Aside from providing peace of mind,
beefing up on
car security can save you money on your
Auto Insurance.
Most modern cars have built-in
immobilizers. In fact, car insurance
companies place great store in these devices. Additionally, an
engine cut-off switch can be installed in a not too obvious place. Any
would-be car thief would have to find it first in order to be able to drive off
with your wheels.
Steering locks are also a possibility. These devices typically fit over
the steering wheel to prevent it from being turned. Others hook under the
clutch/break pedal and over the steering wheel to prevent both the wheel
turning and the clutch being depressed. The downside with these is that a
determined thief can remove it with a hacksaw or even break the steering wheel.
However, it will certainly have an impact on opportunistic theft.
Steering locks and cut-off switches are useful options for those
motorists driving older makes of cars which may not have conventional built-in
car alarms. If your vehicle does not have a
car alarm fitted, it will
likely be to your benefit financially to have one installed. Not only will you
be helping safeguard your car against theft, your car insurance premiums should
be reduced to reflect this upgrade.
If you have a high risk car, a
GPS (Global Positioning System) vehicle tracking system is
worth considering. These electronic devices are fitted in a vehicle and allow
its location to be tracked. Most car insurance companies offer reductions in
car insurance premiums for vehicles fitted with GPS vehicle tracking devices
(such as LoJack) because of the significantly lower risks involved in covering
them.
A quick wipe of the interior windscreen when the sat nav holder has left an
impression on the glass removes any tempting and tell-tale signs.
At home there are extra security measures that can be taken, though some of
them come with financial or practical downsides.
Parking your car in your garage is a good idea and an option favourably looked
on by car insurers, who may offer you a reduction in premium. If garaging your
car is not an option, you could add gates at the end of your drive.
Removable or folding security posts at the end of your drive are another
possibility. Finally, installing movement sensing lights, which illuminate your
driveway, can also be an effective deterrant.
Remember not to leave valuables in your car (especially remember not to leave
in your vehicle registration documents). Out of sight is definitely out of mind
when it comes to those who break into cars to get their hands on your goods.
Even bags and containers, such as cardboard boxes, which may be empty or
contain items of little or no value, left in view can entice people on the look
out for easy pickings to take a closer look, breaking into and damaging your
car in the process.
