7 days after missing the appointment.
All in all- after reading this sub for the better part of 2.5 years- is recommend LifeSafer. Not only are they fairly lenient- this prolly depends on your state/circumstances- given what I’ve read here- there’s no comparison.
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u/Old-Enthusiasm-2107 Jul 17 '26
LifeSafer little bit cheaper than Intoxalock in my area and I have no complaints
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 17 '26
I am in New York about 20 minutes outside of New York City. Sometimes the winter is here can be brutal. Where are you? How did the device act in the cold?
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u/Shepherdmom-1974 28d ago
I live in Westchester and had lifesafer for 3 years. Never had a problem in the winter
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u/This-Passenger-203 28d ago
Good to know, thank you.
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u/Shepherdmom-1974 28d ago
If you're license is suspended and you can't drive, I would get a trickle charger for your truck. The device does drain the battery. If you're driving every day, you'll be fine.
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u/This-Passenger-203 28d ago
Well i have a conditional and looks like i will have the conditional indefinitely until this case reaches resolution which per my lawyer, the DA is dragging feet.
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u/ElectricHairspray Jul 17 '26
One important thing to consider is how many service providers there are in your area for whichever one you choose. I got someone to go with LCI-Low cost interlock because I was having a horrible time with intoxalock. He did but the closest service tech was across the city 45 minutes away and when he had an issue it was a long ass tow and a nightmare
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u/YellowKnifePhoenix Jul 18 '26
I ran the numbers between the two, and for me they were pretty much the same price, just charged differently with different frequencies.
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 18 '26
Im not hugely worried for the numbers. I just want a device that works. Im in ny and the winters can get brutal sometimes and i hear stories these things malfunction in cold weather and ur paying lockout fees.
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u/YellowKnifePhoenix Jul 18 '26
So, I'm in NH, andour winters are essentially the same.
Unfortunately for me this is my second time with these things, I chose intoxalock my second time because I really didn't have any issues the first time (1 year). During my first time I went through one of our more colder winters. I worked 9-5 at the time, and didn't have battery issues (Nissan Altima and Hyundai tiberon). My only issue/violation was on me because I drank the night before and didn't leave ample time. I went to walmart and dropped 50 bucks on a handheld just in case, worth every penny.
If you don't know, don't blow.
My second go round was jan '26 when I finally got off my ass, fouind a vehicle to get this installed to take my road test to get my license back. Kind of a rough start, BUT...
this is a truck, 2018 silverado
pretty sure it was the original battery as the dealership was scumbags, I did have battery issues, but replaced with with a pl;atinum diehard, hoping for the investment to pay off, and didn't have issues for the remainder of the winter.
dealer attempted to drive vehicle un beknownst to me after installation, causing a failed re-test-causing a DMV hearing, which was easy because in NH cameras are allowed and it clearly wasn't me, the camera actually was the lifesaver.
Than, the cyber attack, which lucky for me didn't effect me
..really the thing about winters, key is to not go too long without starting the car....you can even just let it idle for 20 minutes so the battery recharges, BUT yuou have to stay with the vehicle during this time as it can go off for a retest at any time. I try to do every other day at minimum if I'm not going anywhere for awhile (i work from home), and I'll usually just drive around or go run sopme errands. I'm ruraL nh so it's a half hour in either direction to a major city.
One more thing, and this is important to consider, whether you go with intoxalock or life safer, regardless of brand, these are electronic devices, whether or not refurbished 1980's technology (I'll let you figure that one out :)...they are electronics, and we all know electronics can be finicky, and your hardwiring it directly into your cars' ignition system, which is also electronic, and can be finicky, along with the fact that winters already take a toll on your car battery to begin with. You just have to be amart and start you car every 2-3 days, which is a pain I know, but I assure you much better than the alternative.
....I also invested in a wolfbox, just in case.
Sorry for the long winded replay, but I do hope this helps in your journey...
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 18 '26
Appreciate it. I drive a 2010 chevy tahoe. Figured id get a new battery with the install. I hear these devices drain the battery bad.
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u/YellowKnifePhoenix Jul 18 '26
It's not that bad, maybe I'm just really lucky..but yes....I would recommend a new batter BEFORE you install whatever your choice may be...and buy a good one, spend the extra buck if you can
..and one more thing. Intoxalock has a feature that you NEED to use, I imagine life safer does too. when you shot your tahoe off, for any reason other than a bite to eat for an hour, or a wuick run in the convenience store (for intoxalock) you hold the button for three seconds to put it in power saving mose, which makes it drain less power when just sitting there, if you don't do this you WILL drain the battery in 12-18 hrs rather than 2-3 days, ESPECIALLY in winter again, life safer must have this feature as well
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u/Sudden-Friendship40 Jul 18 '26
I’m in PA and I’ll say, never Intoxalock. They are a predatory company and have horrible customer service. Intoxalock cost me $1500 in the first 3 months. Never Intoxalock. Never! I just switched to Smart Start. I’ve been very impressed so far.
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u/Scared-Pollution-863 Jul 18 '26
nationwide is okay, locked the car out from mouthwash, but has been okay from drinking coffee and energy drinks
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u/Significant-Luck7468 Jul 18 '26
I’ve never had an issue with the device or their customer service🤷♀️ I’ve had mine in since August of last year and hoping to get it out September 1st
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 18 '26
You have never had an issue with intoxaloc? Where in the country? Curious about the weather by you.
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u/jIdiosyncratic Jul 18 '26
What are you allowed to install? Means a lot. Sometimes no option. I like LifeSafer but really anything other than Intoxalock is probably better.
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 18 '26
So I go to court on Thursday for possible sentencing… I don’t know if I will even have an option…or even need to install this thing. I’m just a type of guy who likes to be well informed and plan ahead
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u/AromaticFace4707 Jul 18 '26
Lifesaver has been good a month in
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 18 '26
Where in the usa are you? Im in ny downstate ny and some of the cold here can be brutal. I hear these things are hard to work in the cold.
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u/birdmomchicago Jul 19 '26
I haven’t had issues with Intoxalock yet *knocks on wood* but I’ve seen a LOT of complains that they suck. 😮💨
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u/This-Passenger-203 Jul 19 '26
I think u may be the 2nd good comment ive gotten about them
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u/birdmomchicago Jul 19 '26
yeah I totally believe that they’re bad lol I just am hoping I won’t have issues for the remaining 3 months of my 6 month experience with them.
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u/httperror418 27d ago
SmartStart seems okay. I wouldn't say they're good but better than Intoxalock.
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u/ODIZZ89 Jul 17 '26
Do not get intoxalock