Auto Protection: Alternatives to Buying a Car Alarm

Car owners who are looking for vehicle security often purchase a car alarm, where audio signals and wireless pager options help alert individuals to potential theft situations, but what about when a car alarm seems too expensive? In today's security conscious world, car owners have a variety of alternatives to a car alarm for effective auto protection. These range from small and inexpensive deterrents to full-scale satellite linked auto recovery options that will really empower a vehicle owner to be vigilant about keeping watch over a car or truck.

The Club or Steering Wheel Lock

A steering wheel lock, popularized by the famous “The Club” auto protective device, is a very common first step in vehicle security. A steering wheel lock is not designed to provide 100% security. Rather, it's what many call a theft deterrent device. What the steering wheel lock does is to prevent any driver from making turns or even taking the vehicle out of a parallel parked position without disengaging the lock. Alternative steering lock designs also lock the brake pedal for even more restriction in vehicle operation. The club and steering wheel lock models are popular because they can cost as little as $25 to $30.

Dummy Car Alarm Systems

Some vehicle owners will also purchase some very cheap items for the dashboard that make the vehicle appear to be armed with a car alarm. A simple blinking light can sometimes dissuade thieves, but again, this item is more of a theft deterrent nature security device.

Vehicle Immobilizer

Today's technology includes remote engine and immobilizing technology. This kind of device can be seen on popular police television shows, where law enforcement agents use the engine immobilizer in sting operations. The same kind of idea can be applied to any car owner’s security strategy. Vehicle immobilizers come standard on many vehicles. Where they are not provided from the factory, these kinds of systems can be added to a vehicle for a couple of hundred dollars, for additional auto insurance savings and better options for security. This kind of technology helps prevent a lot of thefts related to illegal ignition of a vehicle without the factory key.

GPS Tracking

Wireless vehicle tracking has become another very popular means of securing a vehicle. Where an audio alarm system may cost up to $1000, GPS vehicle tracking can cost between $600 and $1000 as a general price range. National providers like the Lo-Jack company market this kind of security for vehicle owners who want easy options for a nearly guaranteed recovery of their vehicle. With GPS tracking, locating the vehicle is a simple as activating an element that can locate a device embedded in the vehicle. These systems are becoming more and more popular with both vehicle owners and insurance companies as a way to nearly eradicate traditional auto theft in the twenty-first century.

All of the above represent attractive alternatives to a traditional audio alarm system. Sound-based car alarms may be somewhat effective, but some of the other technologies available may offer more for the buyer’s buck in terms of effective theft prevention.