Many people are interested in finding ways to save money on their auto insurance. One way to qualify for a discount on your policy is to make your vehicle impervious to theft by installing an anti-theft device. Besides trading your Escalade in for a Yugo, the best way to discourage a car thief is with an anti-theft device. When you lower this risk, then your insurer will be able to offer you lower premiums.
This information is especially important if you happen to drive one of the vehicles that is most likely to be stolen. Here are the top 3 vehicles that thieves target most often, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- Cadillac Escalade
- Ford F-Series
- Hummer H2
Popular Car Anti-Theft Devices
When you are looking for an anti-theft device for your car, one option you may want to consider is the LoJack system. Vehicle owners in some states who have this device installed can save up to 35% on their insurance premiums from insurers like State Farm and Progressive.
With this system, a radio transceiver is installed in your vehicle and the unit is registered with the LoJack Company, which shares this information with the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) system. Nothing further happens unless your car is stolen. At that point, you contact the police and the LoJack transmitter is activated. This automobile anti-theft device starts to give off a signal that police are able to track. As a result, your car can be recovered quickly and (relatively) easily.
Another automobile anti-theft device you may want to consider is an electronic immobilizer that will make the car un-drivable when the engine is turned off. To operate the car, you will need to use either an electronic device or a special key. (Many people attach these items to their key ring for the sake of convenience.)
Once the immobilizer has been activated, it actually shuts off part of the engine鈥檚 electrical system, which may be the fuel system, the ignition, or the starter. If you want to get the best possible protection from this automobile anti-theft device, choose a model that will still work even if it has been forcibly removed from the vehicle.
In order to qualify for a discount from your insurance company, you will need to forward proof that you have had the automobile anti-theft device installed in your vehicle. Sending the receipt to your insurer should be sufficient for this purpose. Just be sure to indicate on your cover letter that you are requesting a discount on the cost of your premium.
Just your Goodies
Thieves are often just interested in removing valuables from your auto and will simply break a window to enter the vehicle. If no anti-theft alarm sounds, they may remove your radio or CD player. One of the more popular theft-proof items available is the audio system with a removable face. Take the removable front with you when you depart your vehicle and thieves will have nothing to steal.
With the price of precious metals at an all-time high, be on the look-out for thieves who are now snatching catalytic converters. Ask any scrap metal dealer and they will tell you that the few dishonest ones in their profession are paying $40 to $50 per converter. Catalytic converters happen to contain platinum, which sells for $2147.00 an ounce right now, which is over twice the value of gold. Happily, there are theft-deterrent devices made for catalytic converters. Vehicle with high ground clearance, like a Toyota 4Runner, are particularly susceptible. Rule of thumb: always park in a well-lit, high traffic area.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle pay off by protecting your property, discouraging illegal activity in your neighborhood, and by helping you keep your auto insurance rates as low as possible.
