Alcolock Ignition Interlock vs. LifeSafer Ignition Interlock: Which Is the Best IID?

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Having to install an ignition interlock device (IID) can be a difficult reality to face. You may be dealing with the consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated/impaired (DWI), or operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) charge, while also trying to understand what comes next.

Choosing an IID can be harder than it sounds. Search for an ignition interlock, and you’ll find plenty of companies promising affordable prices, reliable technology, and good customer service. 

What you don’t always get is a clear sense of what using the device will actually be like, from how the breath test works to where you’ll go for required service to what happens when you need help.

Alcolock and LifeSafer are two companies you may come across as you research your options, and the differences between these providers are important before you commit to a device. Both provide IIDs, but there are some important differences in the devices, testing process, pricing, and service experience. These details matter.

So, Alcolock vs. LifeSafer: which is the better choice? Let’s compare the two providers and look at what each one offers, so you can decide with a clearer idea of what to expect.

Key Takeaways

What Is Alcolock Ignition Interlock?

An Alcolock ignition interlock is an in-vehicle breath-testing device that connects to your vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the car, you provide a breath sample. The device measures your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). If the reading is above the limit for your IID program, the vehicle won’t start.

Alcolock offers several ignition interlock models, including the GR, LR, and WR3. Its devices use fuel-cell technology and include features such as event logging and anti-circumvention measures. Some models also provide on-screen instructions to walk you through the testing process.

Alcolock Ignition Interlock Key Features

Alcolock’s approach combines quality and affordability, while promoting its products as a trusted choice for ignition interlock users. Highlighted features include:

But a feature list only gets you so far. If you’re going to use an IID every day, the size of the handset, how you provide a breath sample, and how easy it is to get help can be just as important.

What Is LifeSafer?

LifeSafer has been in the ignition interlock business since 1991. That’s more than three decades of working with people who need an IID, as well as the courts, state agencies, and technicians who make these programs work.

The company helped establish the ignition interlock industry and was the first provider to meet NHTSA’s technical standards for ignition interlocks. Today, LifeSafer offers NHTSA-certified technology through nearly 2,000 certified installation and service locations nationwide.

LifeSafer’s IID is also designed for everyday use. It’s compact, and its blow pattern doesn’t require you to inhale before providing the sample.

That’s a small distinction on paper. After you’ve used an IID every morning before work, it can feel like a much bigger one.

LifeSafer Key Features

LifeSafer’s current IID offering includes:

LifeSafer also supports your experience after installation. An IID isn’t something you buy and forget about. You’ll need periodic service, and your provider needs to be there when you have a question or run into a problem.

Alcolock vs. LifeSafer: Head-to-Head Comparison

If you’re comparing Alcolock vs. LifeSafer, the monthly price is only one piece of the decision. Look at what you’re getting for that price and what using the device will be like over the length of your program.

Category
ALCOLOCK
LifeSafer
Pricing
Varies by state, vehicle, and program
Upfront pricing based on your state and program
Deposit
May vary by program
No deposit required in many situations
Device Size
Varies by model
Compact L250 designed for discreet everyday use
User experience
On-screen instructions on applicable models
Simple one-step testing with an easy-to-read display
Blow pattern
Testing procedure varies by device
One-step test; no inhaling required
Customer support
24/7 support
24/7 support plus online scheduling
Locations
Hundreds of U.S. locations
Nearly 2,000 nationwide locations
Trustpilot rating
2.3 at the time of writing
4.5 at the time of writing

*Pricing, device availability, and program requirements vary by state. Always confirm the details that apply to your specific IID program.

Pricing

IID pricing is one area where it’s easy to get an apples-to-oranges comparison.

Your state sets the requirements, and your vehicle can affect installation. Providers may also package installation, monthly rental, calibration, and other charges differently. This is why an advertised starting price doesn’t necessarily tell you what you’ll spend over the full program.

LifeSafer provides upfront quotes on the cost of an IID based on your circumstances.

Deposits

The amount you’re expected to pay before installation matters, particularly when an IID wasn’t exactly a planned expense.

