Two cars are stolen every minute. So is it worth spending money on a car alarm?
Drivers that believe thieves target only expensive cars or cars in large cities are incorrect. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau the 1995 Honda Civic is the most stolen vehicle, with the 1991 Honda Accord and 1989 Toyota Camry running close behind. The 1997 Ford F-150 was the highest listed pickup truck. These older vehicles are targets due to the high price their parts will bring sold piecemeal. While all vehicle owners should take precautions, it is worthwhile to realize when you drive a high-risk vehicle and take extra precautionary measures.
There are many common sense ways to avoid vehicle theft, such as locking the car, taking the keys, removing valuables or anything that would look desirable to a thief (like a bag or purse), not leaving the vehicle running, keeping the windows closed completely and parking in well-lit areas. This is obviously the least expensive form of defense.
The second line of defense is a car alarm. However, there are pros and cons. Audible car alarms attract attention, scare off thieves and even help deter a thief from stealing your car. Car alarms should always be visible to a possible thief; this is often enough to convince the thief that it isn’t worth attempting a theft. Also, vehicles with anti-theft devices are usually eligible for auto insurance discounts. The initial cost of the alarm might pay for itself in insurance discounts. The average cost of a basic car alarm is $75-250. The downside of these alarms has become the lack of notice people tend to show when they go off, and experienced thieves can quickly disarm systems that are as simple as an audible noise-maker. Due to these reasons, many experts are now saying the alarms are not worth the time and money, but one finds many varying opinions.
GPS or Immobilizing Alarms are even more effective, but more expensive. Because these more advanced systems provide a greater number and more varied range of sensors, they run anywhere from $300-$850. However, these alarms provide an even higher return rate once a vehicle is stolen. GPS alarms, along with pinpointing the vehicle’s location, even alert the owner with and automatic phone call or text message. If you can stop the car, obviously the thief makes no progress. If the car can’t be stripped, the thief is immediately thwarted.
It is important to decide if you have a high-risk vehicle and what your budget can be for the improved safety of your car. If you are driving a car that is worth $500, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to spend $850 on an alarm. However, if it is in your budget to protect your older vehicle, an alarm can be a great way to provide peace of mind while deterring a crime from happening. If you have a high-end model, it may well be worth the money to ensure the vehicle stays in your possession at all times. Auto theft affects all insurance consumers in the form of higher insurance rates, so really we should all be concerned about one of the most common crimes in the United States.
