Did you know that each year, there are millions of vehicles stolen from their owners? And that this rate of theft means a car is stolen in the US every 23 seconds? Even if you are responsible enough to always lock your doors and take your keys with you, theft is still a possibility. That’s why having an anti-theft device installed in your vehicle can protect you from losing it, and also save you some money on your insurance!
What Is the Anti-Theft Device Discount?
Not all states in the US require your insurance company to offer an anti-theft discount on your Automobile policy. These particular twelve states call for your insurance company to provide you with a discount on your current insurance plan should you buy a good anti-theft system:
- Washington
- Texas
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- Massachusetts
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Florida
You can get an anti-theft device discount on your auto insurance premium by fitting your vehicle with a passive electronic immobilizer (such as engine stoppers, certain passive alarm systems, and auto recovery GPS systems). Because you don’t have to remember to turn them on every single time you leave your car, they’re more dependable. You could receive as much as 30% off your insurance premiums if you install a passive device. For those living in Massachusetts, you’re eligible for at least a 25% discount for both a passive alarm system and an auto recovery device.
Even if your state isn’t listed above, that doesn’t mean you can’t save money. Just because your state doesn’t require them to by law doesn’t mean your insurance provider won’t take the initiative and offer you a discount anyway. However, these discounts will vary from state-to-state and company-to-company.
Specific makes and models may put you at a higher risk for theft. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that the top three stolen vehicles in the nation continue to be older Honda and Toyota models. If you own a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, be wary; the market value of their replacement parts makes them a popular target. So are large SUVs, such as the Cadillac Escalade or the Hummer. The high likelihood of theft makes these vehicles some of the most expensive to insure.
How to Get Anti-Theft Device Discount
To get an anti-theft device discount, you will require a passive electronic immobilizer. These systems turn on automatically when you leave your car and terminate power to the fuel line, the starter, or your ignition system should a thief get behind the wheel. The three basic kinds of automobile anti-theft devices are:
- Mechanical – these mechanical devices either limit the movement of or completely immobilize the steering wheel. This prevents an unauthorized person from stealing your vehicle. These are the most popular anti-theft devices, mostly due to their affordability.
- Audio – Some vehicle alarms are designed to dissuade would-be thieves by calling attention to your vehicle with loud sirens, beeps, and other noises. Sometimes the car’s lighting systems will also flash.
- Electronic – there are electronic immobilizers which are designed to immediately shut down the vehicle’s ignition, fuel line, or starter so that a thief cannot operate your automobile. Many modern vehicles will come with a built-in immobilizer.