How To Get Car Premium Cutbacks 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.

These car security gadgets and anti-theft devices are generally categorized into three major classes. These include the mechanical locks and latches, the electronic car alarm devices and the electronic immobilizer and tracking system. You have to understand how each of these security systems serves as effective deterrent to car thieves and the savings that you can generate when availing for discounts on your premiums.

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.

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 category of anti-theft systems includes electronic devices that provide vehicle tracking capability. In instances where thieves successfully drive off with your car, this third category of car theft security system will monitor and report the exact movement and location of the stolen vehicle. An added feature of vehicles with vehicle tracking security system is the VIN etching which functions as the identification code of the vehicle and as the tracking device. Another major feature of this type of security system is its capability to immobilize the car by cutting off power once there is an unauthorized attempt to drive the car.

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. - 23211

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading Car Insurance portal, which provides cover for all Car Insurance types.