How To Save On Car Premiums With Anti-Theft Devices

By Graham McKenzie

You can cut the cost of your car insurance by confirming with your insurer the premium discount that you can avail for outfitting the car being insured with the applicable anti-theft device. Insurance companies normally offer special discounts and cutbacks on the amount of premium in consideration to the security system and anti-theft device installed in your car. When you are scouting for the best priced car insurance policy, don?t fail to clarify with your insurance agent the discounts that they can offer to you for the device or security system that you are using in your vehicle.

There are three main types of anti-theft devices available in the market today. These are the mechanical immobilizers, the car security alarm systems and the electronic tracking and immobilizing device. It is important that you have clear understanding of the operating principles of these 3 types of security devices.

Mechanical locks and latches are commonly referred to as mechanical car immobilizers. This is a practical alternative to the expensive electronic security gadgets. It basically provides protection by physically immobilizing critical control mechanisms of the vehicle. The most common mechanical immobilizer is the steering wheel metal latch. It practically locks into place the steering wheel to prevent car thieves from driving a car outfitted with such device. One great advantage of this type of mechanical locks is that it is a good deterrent for would-be thieves as they normally shun away from vehicles that are protected by mechanical immobilizers. There are also sturdy metal latches that can immobilize the brake pedals, wheel assembly and even the stick shifters. Nonetheless, car security experts recommend that these mechanical devices are best paired with other car security gadgets to address all possible threat scenarios.

If you prefer the modern gadgetry for the security system for your car, then you have to make your choice from the devices that fall under the major category of security alarm systems. These electronic gadgets are generally motion-activated alarm systems. The system produces a deafening alarm in case of forcible entry, sudden movements and nudges and perimeter breaks. The alarm serves as a deterrent for potential theft as it is easily activated under the previously listed threat scenarios.

The third class of anti-theft devices includes the electronic devices that provide tracking capability and electronically activated immobilizing capability. These electronic devices deliver real time reports on the actual location of a stolen vehicle. It also features a tamper proof VIN etching feature that provides the unique identification code of your vehicle. There are models that provide an electronically activated immobilizing capability that will prevent thieves from driving off with your vehicle.

The last thing that you must do when you are considering the appropriate car insurance is to ask and confirm the discounts being offered by the car insurance companies for vehicles outfitted with security systems and anti-theft devices. You have to confirm with your insurance agent or the insurance companies which anti-theft devices qualify for a discount on premiums. If you are making online searches, make sure that you provide a complete description of the anti-theft device that is installed in the car being insured. - 21393

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading Car Insurance portal.