Anti-Theft Devices: Save on Premiums

I've helped countless drivers lower their car insurance premiums by installing anti-theft devices. We understand that car insurance can be expensive, and finding ways to save money is important. This guide will walk you through how anti-theft devices can significantly reduce your costs and provide you with peace of mind.

How a $30 Device Can Save You Hundreds

To an insurance company, car insurance is a simple game of risk. The higher your risk of filing a claim, the higher your premium. Vehicle theft is one of the biggest risks they face.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over one million vehicles were stolen in 2023, a historic high that cost insurers and owners billions.

When you install an anti-theft device, you make your car a less appealing target. A thief looking for a quick and easy score will likely skip your car for one without a visible lock or blinking alarm light.

By lowering the risk of your car being stolen, you lower the chance that your insurer will have to pay a massive claim. They pass this reduced risk back to you in the form of a discount on your comprehensive coverage—the part of your policy that pays for theft, vandalism, and other non-collision damage.



Not All Devices Are Created Equal

Insurers often group anti-theft devices into different tiers, with each level offering a different discount. While a factory-installed immobilizer (standard on most cars made after 2000) is already factored into your rate, adding other layers of protection can earn you more.

Here’s a breakdown of common devices:

Passive Devices (Basic Deterrents)

These require no action from you to arm.

Active Devices (Alarms & Immobilizers)

These require you to arm them or are armed automatically.

Tracking & Recovery Systems (Highest Discount)

These are systems that actively help police recover your vehicle after it's been stolen. Because they can turn a total-loss claim into a simple recovery, insurers love them and offer the best discounts.

The Bottom Line: How Much Will You Save?

Let's be realistic: an anti-theft device won't cut your entire insurance bill in half. The discount, which typically ranges from 5% to 25%, applies only to your comprehensive premium.

Example:

A $30 steering wheel lock pays for itself in the first year. A more expensive GPS system may take a couple of years to pay for itself, but it offers far greater protection.

Remember the other, more significant savings: your deductible. If your car is stolen and you have a $1,000 deductible, that's $1,000 out of your pocket. An anti-theft device is an investment in preventing that hassle and expense.

Your 3-Step Action Plan to Get the Discount

Don't just buy a device and hope for the best. Follow these steps.

  1. Call Your Agent First: Before you spend a dime, call your insurance company. Ask them: "What specific anti-theft devices or brands qualify for a discount, and how much is that discount?" They will have a specific list.
  2. Get Proof of Purchase: Whether you buy a $30 pedal lock or a $500 professionally installed recovery system, keep the receipt. For trackers or kill switches, an invoice from the installation shop is perfect.
  3. Submit and Verify: Send a copy of your receipt or invoice to your insurer. Don't assume the discount is applied. Check your next policy renewal statement and look for a line item that says "Anti-Theft Device Discount" or "Passive Disabling Device." If you don't see it, call your agent.

A car is one of the most expensive assets you own. Protecting it is a no-brainer, especially with vehicle theft remaining a major issue. Installing an anti-theft device is a smart, simple investment in your property's security—and the fact that your insurance company will pay you back for it makes it one of the easiest financial decisions a driver can make.

Key Takeaways