Are Car Alarms Worth It?

[Iman74]

After reading one of the threads, I noticed someone mentioning how they stopped getting car alarms for their cars. His reason differed from mine: my reason is for the most part they sound the same, and if they don't most people ignore it. Sometimes you get one that never works right, and you just wished you did not get it.

My attitude now is the true thief will get your car, or at least in your car if they want to. So go ahead and do it, but try to do it without causing any, damage. Hell I will leave my doors unlocked just so they do not smash my windows: I doubt anyone wants my 4 Runner stock radio.

So please vote, and explain your stance if you have the time. I would find this conversation interesting: who knows which direction it will go.

 

[toybox]

I don't have a need for one. If they really want the truck they are going to get it. The key transponder should keep joyriders from taking it. I don't really keep valuables in my truck but even if I did most thieves would do a smash and grab and ignore the alarm. Also sometimes they will smash your window and wait for the alarm to go out and for people to stop looking and then go back and get what they want.

I'm not saying they are useless but I don't think it's worth it for me.

 

[Pribilof]

The DEI alarms are so common and for the most part poorly built that they are worthless. There are alarms out there that have different sirens than the DEI ones and most people don't have them. Thats a plus. But those usually cost more. You can also get paging devices, but I think those are pretty worthless because they don't have very good range in a city.

 

[NoDak]

expanded reasons i stop installing car alarm after my 94 runner from the other thread iman is referring to:

1. insurance company does not give me a discount in my state
2. at $400+ for a decent car alarm installed, kinda pricey.
3. most new vehicles come with basic car alarm features


lately i have been thinking about getting a car alarm/remote starter for only the benefit of remote starting for those below zero mornings and 90+ days. plus they have come down to just under $300 installed by my local toyota dealer.

the basic remote system is just fine for my needs. if toyota had a remote start option, i wouldnt even get a 3rd party alarm.

as i have gotten older, the origianl reasons for getting the alarm (wow factor, neat toy) have given way to practicality. how hard is it to do things you use to do before alarms came along.

as said eariler, if someone wants your vehicle or items, alarms will not deter them.

 

[bryancos]

I always liked the idea of this Auto Taser, but they stopped importing them to the US:

http://www.espionage-store.com/auto.html

http://www.lcars.eu.org/autotaser.uk/

 

[Iman74]

Here in CT, a company called BoomerMcloud was offering remote starters with installation for $99.00.

 

[LBC99]

My 4runner with an alarm on it got broken into about four months ago. Basically it had to of been two guys. One smashed the drivers side window, popped the hood, then another cut the battery cable right away. My neigbor said he heard it go off, but it was so fast that he thought it was something that bumped into it on accident. It happened at about 4 am.

So it really didn't make a difference if I had one or not in my case. It saves me some money on my insurance and it does make me feel a little bit better that I have it.

 

[Mark86]

I know any experienced thief can break into your car if they want, but I do feel a bit more secure when I have a car alarm. I feel that having a car alarm gives the criminal more work if he wants to dig around your car.

 

[yabedude]

Is an alarm worth having?

Why wouldn't one want to attempt to protect the investment with some added insurance like an alarm? This 4R comes with an immobilizer, but smash a window and take what you want in silence. I live in the highest auto theft area of N. America and anything that I can do to get the assh*le to move onto the next vehicle is worth it.

I've not installed my after market HU or amps yet as I've not had time to install my alarm. When all is said and done, I probably spent about 1G on security. Compared to the inconvenience of losing person belongings ... the lose of the vehicle for repair ... arguing with insurance adjusters ... and never quite having it repaired to factory state, I think it's worth it.

There is no guarantee that a pro won't do the nasty, but I have less worries knowing I tried my best.

 

[Pribilof]

One smashed the drivers side window, popped the hood, then another cut the battery cable right away.

Get a hood lock. There are several styles out there. One is a chain that attaches your hood to your frame, the other is a steel bar with a lower bracket you attach to your frame. Both lock with large padlocks underneath your car. Most idiots out there stealing cars dont have hacksaws and big bold cutters on them.

 

[yabedude]

Most idiots out there stealing cars dont have hacksaws and big bold cutters on them.

It's the ones with those tools that are the pros. The others are usually kids who are out for a joy ride. Here in BC, there is little to no penalty for kids and crime. A slap on the hand and 2 hours later they're out joyriding again. We need to change the 'young offenders act'. Personally, I blame the kids parents as they didn't seem to have a good handle on teaching some basic ethics.

My sons bicycle (< $200) was chained and padlocked to a post outside my home. The chain is the kind you see bikers use to secure their Harley's. One morning, a link was in 2 pieces. He had to have one hell of a bolt cutter to chop that off!

 

[Pribilof]

The pros are going to get your car every time. You can't stop them unless you want to sleep in your car with a on your lap. You can stop joyriding punks out there though.

 

[Iman74]

Know the movie Kiss of Death when that red head actor tries to steal a care but finds a pit bull in it. That's security for you.