Vehicle Theft Deterrent: Insurance Discount?

Car theft is a frustrating and costly experience. In 2023, over one million vehicles were stolen in the US, costing Americans billions of dollars. To protect your vehicle, you can install anti-theft devices, such as alarms, locks, and GPS systems. These devices not only prevent theft but may also qualify you for an anti-theft discount on your car insurance.

The GLOBALi Theft Deterrent and Vehicle Registry & Recovery system is one such solution. It uses unique theft ID labels placed on multiple locations on your vehicle, registered to the true Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through its network. This makes it harder for thieves to remove branding markings from individual body parts. If your car is stolen, law enforcement can use a UV light to trace the ID number back to you.

Other anti-theft devices include manual disabling devices like steering wheel locks, automatic disabling devices like transponder keys, and remote disabling systems that connect to your smartphone. These devices not only protect your vehicle but may also result in insurance savings.

Anti-theft devices can reduce insurance rates by 15-20%

Anti-Theft Devices: Reducing Insurance Rates and Vehicle Theft

Installing an anti-theft device in your car is a great way to deter car thieves and reduce your insurance rates. While the discount varies depending on the insurer, state, and type of device, you can typically expect to save between 15% and 20% on your insurance premiums.

Anti-theft devices are designed to prevent car theft, and they come in various forms. Some common examples include:

• Steering wheel locks
• Brake locks
• Kill switches
• Transponder keys
• Audible alarms
• GPS tracking systems
• Vehicle recovery systems

These devices can be manual, automatic, or remote-controlled. Manual disabling devices, such as steering wheel locks and brake locks, require physical setup and activation. Automatic disabling devices, like transponder keys and audible alarms, work without any manual intervention. Remote disabling devices allow you to remotely shut down access to the ignition or engine using GPS technology.

Insurance companies have to pay out large sums for stolen vehicles, so they encourage the use of anti-theft devices by offering discounts. By reducing the risk of theft, these devices help insurers save money, and they pass some of those savings on to their customers.

The discount you receive will depend on the type of anti-theft device you have. Passive anti-theft devices, which activate automatically and don't require any effort from the driver, typically offer larger discounts than active devices, which require manual activation.

It's important to note that the anti-theft discount only applies to the comprehensive part of your insurance coverage, not your entire policy. Additionally, the discount may not be available in all states or for all vehicles.

Benefits Beyond Insurance Savings

While saving money on insurance is a great incentive, the primary benefit of installing an anti-theft device is enhancing your vehicle's security. These devices can deter thieves and make it more difficult for them to steal your car. In the unfortunate event that your car is stolen, devices like GPS trackers and vehicle recovery systems can help locate and recover your vehicle.

Choosing the Right Anti-Theft Device

When choosing an anti-theft device, consider your vehicle, budget, and personal preferences. Some devices, like steering wheel locks and brake locks, are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Others, like GPS trackers and vehicle recovery systems, may be more costly and require professional installation.

It's also essential to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for specific anti-theft devices. Some insurers may have restrictions or requirements for certain devices to qualify for the discount.

By installing an anti-theft device and taking advantage of the insurance discount, you can not only improve your vehicle's security but also reduce your insurance costs.

GEICO offers a 23% discount for comprehensive coverage with anti-theft devices

GEICO offers a discount of up to 23% on the comprehensive portion of your premium if your car has a built-in anti-theft system. This is a significant discount and a great incentive for car owners to invest in anti-theft technology.

Anti-theft devices are an effective way to deter car thieves and reduce the risk of vehicle theft. They can also help law enforcement locate your car if it is stolen. By installing an anti-theft device, you not only protect your vehicle but also save money on your insurance premium.

There are two main types of anti-theft devices: passive and active. Passive devices, such as transponder keys, alarms, and automatic locking doors, work automatically without any effort from the driver. Active devices, like steering wheel locks and brake locks, require manual activation.

GEICO's anti-theft system discount is a great way to save money on your car insurance while also protecting your vehicle from theft. It's important to note that the discount applies specifically to the comprehensive portion of your premium, and the availability and specifics of the discount may vary by state.

To take advantage of this discount, contact GEICO to inquire about the specific devices they accept and any proof of installation they may require. GEICO's anti-theft system discount is a great way to save money and protect your vehicle.

