Why You Should Get an Anti-Theft Device for Your Car
An anti-theft device for your car can help ensure your vehicle is protected from thieves. Your auto insurance company may also offer anti-theft device discounts for up to 15% off your policy. Some of the best types of anti-theft devices for your car include alarms, steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and more. You can also protect your vehicle using motion-detection lights and home security systems.
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Diego Anderson
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Diego Anderson is a Real Estate Agent based in the Bay Area of California. Having received his Real Estate License at the age of 18, he wasted no time learning the ins and outs of the industry. With a focus on residential dual agency, he has a passion for supporting and educating families on their home buying and selling decisions. He is no stranger to new builds and new developments. He also r...
Licensed Real Estate Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Anti-theft devices can prevent your car from being stolen and help you earn discounts of up to 15% on your auto insurance
- Some of the best anti-theft devices for car insurance include remote locks, alarms, steering wheel locks, brake locks, car wheel clamps, kill switches, GPS trackers, and vehicle recovery systems
- Comprehensive coverage may cover the cost to replace your vehicle if it is stolen
In 2020, there was an 11.8% increase in motor vehicle thefts. While having auto insurance helps protect you financially, having an anti-theft device for your car could help save your time and provide peace of mind.
Read more below to learn about the benefits of having an anti-theft device, the best types of anti-theft devices, and other ways you can protect your car.
If you need auto insurance to ensure your financial protection, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find an auto insurance company near you.
Why should I get an anti-theft device for my car?
Anti-theft devices are used to protect your vehicle. In 2020, there were over 800,000 vehicles stolen in the United States. Whether you consistently park your vehicle outside or need to leave your car parked in a public place, an anti-theft device can help protect your vehicle.
Having an alarm or a wheel lock will work well to deter thieves. In addition, you can also save on your auto insurance with a discount for having an anti-theft device.
Let’s look at the average cost of auto insurance before a discount:
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by State
| States | Average Annual Comprehensive Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Collision Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Liability Auto Insurance Rates | Average Annual Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $156.31 | $317.96 | $372.57 | $868.48 |
| Alaska | $137.26 | $350.81 | $547.34 | $1,027.75 |
| Arizona | $186.12 | $277.96 | $488.59 | $972.85 |
| Arkansas | $190.41 | $321.80 | $381.14 | $906.34 |
| California | $100.54 | $396.55 | $462.95 | $986.75 |
| Colorado | $174.61 | $287.00 | $477.10 | $981.64 |
| Connecticut | $131.62 | $368.51 | $633.95 | $1,151.07 |
| Delaware | $122.49 | $318.77 | $776.50 | $1,240.57 |
| District of Columbia | $233.24 | $468.67 | $628.09 | $1,330.73 |
| Florida | $159.18 | $331.83 | $845.05 | $1,048.40 |
| Georgia | $101.56 | $313.17 | $490.64 | $873.28 |
| Hawaii | $116.55 | $219.05 | $458.49 | $679.89 |
| Idaho | $128.13 | $309.71 | $337.17 | $884.56 |
| Illinois | $122.06 | $250.29 | $430.54 | $755.03 |
| Indiana | $183.53 | $219.75 | $372.44 | $702.46 |
| Iowa | $267.91 | $263.33 | $293.34 | $862.93 |
| Kansas | $141.39 | $267.91 | $342.33 | $938.51 |
| Kentucky | $215.17 | $414.36 | $518.91 | $1,405.36 |
| Louisiana | $104.98 | $259.98 | $727.15 | $703.82 |
| Maine | $152.72 | $353.99 | $333.92 | $1,116.45 |
| Maryland | $134.96 | $388.28 | $599.48 | $1,129.29 |
| Massachusetts | $154.85 | $413.83 | $587.75 | $1,364.00 |
| Michigan | $184.27 | $234.40 | $722.04 | $875.49 |
| Minnesota | $210.33 | $323.22 | $439.58 | $994.05 |
| Mississippi | $181.27 | $275.28 | $437.38 | $872.43 |
| Missouri | $211.91 | $265.32 | $399.41 | $863.52 |
| Montana | $229.25 | $237.13 | $387.77 | $831.02 |
| Nebraska | $117.63 | $303.86 | $349.07 | $1,103.05 |
| Nevada | $110.77 | $307.42 | $647.07 | $818.75 |
| New Hampshire | $131.35 | $381.86 | $393.24 | $1,382.79 |
| New Jersey | $172.57 | $276.98 | $865.55 | $937.59 |
| New Mexico | $171.12 | $385.02 | $462.21 | $1,360.66 |
| New York | $136.08 | $293.59 | $784.98 | $789.09 |
| North Carolina | $231.04 | $244.09 | $357.59 | $773.30 |
| North Dakota | $121.61 | $269.84 | $282.55 | $788.56 |
| Ohio | $225.84 | $318.47 | $376.16 | $1,005.32 |
| Oklahoma | $93.87 | $226.83 | $441.57 | $904.83 |
| Oregon | $144.21 | $327.24 | $553.43 | $970.51 |
| Pennsylvania | $132.19 | $411.51 | $495.02 | $1,303.50 |
| Rhode Island | $180.94 | $265.07 | $720.06 | $973.10 |
| South Carolina | $258.11 | $208.58 | $497.50 | $766.91 |
| South Dakota | $116.53 | $282.96 | $289.04 | $1,257.13 |
| Tennessee | $148.45 | $309.07 | $397.73 | $871.43 |
| Texas | $206.42 | $374.49 | $498.44 | $1,109.66 |
| Utah | $109.50 | $265.90 | $471.26 | $872.93 |
| Vermont | $125.48 | $295.42 | $340.98 | $764.02 |
| Virginia | $136.54 | $280.52 | $413.12 | $842.67 |
| Washington | $106.38 | $265.74 | $568.92 | $968.80 |
| West Virginia | $204.28 | $329.67 | $501.44 | $1,025.78 |
| Wisconsin | $136.81 | $226.00 | $359.84 | $737.18 |
| Wyoming | $247.57 | $278.83 | $323.38 | $847.44 |
An anti-theft device discount could earn you up to 15% off. Auto insurance companies that provide this discount include Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Progressive, Nationwide, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual.