LifeSafer does not require a deposit in many situations. Alcolock’s requirements can vary depending on your program and location. It’s worth asking exactly what you’ll need to pay before the installation appointment.

Tip: When comparing quotes, ask about the total upfront amount, not just the monthly lease.

Device Size and Everyday Use

You’ll probably notice the physical device before you notice anything else about the technology.

LifeSafer’s L250 is designed to be small and discreet. It’s there when you need it, but it doesn’t take over your dashboard

The testing process is another difference. LifeSafer uses a one-step test, so you don’t have to inhale into the device before giving your sample. With our device, simply saying “dooooooo” in your normal speaking voice can help you complete the test successfully.

Depending on the model, Alcolock’s devices use their own testing procedures. For example, its WR3 requires a steady breath for several seconds.

Neither approach makes a single device automatically right for everyone; however, if you’re going to use an IID several times a day, it’s reasonable to pay attention to something you’ll be physically using that often.

Customer Support

An IID problem doesn’t always happen Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. Both companies offer 24/7 customer support, which is important when you’re trying to understand an alert, figure out what to do after a failed test, or deal with a problem outside regular business hours.

For users, Lifesafer includes an online chat option and portal for account management. They also combine their support team with online scheduling and a large service network. With nearly 2,000 locations, you may have an easier time finding a certified service center that fits into your regular route.

Reviews

Online reviews aren’t a perfect way to judge an IID provider, as each person’s experience can depend on the particular service center, and people tend to be more motivated to leave a review when something has gone very well — or very badly.

Still, they’re useful information when you’re comparing companies.

At the time of writing, LifeSafer has a 4.5 TrustScore on Trustpilot, while Alcolock has a 2.3 TrustScore. LifeSafer also has a much larger number of reviews, so the two scores aren’t a perfectly equal comparison.

This is worth considering alongside information you can verify yourself, such as available locations, pricing, and device features.

Which Ignition Interlock Provider Is Right for You?

There’s no reason to choose an IID provider based on a flashy headline price alone.

If Alcolock has a certified location that’s five minutes from your house, has the device you prefer, and has given you a clear price that works for your program, it may be a perfectly reasonable option. Convenience matters, especially when you’ll have to return for service.

But if you’re starting your search with a blank slate, LifeSafer  has significant advantages:

That last point deserves more attention than it usually gets. If your IID requires regular calibration, you’ll be making trips to a service center. A location that’s close to home or on your way to work can save you a lot of aggravation over time.

So when it comes to LifeSafer vs. Alcolock, LifeSafer is the stronger choice for someone who wants a long-established provider, a discreet device, and a large service network without having to piece together the actual overall cost of the program. 

Get Started With LifeSafer Today

Once you’ve compared the devices and reviewed the practical differences, the next step is simply finding out what applies to your IID program. Your state, vehicle, and requirements will determine the details, so there’s no need to make a decision based on a generic price or someone else’s experience.

Contact LifeSafer for a free, no-obligation quote based on your situation, with upfront pricing so you know what to expect before installation. 

Ready to install? Find a location near you and get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Alcolock ignition interlock work?

An Alcolock ignition interlock requires you to provide a breath sample before you start your vehicle. The device measures your BrAC and prevents the vehicle from starting if the reading exceeds the limit programmed for your IID program. Depending on the device and state requirements, additional samples may be required while you’re driving.

How much does an ignition interlock device cost?

The cost of an IID depends on your state, vehicle, provider, and program requirements. Installation, monthly lease, calibration, and other fees can all affect the final amount, so it’s worth getting a quote that reflects your specific program rather than relying on a national average.

How long does alcohol stay on your breath for an interlock test?

There’s no dependable amount of time you can wait after drinking and assume you’ll receive a passing IID result. Alcohol from the night before can still affect a morning breath test, which is why LifeSafer recommends avoiding alcohol while you’re participating in an IID program.

Is LifeSafer available in my state?

LifeSafer provides ignition interlock services in all 50 states, with nearly 2,000 certified locations nationwide. Find a LifeSafer location near you to see what options are available, as the exact device and program requirements vary by state.