Question: Is it illegal to remove the kill switch from a leased car?
Answer: While not illegal to remove a kill switch from a leased car, you can violate your leasing agreement. If you remove this switch, expect to face legal and contractual consequences, such as fees for damages, potential penalties outlined in your lease, and possibly even early termination of the lease agreement.
Understanding kill switches in leased cars
A kill switch is a device that stops your car from working, often by disconnecting the battery.
While car owners can install kill switches as anti-theft devices, they are also sometimes employed by car lenders as an alternative to hiring a recovery agent (repo man) if you fail to make your car payment.
When used in combination with a LoJack, the flick of a switch renders your vehicle both immobile and easy-to-locate. As a result, these devices have become more common as they offer lessors added control over their assets.
Is it illegal to remove the kill switch from a car?
While it’s not illegal under federal or state law to remove a kill switch from a leased vehicle, doing so violates the terms of most leasing agreements.
Leasing agreements are contracts that outline what modifications or changes can be made to the vehicle. Removing a kill switch, though not a crime, is an unapproved vehicle modification, and, therefore, a breach of your leasing contract.
Consequences of violating the lease agreement
If you remove the kill switch, you may face several consequences:
- Financial penalties: The lessor may charge fees for tampering with the vehicle’s security system.
- Lease termination: Violating the lease agreement can result in the lessor terminating the lease early, which could lead to additional financial burdens.
- Legal action: In some cases, the lessor may take legal action to recover damages or the cost of reinstalling the kill switch.
Steps to take if you already removed the kill switch
If you have already removed the kill switch, consider the following steps:
- Notify the lessor: Inform the lessor about the removal and discuss the potential consequences. Transparency can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes.
- Have the kill switch reinstalled: If possible, see if the lessor will allow you to have the kill switch reinstalled by a technician of their choosing.
- Negotiate terms: Discuss with the lessor any potential penalties or solutions to avoid more severe consequences.
Alternative to removing the kill switch
If you find the kill switch problematic, there are alternatives to consider:
- Request removal: Ask the lessor if they can remove the kill switch or if they have any recommendations for dealing with any issues it might be causing.
- Lease buy-out options: Discuss the possibility of a lease buy-out. Once the vehicle is yours, removing the kill switch will be up to you. This can be a viable solution if you find the kill switch significantly disruptive.
- Request modifications: Sometimes the issues with the kill switch can be resolved without removing it entirely. Ask the lessor if they can make adjustments to the system to better suit your needs without violating the lease agreement.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