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What are the best auto anti-theft devices?
There are many different anti-theft device types. A basic device has remote locks and an alarm. A remote lock allows you to lock your vehicle’s doors from afar. Some remote locks may connect to your smartphone so you can lock your doors further away, such as inside your home or at work.
Alarms create a loud noise that draws others’ attention, which could scare a thief away. You can also place stickers on your car’s windows to stop a thief before they begin vandalizing your vehicle. A basic alarm system or remote locks could cost around $200 each to install.
Some devices lock a specific part of your car, such as a steering wheel lock, brake lock, or car wheel clamp.
A steering wheel lock makes turning the steering wheel difficult, and it can cost as little as $20. Brake locks disable your brakes through the brake pedal or steering wheel, and they can cost around $50. Finally, car wheel clamps can prevent your car and the tires themselves from theft for between $30 and $70.
Some drivers may also choose kill switches that cost as little as $10. Kill switches will cut electricity flow at the ignition so thieves can’t start the vehicle. If you use a subscription service, such as OnStar, it may also stop your car from starting if you report it stolen.
You may also want to consider using a GPS tracker for your car. While it won’t prevent your vehicle from being stolen, it can check the location of your car and alert you when it’s in motion. A more advanced GPS tracker may also allow you to immobilize your vehicle. These systems can cost between $40 to over $100.
Vehicle recovery systems allow law enforcement to locate your vehicle by sending radio signals to your car with a computer. Vehicle recovery systems may cost around $695.
Does auto insurance cover theft?
In many cases, standard auto insurance will not cover the theft of your vehicle. However, comprehensive coverage does cover events out of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Therefore, if you carry comprehensive insurance, your auto insurance company will cover your replacement costs.
With that being said, your auto insurance will not cover the cost of personal items left in your vehicle. These items may be covered under your homeowners or renter’s insurance, but it is only worth filing a claim if the cost of the items is more than your deductible.
How else can I protect my car?
While anti-theft devices provide a lot of protection for your car, most of the security for your vehicle comes from safe parking. Try to park in busy, well-lit areas with your car locked and turned off. Also, make sure you have your key fob with you and that you move valuable items out of sight.
When you’re parking your car at home, make sure to leave the keys inside your house rather than in the car or garage. Doorbell cameras and other home security systems can also help law enforcement catch thieves.
Other ways to protect your car include leaving your vehicle locked and turned off when parked, installing motion-detection lights at home, and having a home security system.
Auto insurance companies may reward you for having safety features and devices that protect your vehicle. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find affordable auto insurance rates in your area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an anti-theft device for a car?
An anti-theft device is a security mechanism designed to prevent or deter car theft. It can be a physical device installed in the vehicle or a software-based system that enhances the car’s security features.
Why should I consider getting an anti-theft device for my car?
There are several compelling reasons to consider getting an anti-theft device for your car:
- Deterrence: Visible anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks or visible alarm systems, act as a deterrent to potential thieves, making them think twice before targeting your vehicle.
- Protection: Anti-theft devices provide an additional layer of protection for your car, reducing the risk of theft or break-ins.
- Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for vehicles equipped with approved anti-theft devices. Installing one can help you save money on your insurance costs.
- Peace of mind: Having an anti-theft device installed in your car gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have taken steps to protect your vehicle from theft.
What types of anti-theft devices are available?
There are various types of anti-theft devices available, including:
- Steering wheel locks: These devices prevent the steering wheel from turning, making it difficult for thieves to drive away with the car.
- Alarm systems: Alarm systems create a loud noise or sound an alert when someone tries to break into or start the car.
- Immobilizers: Immobilizers are electronic devices that prevent the engine from starting unless the correct key or key fob is present.
- GPS tracking systems: GPS tracking systems enable you to track the location of your vehicle in real-time, making it easier to recover if stolen.
- Electronic immobilizing devices: These devices disable a specific part of the car’s electrical system, making it impossible to start the engine without the correct code or key.
Will installing an anti-theft device lower my insurance premium?
In many cases, yes. Insurance companies often offer discounts on premiums for vehicles equipped with approved anti-theft devices. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine which devices qualify for discounts and how much you can save.
Are there any cons to installing an anti-theft device?
While anti-theft devices offer numerous benefits, there are a few potential cons to consider:
- Cost: Some anti-theft devices can be expensive, especially if they include advanced features like GPS tracking. The initial investment may deter some people.
- False alarms: Alarm systems can occasionally trigger false alarms, which may cause inconvenience and annoyance to the vehicle owner and those nearby.
- Installation: Certain anti-theft devices may require professional installation, adding to the overall cost. Additionally, improper installation could affect the device’s effectiveness.
- Effectiveness limitations: While anti-theft devices can significantly deter theft, determined thieves may still find ways to bypass or disable them.
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Diego Anderson
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Diego Anderson is a Real Estate Agent based in the Bay Area of California. Having received his Real Estate License at the age of 18, he wasted no time learning the ins and outs of the industry. With a focus on residential dual agency, he has a passion for supporting and educating families on their home buying and selling decisions. He is no stranger to new builds and new developments. He also r...
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.