Article Surfing Archive

The On Time* car device and car system or Starter Interrupt is actually a creation of Payment Protection Systems. The ON TIME system is a legal electronic payment protection unit that uses microprocessor-based technology to turn credit-challenged prospects into paying customers who pay in a timely manner. ON TIME will remind the vehicle operator when payments are due, and it will disable the vehicle if payments are not made. This creation actually is a patented starter interrupt unit.

The starter interrupt (also known as ignition interlocks) is an electronic device which cuts off power to the cars starter if it does not get reset regularly. Each time a customer makes a payment they get a new code which resets the starter interrupt and lets them keep driving.

As an example, payment reminder systems are seen as a way to make the purchaser pay in a timely manner. This does happen -- the threat of not being able to use the car does make the car payment a higher priority for the purchaser. But the real mechanism behind this change is often not the customer, but rather the collector. Payments cannot be made later because 'the computer' will shut off the car. The collector is incapable of extending deadlines, leading to better account currency numbers. This is a fact that is largely indisputable. If the collector can't provide a way to extend deadlines, they aren't extended.

The Key Pad system (right) visually reminds customers of their payment status. An LED will flash green to confirm when payments are current. When a payment is due, the flashing LED will turn yellow, and the customer will be aware that a payment must be made.

It all started back in the United States. Auto dealers as well as finance companies were having a hard time keeping their profits up because of some customers who were what they called financially challenged. The On Time* car device became their rescuer. And now, this car device (Starter Interrupt) is out to save more auto dealers and finance companies in the United Kingdom.