Types of Car Security
Posted on | November 27, 2011 | Comments Off
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a car is stolen every 24 seconds in the US. Vehicle security has come a long way in the past few years. Current security systems can be managed from a smartphone and could include multiple functions such as a vehicle locator button on the phone that uses GPS for you to get the exact location of your car and speed if it is moving. There are apps that allow you to get a text or email when your car exceeds a certain speed limit or is moved. You can enter a Do Not Enter zone around a location so you’ll be alerted if your vehicle goes there.
For more traditional car security needs, there are several types of car alarms that should be chosen according you your particular needs.
Passive Alarms
A passive car alarm system is simply an alarm that doesn’t need to be manually armed when you leave your vehicle. Instead, the alarm is automatically activated when you turn off and lock your vehicle. Some of these systems have a special key equipped with a microchip, which disables the alarm when it is inserted into the car’s lock. This is usually the type of alarm system that is included in newer model vehicles. In some vehicles, a passive car alarm system will also include other security features (such as disabling the ignition, or locking the wheels).
Active Alarms
An active car alarm requires you to manually arm it when you leave your vehicle. If the system is not armed, it will not activate if a car thief attempts to break in to your vehicle. These alarms do have a few advantages over passive car alarms, especially for people who want to have more control over the operation of their vehicle’s security features.
After-Market Alarms
Some cars do come with alarms (called “factory alarms”) while others must be purchased separately. Often the factory installed alarm offers less options and is not as good a quality as could be bought on the market. Some people choose to install after-market car security systems in order to have more control over the operation of their vehicle’s security. Customized car alarms can range in price from around $75, to upwards of $2,000.
Silent Alarms
Due to some car owners complaining about the excessive noise from their car’s alarm system, silent car alarms are an option. Instead of emitting an audible alarm, silent ones transmit an electronic signal to a device held by the vehicle owner. While this means the neighborhood won’t get waken up when a large truck rolls by, the main effectiveness of a car alarm is that the loud noise scares off the thief and makes everyone around the car look at the person trying to get at it. Because of this, silent car alarms are not very popular among car owners.