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Do Anti-Theft Devices Reduce Auto Insurance Premiums?

Published July 17, 2022
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This article has been reviewed by licensed insurance industry expert Moshe Fishman.

There are a variety of anti-theft devices on the market that can protect your car from being stolen. Anything from a kill switch to a complex anti-theft system. But did you know that these devices can also help reduce your car insurance rates and save you considerable amounts of money? Yes, insurance companies offer discounts for keeping your vehicle safe.

To help you get the most out of your car insurance while paying the least amount possible, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular anti-theft car devices and how they can impact your rates. So, car thieves, beware!

Vehicle Immobilizers

One of the most popular anti-theft car devices is an immobilizer. This device prevents your car from starting unless the key is inserted correctly. Immobilizers work by sending a signal to the car's engine that will not allow it to start if the key is not in the ignition. It can be a great way to protect your vehicle and deter thieves, as they will not be able to steal your car without the key.

Car Alarms

Another popular anti-theft device is a car alarm. These have been around for a long time and are still used today. A car alarm is a system that emits an audible sound when someone attempts to open a car door or window when the alarm is engaged. The sound of the alarm is meant to scare away potential thieves and draw attention to the car so someone can help.

Car Tracking Systems

A car tracking system is a newer anti-theft device becoming more common. This system consists of a small, GPS-enabled device installed in your car. The vehicle tracking system then updates a monitoring center about the car's location.

So, if your vehicle is ever stolen, the tracking system will help law enforcement officials track it down. The great thing about GPS systems is that they can also be used to track your car's movements, so you can see where it has been. Yes, you can find your stolen vehicle.

Vehicle Recovery System

Similar to GPS trackers, a vehicle recovery system is a GPS tracking device that helps law enforcement officials recover your car if it is ever stolen. This system consists of several components, including a VIN (vehicle identification number) sticker, a microchip, and a database. If your car is ever stolen, the microchip will be activated, and the database will help law enforcement officials find the vehicle location.

While it might not necessarily prevent your car from getting stolen in the first place, it will help with the recovery process.

Steering Wheel Lock

A steering wheel lock is a simple device that locks your car's steering wheel. With the steering wheel locked, a potential thief that breaks into your car won't be able to turn the steering wheel and thus won't be able to drive away with your vehicle.

It can be a great way to prevent thieves from driving off with your car. Steering wheel locks are also very affordable, making them a popular choice. Additionally, steering wheel locks are visible to potential thieves, which act as a deterrent.

Brake Pedal Lock

A brake pedal lock is similar to a steering wheel lock, except that it locks the car's brakes instead of the steering wheel. A brake lock prevents your vehicle from being driven away even if the thief can start it because the thief won't be able to put the car into gear since they can't depress the brake pedal. Like steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks are also affordable and visible to potential thieves.

Smart Keys and Locks

Intelligent keys and locks are newer anti-theft devices that are gaining popularity. These systems use a keyless entry system to unlock your car. The way it works is that you have a key fob that you carry with you, and when you are near your vehicle, the key fob will send a signal to the car that will unlock it.

It is a great way to prevent thieves from breaking into your car and stealing your belongings, as they won't be able to get in without the key fob. While intelligent keys and locks are great anti-theft devices, they can also be expensive. However, the investment may be worth it if you live in a high-crime area.

Company Subscription Services

Another way to protect your car from theft is to enroll in a company subscription service. These services work by installing a tracking device in your vehicle linked to the company's monitoring center.

If your car is ever stolen, the company will track it down and help law enforcement officials recover it. In addition, they can often shut down the vehicle remotely to not be driven. As with some other anti-theft and recovery devices, while this may not prevent your car from being stolen in the first place, it can help with the recovery process.

How to Get a Car Insurance Discount with an Anti-Theft Device

If you have an anti-theft device installed in your car, you may be able to get a car insurance discount. This is because having an anti-theft device can help reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen. Car insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who are considered low-risk.

The best way to make sure you get a vehicle discount is to contact your car insurance company and ask about their policies regarding anti-theft devices. They will tell you if you are eligible for a discount and how much it would be. Remember that different anti-theft devices may offer different levels of discounts, so you may want to install more than one device to get the best deal.

Consider Your Situation

If you have a popular make and model, a sports car, or a collector car, you may want to consider installing and/or updating anti-theft devices in your vehicle. Anti-theft devices are a great way to protect your car from being stolen. While some of them may not prevent theft from happening in the first place, they can help with the recovery process if your vehicle is ever stolen. 

Many anti-theft car devices can also help you get a car insurance discount since they are considered low-risk. Contact your agent or insurer to learn more about their anti-theft devices and discount policies.

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