How To Save On Car Premiums With Anti-Theft Devices

By Graham McKenzie

One good way to get discounts from your car insurance premiums is by outfitting your car with the appropriate anti-theft device. Car insurance companies allow discounts to policies offered to car owners who have anti-theft devices installed in their vehicles. When you are shopping for a car insurance policy, it is important that you ask your insurer of the applicable discounts that they offer for specific anti-theft devices that are installed on the insured vehicles.

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.

The mechanical immobilizers are the popular latches that restrict the movement of the steering wheel. This mechanical immobilizer will prevent car thieves from driving off with your car as they cannot gain control of the steering wheel. Many car owners take this as a practical alternative to the high priced electronic alarm systems. There are also other lock bars which can be used on the brake pedals, the wheels and the gear stick shifters. The inherent strength of these sturdy lock bars is that they are effective deterrent to potential theft as ordinary thieves easily get discouraged by the mere sight of these immobilizers outfitted in the car. Nonetheless, police officials strongly recommend that these mechanical locks be used as part of a more complex anti-theft and security system for your car.

Electronic car alarm systems provide security by sounding off potential security threats. The deafening alarm can ward off would-be car thieves if they attempt to forcibly enter a vehicle outfitted with a car alarm system. The system is triggered by motion sensitive sensors which activates the alarm. It can also be programmed to monitor sudden motions and breaches within a specified perimeter around the vehicle. There are a lot of variants of car alarm systems available in the market. It is important that you buy one that is effective and reliable in providing security to your vehicle.

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.

Once you have fully considered the essential information about car security and anti-theft devices, the next thing for you to do is clarify with your insurance agent or the car insurance company the applicable devices that are entitled to discounts to your car insurance premiums. When you are investing on a new car security system, it is also imperative for you to include in the equation the amount of savings you will get in the form of cutbacks in your premiums. When you are doing online search of the best insurance policy make sure that you include the information about your car security system when you are comparing quotations of various policy offers. - 21396

About the Author:

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