Comments on: PassTime Refutes Shut-Off Allegations Made in New York Times Story

By: Mark (GPS tracking company)

Mark (GPS tracking company) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:25:47 +0000

A shut off device (starter disable)can not stop a moving vehicle
We sell GPS tracking devices and the add on that is called a "starter disable" can not shut off a running motor. All it can do is remove the power going to the starter. Now if the car stalled due to other problems with the car then it will not start until that connection is re made. (by whatever means) As a reseller we are not a proponent of Starter disable because it takes a simple install "constant power" and a "solid Ground" and then adds a 3rd wire going to the ignition. Its more invasive and complicated. If they system that you use has a good history report you can find the car in question without starter disable feature. We sell to many dealers across the country and we vary rarely support "starter disablers"

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 20:33:31 +0000

Shut off devices and payment collection
That is a laughable statement, “They are used to harass…” How is it harassment? The customer voluntarily enters into an agreement for a loan for the vehicle. They are also told about the device as well sign and initial documents stating it’s function, that it is installed in their vehicle, and how it will be used. It’s protection for a BHPH & sub-prime lender if the customer doesn’t make a payment or are in default of the loan. The finance company or BHPH should be able to use that tool to make the customer honor the Retail Installment Contract they signed. The intent of these devices is not to put people in danger, or invade their privacy as you claim. The intent is to protect the collateral for the finance company & BHPH while the loan is still in repayment. Not to mention ensure the customer makes their payment as stated on the Retail Installment Contract.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:15:56 +0000

In reply to Ronald Burdge. Shutoff Devices and Payment collection (enforcement)
And what, pray tell, causes interest rate to rise? Defaults and slow pay/no pay customers. Just as shoplifting drives up costs for retailers resulting in rising retail prices and insurance fraud causes insurance rates to rise, steps to REDUCE those events can lower costs and make the products and services more affordable for those who cannot qualify for other financing options. That is not to say that those who have difficulty meeting their financial obligations are, somehow, equivalent to thieves and fraudsters; they clearly are not. But their inability to pay, or their willingness to exercise OTHER options rather than paying their obligations on time do, indeed, drive up costs of those products and services for everyone else. In a market as competitive as the BHPH used car business, dealers must do all they can to lower their costs in order to remain not just competitive but to even stay in business.

By: Ronald Burdge

Ronald Burdge — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 20:10:08 +0000

Shut Off Devices and Payment Collection
While I understand their viewpoint on the matter and why that viewpoint is what it is, the simple fact is that these devices are not installed on motor vehicles so that the vehicles will be more affordable for consumers. They have one simple purpose and that is to make sure that the payment is made or the car stops running. Nothing more. Nothing less. Unfortunately for all the more honest dealers and the company itself, shut off devices are used all too often, in my experience, to spot deliver a vehicle and enable the dealer to call-force the buyer to come back to resign or turn in the vehicle if the deal goes south. And the stories of shut-offs in traffic are too common to believe that it can't occur at all. Now maybe some devices are better than others and maybe this company is one of them, but let's not play wink and nod by ignoring the fact that the dealers who buy these devices are doing anything more than just making sure they can control that vehicle and their customer fast and easy.