How Secure is Your Car in California, or Anywhere? Check Out the Best Car Alarms on the Market
1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup
8. 1990 Acura Integra
9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
10. 1991 Nissan Sentra
Do you live in one of the top ten cities where most car theft occurs? Again from NICB , here’s the list for 2005. Notice, six of the top ten cities are in California.
1. Modesto, CA
2. Las Vegas NV
3. Stockton, CA
4. Phoenix, AZ
5. Visalia, CA
6. Seattle, WA
7. Sacramento, CA
8. San Diego, CA
9. Fresno, CA
10. Yakima, WA
If you happen to live in one of these cities and drive one of these cars, you’re in double jeopardy. But the fact is, car theft happens even in the smallest town, and even to the oldest, ugliest cars.
Besides adding safety and peace of mind, a security device such as a car alarm may also save you money on your auto insurance. Fourteen states now require insurers to give car owners discounts of 15 to 30 percent off their comprehensive insurance bills for having anti-theft devices. Some devices – such as certain car alarms, electronic auto recovery systems, and ignition cutoffs may qualify for up to 30 percent off the entire insurance bill.
The states which require discounts include:
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. If you don’t live in one of these states, ask your insurer if they provide discounts for car alarms and other security devices.
Experts Will Tell You, Auto Security is a Four-layer Process:
First Layer: Common Sense
Common sense is your best defense. This may seem obvious, but incredibly, 20 percent of cars stolen had the keys in the ignition, according to AAA. Here’s what the NICB recommends:
Don’t leave the car running unattended, even in your driveway.
Don’t hide keys. Thieves know where to look.
Lock the car. Close the windows.
Keep the registration in your wallet, not in the glove box. Keep a copy at home.
Put personal property, such as cell phones, out of sight.
Park in well-lit areas.
Second Layer: Audible and Visible Warnings
Audible
The obvious audible device is a car alarm, which, oddly enough, includes silent alarms. If you’re in one of the high-risk areas listed above, you should buy the best car alarm you can afford. Then advertise it by placing stickers on your car. But stay away from no-name and noisemaker car alarms.
According to Rich Brown, owner of Steele Audio on Bechelli Lane in Redding, California, these systems offer no security. It’s better, he says, to stick with the larger manufacturers. Brown’s customers have had the best luck with the Audiovox Prestige Platinum APS 996a. This system not only provides excellent security and keyless remote, but also allows you to remote start your vehicle and comes with a 2- way pager that alerts you if someone is tampering with your car. This is top of the line, but, says Brown, if you are on a tight budget, Audivox also makes some excellent lower priced systems that run around $150. Another good, affordable choice is DEI, adds Brown.
One more thing to consider about car alarms: Brown points out that the system is only as good as the installation. Whatever alarm you buy, get it installed by an experienced technician who is familiar with the system, and with your model of car.
Visible
Tapered door locks make it hard, if not impossible for thieves to unlock the door with a coat hanger.
Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) etched, or written on all windows and major car parts. Doing this makes tracing the car easier. A do-it-yourself kit starts around $20.
You’ve no doubt heard of the Club, a steering wheel lock which has been around for a couple of decades.
There’s also a device called the Wrap, which also locks the steering wheel.
Another device is an ignition and steering-column collar, also called a “cuff lock,” a steel shield which locks over the steering column, making the ignition inaccessible.
A cane-shaped lock that secures the steering wheel to the brake pedal, making them immobile.
Third Layer: Immobilizing Devices
Devices that immobilize the car make up the third layer. Immobilizing devices include kill switches that prevent hot-wiring, fuse cutoffs, and starter disablers. Some devices have computer chips in ignition keys. If a thief wants to steal such a vehicle, he would probably have to haul it away on a truck.
Fourth Layer: Tracking Device
The final layer of protection is a tracking device, such as OnStar, available in most GM cars and several others, like Volkswagen and Acura.
LoJack is another tracking device, which helps police find stolen cars. It consists of a transmitter that’s about 3 inches by 6 inches, and can be installed in any one of 20 spots in a car. That way thieves do not know its location. The LoJack is not active until a car is stolen and the police activate it by remote control.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) says that LoJack offers a 90 percent recovery rate, but it is only available in 22 states and the District of Columbia. LoJack and Onstar recommend that if you have such a system installed, you advertise the fact by putting decals on your car’s exterior, which may serve to keep thieves away. Both tracking systems install for about $700. Log onto On Star at Onstar.com or LoJack at LoJack.com to find out details.
