Anti-theft Devices for Cars, Explained

Car theft remains a significant threat in the U.S. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau*, the trend has been on a steady incline since 2019. In 2022, the number of vehicles reported stolen and overall vehicle thefts was 1,008,756. This number increased by 1% in 2023, with 1,020,729 reported. 

To protect your car against auto theft, it’s worth investing in anti-theft devices.

TL;DR

• Newer vehicles often come with built-in anti-theft devices
• There are three different categories of anti-theft devices: passive, active, and tracking devices
• Installing anti-theft devices can lead to lower insurance premiums 
• Using multiple anti-theft devices together can maximize your car’s security

Let’s check out the different devices that can keep your car safe, so you can drive (and park) with confidence.

How does a car anti-theft device work?

Having your vehicle stolen is a real bummer, especially if it’s your brand new car. Anti-theft devices can help prevent this scenario in various ways—they can either make it physically impossible for car thieves to steal your car (#tirelock), scare them away by attracting attention to a theft in progress, or help track down your stolen vehicle. 

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of security devices. 

What types of anti-theft devices can prevent my car from being stolen?

Anti-theft devices for your car can come in various shapes and sizes, and help prevent theft in a lot of different ways. Generally, they can be divided into the following categories: passive, active, and tracking devices. 

Passive anti-theft systems

Once this kind of system is in place, no further action is required to activate it from your side. Passive anti-theft devices include:

• Alarm systems: Alarm systems activate when you turn off the ignition or close your car door, including features like automatic disabling devices such as a computer chip in the ignition key. Many newer vehicles come with built-in audible alarm systems for added security. If your car lacks an alarm system or you want extra protection, consider checking out Forbes’ list of the Best Car Alarms of 2024. 
• Smart keys: Smart keys enhance your car’s security with keyless entry and ignition by communicating with your car’s computer to ensure only authorized users can access it. While most new cars come equipped with smart keys, older models can be upgraded at a dealership or locksmith. 
• Dash cams: Dash cams, offer continuous surveillance and peace of mind, with some models recording when motion or impact is detected even while the vehicle is parked. This capability aids in deterring potential thieves and capturing vital evidence. 
• Vehicle-tilt and glass break sensors: Vehicle-tilt and glass break sensors enhance your car’s security by detecting movement and broken glass, triggering alarms to deter thieves, and providing immediate alerts for any suspicious activity. Easily integrated into existing systems, they offer peace of mind and keep your vehicle safe.

Active anti-theft systems

A device falls into this category if you have to activate it–every single time–in order for it to work. Active anti-theft devices include: 

• Steering wheel locks: Steering wheel locks are effective, user-friendly anti-theft devices that prevent the steering wheel from being turned, deterring thieves even if the engine is started. Easy to install and remove, they offer a visual deterrent and are convenient for everyday use. Looking for the best steering wheel lock? Car and Driver has you covered.
• Kill switches: Kill switches enhance your car’s security by cutting off power to essential components, making it impossible for thieves to start the engine even if they have the keys. Discreetly hidden, these devices provide robust protection by preventing unauthorized engine starts.
• Tire clamps: Tire clamps are highly effective anti-theft devices that immobilize the vehicle by locking onto the tire, preventing it from rotating, and making the vehicle inoperable. Their bright, conspicuous design clearly signals to potential thieves that the vehicle is securely protected.
• Brake locks: Brake locks are effective anti-theft devices that clamp onto the brake pedal, preventing it from being pressed down and thus immobilizing the vehicle, making it impossible for thieves to drive away even if they start the engine. This straightforward mechanism provides reliable security for your car.
• Car wheel clamps: Car wheel clamps are great anti-theft devices that secure your vehicle by locking onto the wheel, preventing unauthorized movement. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting protection, and their user-friendly design allows for quick installation and removal. Brands like Tevlaphee can be purchased on Amazon. 
• Battery disconnect switch: A battery disconnect switch is an effective and cost-efficient anti-theft device that prevents vehicle theft by cutting off the power supply, making it impossible for thieves to start the engine, while its simple mechanism allows for quick and easy use with minimal effort.
• Faraday bags: Faraday bags protect your car’s keyless entry system by blocking radio signals, preventing thieves from amplifying or relaying your key fob’s signal and ensuring your car remains safe from unauthorized access. This straightforward yet effective solution offers enhanced security against high-tech car theft.
• Remote locks: Remote locks enable vehicle owners to lock and unlock their cars from a distance using a remote key fob, adding an extra layer of security and preventing unauthorized access, all while offering seamless operation and quick activation for enhanced vehicle protection.

Tracking devices

Tracking devices help you locate a stolen car. Tracking devices typically include: 

• GPS tracking devices: GPS tracking devices are powerful anti-theft tools that provide real-time location data, enabling law enforcement to quickly recover stolen vehicles by transmitting precise GPS coordinates to a monitoring system. If you’re looking to add a GPS tracking device to your vehicle, Forbes has summarized the best ones. 
• Vehicle recovery systems: Vehicle recovery systems are vital anti-theft tools that enhance car security by combining GPS tracking and advanced telematics. They monitor the vehicle’s location in real-time and alert owners and law enforcement during a theft, enabling swift recovery.

How do I know if my car is already equipped with anti-theft devices?

When buying your car, it might come with some built-in anti-theft mechanisms (this is the case for many new cars nowadays). Simply check with your auto manufacturer.

Alternatively, if you feel like upgrading your car after you’ve had it for some time, just get yourself some additional security systems.

What qualifies as an anti-theft device for my insurer?

Both passive and active anti-theft systems that are installed permanently in your car could qualify as an approved device by your car insurance company. These devices can be installed either by the manufacturer of the car before buying it or after the fact. 

How do anti-theft devices affect my car insurance premium?

Let’s start with the basics: Car theft could be covered under your car insurance policy if you add on comprehensive coverage. Basically, comprehensive insurance can help pay to fix damage to your car, or possibly replace it, from a lot of things that don’t involve a car crash—like theft, or damages caused by fire, vandalism or natural disasters.

So, how does this connect to vehicle anti-theft devices? If your car’s equipped with an anti-theft device, it’s less likely to fall victim to car theft. Not only that, in the case that your car is stolen, there’s a higher chance that your car will be recovered if it’s equipped with an anti-theft device. 

This decreases the likelihood of you handing in a theft-related insurance claim. Great news for your insurer, as these kinds of claims can get pretty expensive. If you have a qualified anti-theft device installed in your car, your insurer might even reward you by lowering your insurance premium. More specifically, equipping your car with anti-theft devices might score you a discount on the comprehensive coverage section of your auto insurance policy. 

However, this discount is only available in 12 states so far (Illinois is one of them!) – and is offered by a limited number of insurance companies. The good news is that if you have a qualifying device installed on your vehicle you’ll be able to enjoy the discount on your Lemonade Car insurance policy! Be sure to check out our car insurance quotes online when you think you are ready.

More tips for car theft prevention 

• Don’t park your car in any deserted, non-well-lit areas. If no one’s watching, potential car thieves can take all the time in the world to break into your car. In addition, there won’t be any witnesses to tell you what has happened to your ride or testify for you at the police station.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car that can be easily spotted from the outside. Leaving your MacBook on the passenger seat might as well close the deal for any potential thieves. And once they’ve broken into your car, it’s much easier for them to drive off with it. 
• When you exit your car, always check that you’ve closed all the car doors and windows and have locked your vehicle.

FAQs

*https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/vehicle-thefts-surge-nationwide-2023

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.