Ravelco Anti-Theft Device: Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle Compatibility
Does this work on my vehicle?
It does not work on full electric vehicles (EVs) because they don’t have ignition circuits. That’s why our name is NoHotWire — we stop theft where it starts: at the ignition.
Does it work with modern electronics and smart cars?
Yes, as long as your vehicle has a traditional ignition system. Ravelco works with most gas and diesel vehicles, including vehicles with smart keys, push-button start, and advanced electronics. It does not work with full electric vehicles, since they don’t use ignition systems.
Can Ravelco be installed on a manual transmission vehicle?
Yes. A manual transmission may change some of our options for how the vehicle is shut off, but it’s just as secure as installing on an automatic.
Can Ravelco be installed on classic cars?
Yes. Ravelco is trusted to protect some of the most valuable and irreplaceable classic cars.
Installation & Service Area
Who installs the Ravelco, can I DIY?
No DIY. The Ravelco is installed by trained anti-theft specialists. Each install is customized to your specific vehicle, with techniques that constantly evolve to outsmart modern thieves. This unpredictability is what makes it so hard to defeat.
Where is the installation done?
We come to you. Our mobile techs install the Ravelco device at your home, office, or job site, wherever your vehicle is parked. After purchase, our team will contact you to coordinate the most convenient time and location.
Where do you offer installation service?
We provide mobile Ravelco installation across the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento Metro Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego, the Central Valley (Stockton, Fresno, etc.), and Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson). Other areas may require a mobile fee. If you don’t see your area, call or chat with us, we’re expanding.
Are you an authorized Ravelco Dealer?
Yes. NoHotWire is the official and only authorized distributor and installer of the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device in California and Arizona.
Do you charge a trip fee if I live far from you?
Trip fees only apply to customers outside a major metropolitan area when only one vehicle needs protecting. These fees are often waived if we’re already doing multiple vehicles in your area or for the same customer (this may mean a short wait), or if you’re able to come closer to a major metropolitan area.
Is there an extra fee for lifted trucks?
Since installation work is done in the engine bay, trucks with significant lifts may incur a small additional fee.
Do you install on weekends?
Rarely, though exceptions can sometimes be made. Call our office to check what’s available for your schedule.
What exact wires is the Ravelco connected to?
We customize the wiring for each vehicle and often vary which wires we use even for the same installation. Because it’s a security device, we don’t disclose which wires we used for your particular vehicle until after installation is complete.
Can I hide the plug somewhere more convenient, like the center console?
The plug can be hidden under the dash, but we don’t recommend the center console. That location makes it too easy for a passenger to remove the plug without you noticing.
Pricing & Discounts
How much does the Ravelco cost?
The Ravelco Anti-Theft Device costs $799.95 to $849.95 for most vehicles. Some higher-end or exotic vehicles cost more due to installation complexity, for example, $899.95 for a Corvette or $1,699.95 for a Porsche. Price includes mobile installation at your location, and an AAA discount is available.
Why is there a difference in cost for some vehicles?
The Ravelco Anti-Theft Device works on virtually every vehicle. The difference in pricing comes down to the time and complexity of installation. Some vehicles, like commercial trucks, big rigs, or specialty builds, require additional tools and access methods to reach hardened installation points. Others, like high-end performance or exotic vehicles such as a Corvette ($899.95) or a Porsche ($1,699.95), have tightly integrated engine compartments that demand specialized procedures. These are called specialty vehicles, and the added cost reflects the extra time, tools, and expertise required for a proper custom install.
Are there monthly fees or extra charges?
No. Ravelco is a one-time purchase with no monthly fees, no subscriptions, and no maintenance. It stays with your vehicle for life.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. California and Arizona Ravelco offers a 10% discount for individual AAA members, and a $50 coupon for first-time visitors to the site.
Warranty & Reliability
Will installing a Ravelco affect my vehicle's warranty?
No. Federal law protects your warranty rights, and aftermarket installations like Ravelco are legal and compliant. Ravelco also has minimal impact on your vehicle since it introduces no new logic, circuitry, or decision-making; it’s a physical disconnect, which is the safest and most reliable form of protection available. Professional installs do not interfere with your manufacturer’s warranty.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Ravelco comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner of the device.
Could a Ravelco ever leave me stranded?
No. The wires used are the most reliable part of a vehicle; there are no moving parts and nothing to wear out or fail on their own. The only way Ravelco wiring fails is if it’s physically cut or damaged, and a thief would damage the vehicle trying to steal it long before damaging the Ravelco itself.
Will the Ravelco plug rust or get damaged from water?
Occasional exposure isn’t a problem, just let the plug dry completely before reinserting it. However, repeated and prolonged exposure to water will cause corrosion to build up over time.
Security & Competitor Claims
I saw a video saying Ravelco doesn't work, is that true?
A competing product, IGLA, a Russian-owned and operated company, released a video claiming they could defeat the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device in under two minutes. If someone has full access to your vehicle, your keys, and your Ravelco plug, and is working in a quiet shop with unlimited time, they may be able to figure out how that specific installation was wired, but that is not a real-world theft scenario. Professional thieves don’t have your plug, your keys, or an hour in a garage. They operate in seconds, not minutes, and Ravelco stops them cold. It has never been bypassed in a real-world theft, with over 6 million units sold.
What's the difference between the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device and a cheap kill switch?
Basic kill switches interrupt one circuit, like a battery or fuel line, and are predictable and easily bypassed by experienced thieves. The Ravelco Anti-Theft Device is a two-part system: a tamper-proof plug that must be inserted to start the vehicle, and a customized, hidden installation with no standard wiring pattern, strategically hidden by certified installers and constantly evolving based on the latest theft trends. With over 6 million installs and zero defeats in the field, Ravelco goes far beyond DIY switches.
Can a thief just tow away my vehicle?
Technically, any vehicle can be physically towed, but that is not how most thefts happen. Thieves want to be in and gone in under two minutes; they show up with laptops, signal boosters, and fob cloners, not tow trucks. Ravelco is engineered to stop exactly those fast, high-tech theft attempts.
Product & Ownership Details
How big is the Ravelco plug?
The plug is 1.25 inches in diameter, slightly larger than a quarter.
Do the plugs come in different colors?
No, the plugs only come in gray.
What if I lose the plug?
Each Ravelco comes with two plugs. If you lose one, the vehicle is still secure and won’t start. Extra plugs can only be ordered directly from Ravelco’s manufacturer for security reasons, and require proof of purchase, your plug code, a driver’s license, and a completed order form.
If I sell my vehicle, can I remove the Ravelco and reuse it in my new one?
No. Because each Ravelco is customized during installation, it can’t be removed, restored, and reinstalled in a different vehicle. The labor required would cost more than simply installing a new Ravelco, and a reused unit would no longer carry a warranty.
Can I still use my remote start with a Ravelco installed?
Remote start can create a security gap that lets someone start and drive off with your vehicle, so we prioritize security over remote start convenience. The remote start will not work while the Ravelco plug is removed. With the plug inserted, the vehicle starts and operates normally, including remote start.
Have additional questions?
Yes, contact us, we’re here to help!