Are Aftermarket Car Alarms Worth It?
A good car alarm system can be cheap insurance if the lights and sirens they emit scare off would-be burglars or car thieves. Some studies also suggest GPS tracking gives an owner a better chance of recovering a stolen vehicle, though there aren’t any guarantees. Thankfully, it isn’t necessarily an either-or. Some two-way alarms include both the traditional light and noise alarms as well as GPS tracking should the thief make off with the car. Some alarms also provide optional extras like remote starting and locking capabilities, which are value-adds above and beyond theft protection.
Do Car Alarms Really Deter Thieves?
Yes and no. There’s no guarantee that a thief will be deterred even by the loudest and most obnoxious alarm, and professional thieves can usually disable systems in under a couple of minutes. But loud sirens and lights on a sleepy residential block or in a busy commercial area might deter joyriders or casual thieves. In older vehicles, any protection is better than the almost total lack of theft deterrents on classic vehicles from the 1980s or earlier.
What Is the Difference Between One- and Two-Way Alarms?
One-way alarms send a signal from the key fob to the alarm. It’s usually pretty basic—arming or disarming the remote for the lights and sirens. Two-way systems send that signal, but they also send data back from the vehicle to the user. Depending on the vehicle and the system in question, that data can include vehicle status and location, text or visual depictions of open doors or activated lights, or even the interior temperature of the vehicle. Two-way systems offer more sophisticated tracking and protection, but they also cost more to buy and install.
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Car Alarm?
Some simple systems just plug into your OBD-II port, so there’s no installation cost, but most require some additional wiring. The simpler installations use wiring harness connectors that already exist or come with adapters, and might only cost $100 to $200. High-end, complicated alarm system installations can cost between $500 and $1,000. It’s best to check installation prices with your budget in mind before purchasing an alarm.
Are Aftermarket Alarms Better Than Factory Systems?
Factory alarm systems are usually extremely reliable and free of false alarms. Where aftermarket systems excel is in additional features like shock and glass breakage sensors, status and location data sent directly to a cellphone or tablet, and the ability to add new features as they’re introduced. Most factory systems don’t offer these extras, and cars built before the 1990s rarely have any modern theft protection features.
Can Adding a Car Alarm Lower My Insurance Premium?
Yes, they can. However, the amount you save will vary by insurer, and savings are not guaranteed. It’s best to check with your carrier before any purchase or installation to find out if a discount is available and if there are any requirements of the system. Theft is only one factor in the pricing of your insurance policy, and an alarm would only reduce the part of the premium attributable to that portion.
Is a Two-Way Remote Starter Worth It?
If you live in a very cold or very hot climate, probably. Drivers who live in a cold climate often opt for remote starters to warm up their vehicles before driving in winter months, and these systems also allow you to cool the car during hot summer months before you enter. For some drivers, that convenience is worth it.