Anti-theft devices fall into two categories: active and passive

Anti-theft devices are an effective way to prevent car theft and can also result in insurance discounts. They fall into two categories: active and passive.

Passive anti-theft devices automatically arm themselves when the vehicle is turned off, the ignition key is removed, or a door is shut. No additional action is required by the driver. Examples of passive devices include transponder keys, automatic locking doors, and PASS Lock systems. Passive alarms are considered more convenient as they are always armed, providing greater protection. They also offer larger insurance discounts compared to active alarms.

Active anti-theft devices, on the other hand, require some form of independent physical action before they are set. This could include pushing a button, using a remote, or placing a "lock" over a vehicle component. Steering wheel locks, brake locks, aftermarket alarms, and kill switches are examples of active devices. Active devices offer the driver more convenience as they can make multiple trips to and from the car without setting off the alarm. However, they provide less overall protection since they rely on the driver's action to be activated.

It is worth noting that some vehicles come with factory-installed alarm systems that may be considered both active and passive. For example, a vehicle may have an active alarm that requires manual activation but also has a passive immobilizer that works regardless of the driver's action.

The choice between active and passive anti-theft devices depends on individual preferences for convenience and protection. While passive devices offer greater protection, active devices provide more convenience and flexibility. It is important to review your insurance policy and consult with professionals to determine which alarm system best suits your needs.

Passive anti-theft devices include automatic locking doors and transponder keys

Passive anti-theft devices are an effective way to protect your car from theft. Unlike active anti-theft devices, they require no action from the car owner and work automatically. They include transponder keys, alarms, and automatic locking doors.

Transponder keys are a type of passive anti-theft device that uses a computer chip to prevent the car from being started without the correct key. The chip emits a unique signal that allows the car to start, and if the signal is not recognised, the vehicle won't start. This type of key is standard with most newer cars and has been found to reduce theft by 40%.

Alarms are another passive anti-theft device that can activate automatically when the ignition is turned off or the car door is shut. These can be loud, consistent noises or silent alarms that notify you via text, email, or phone call.

Automatic locking doors is a passive anti-theft feature that locks the car doors when the key is removed from the ignition or travels a certain distance from the vehicle. This helps to ensure that the car is secure even if the owner forgets to lock the doors manually.

Passive anti-theft devices are favoured by insurance companies because they reduce the likelihood of car theft and increase the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle. As a result, many insurers offer discounts to policyholders who have these devices installed. The discount amount varies by insurer, with savings typically ranging from 3% to 25%, and higher savings offered for passive anti-theft devices.

Active anti-theft devices include steering wheel locks and brake locks

Active Anti-Theft Devices: Steering Wheel Locks and Brake Locks

Steering wheel locks and brake locks are simple yet effective ways to deter car thieves. These devices are a great addition to your vehicle's security system and can also help you save money on insurance premiums.

Types of Anti-Theft Devices

There are two main types of anti-theft devices: passive and active. Passive anti-theft devices, like transponder keys, alarms, and automatic locking doors, work without any input from the driver. On the other hand, active anti-theft devices require the driver to take some action, such as physically switching on the device.

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks are a common type of active anti-theft device. They work by attaching to the steering wheel, making it impossible to turn. Some steering wheel locks, like the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock, also have a brake lock feature, adding an extra layer of security. This particular model is made of alloy steel and can be adjusted to fit different vehicles. It's important to note that steering wheel locks are not a guarantee against theft, as they can be bypassed with power tools. However, they serve as a strong visual deterrent and make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car.

Brake Locks

Brake locks are another type of active anti-theft device. They attach to the brake pedal, making it impossible to depress the pedal and drive away. The Club CL606 Brake Lock Anti-Theft Device is a popular option that offers good value for money. Like steering wheel locks, brake locks can be bypassed with power tools, but they still act as a strong deterrent.

Benefits of Active Anti-Theft Devices

Active anti-theft devices not only provide peace of mind but can also lead to financial benefits. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have these devices installed, as they help reduce the number of stolen vehicles and save the insurance company money. Additionally, active anti-theft devices are often simple to install and use, providing an affordable and convenient way to enhance your vehicle's security.

Frequently asked questions