3 Types and How They Work (2024)

by Susan Evans07/30/2015

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has solutions for all sorts of theft; this is NCIB’s advice on anti-theft for cars. These prices are guidelines; find a solution that best fits your budget. Downloadthe NICB fact sheet on anti-theft devices or visit the NICB site for additional theft solutions.

Warning Devices

A visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected.

1. Audible Alarms:Audible alarms are typically equipped with motion or impact sensors, which trigger a 120-decibel siren.
   • Cost: $150 – $1,000
   • Benefits: Effective in preventing thefts, burglaries and vandalism
2. Steering Column Collars:Steering column collars prevent thieves from “hot-wiring” thevehicle. Some collars are installed permanently. Others must be continuouslyactivated.
   • Cost: $100 – $200 installed
   • Benefits: Excellent protection for older vehicles
3. Steering Wheel Locks:A steering wheel lock is a metal bar designed to prevent the steering wheelfrom turning.
   • Cost: $25 – $100
   • Benefits: Excellent visual deterrent
4. Steering Wheel/Brake Pedal Lock:Prevents depression of the brake pedal.
   • Cost: $15 – $80
   • Benefits: Excellent visible deterrent
5. Tire Locks:Similar to the circular steel “boots” used by many large citypolice departments, tire locks prevent the vehicle from being driven.
   • Cost: $80 – $200
   • Benefits: Excellent visible deterrent
6. Tire Deflators:Attaches to the tire valve stem and causes the tire to go flat if the tirerotates before they are removed.
   • Cost: Under $50
   • Benefits: Easy and inexpensive to use.
7. Theft Deterrent Decals:Theft deterrent decals visually warn thieves the vehicle is protected by analarm or other antitheft devices.
   • Cost: $2 – $5
   • Benefits: Inexpensive but effective
8. Identification markers in or on vehicle:Security labels marking various vehicle parts enabling the part to be identifiedif removed from the vehicle.
   • Cost: $2 – $15
   • Benefits: Inexpensive, discourages thieves from stealing the vehicle and aids in recovery
9. Window Etching:Etching the vehicle identification number or another traceable number onto the vehicle’s windows makes it difficult for thieves to resell the vehicle or its parts.
   • Cost: Free to $100
   • Benefits: Discourages thieves from stealing the vehicle and aids in recovery
10. Laminated Glass:Impact-resistant protective glazing applied to vehicle windows designed to fortify the windows against penetration or splintering.
    • Cost: Standard
    • Benefits: Excellent protection for vehicle windows

Immobilizing Devices

Prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.

1. Smart Keys:Smart keys contain specially coded computer chips or radio frequencies. Withoutthe exact key, the vehicle’s engine cannot be started.
   • Cost: Standard in some models
   • Benefits: Effective and extremely easy to use
2. Fuse cut-offs:Short circuits the electrical system, preventing the vehicle from starting.
   • Cost: $40 – $90
   • Benefits: Inexpensive and relatively easy to install
3. Kill Switches:Kill switches inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine untila hidden switch is activated.
   • Cost: $10 – $125
   • Benefits: Inexpensive and relatively easy to install
4. Starter, ignition and fuel disablers:Short circuits the electrical or fuel system, preventing the vehicle fromstarting, or causes the vehicle to stop running within a short time.
   • Cost: Standard in some models
   • Benefits: Inexpensive and easy to use

Tracking Devices

Submits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen.

1. Tracking Devices:Most tracking devices are electronic transmitters hidden in the vehicle, which emit signals to the police or monitoring stations when the vehicle is reported stolen.
   • Cost: $400 to $1,500
   • Benefits: Effective in recovering stolen vehicles

Common Sense

Anti-theft devices are great but use these low-costcommon sense tips, too.

1. Remove Ignition Keys
   • If removed from the ignition after every use, ordinary ignition keys can significantlyreduce the likelihood of theft.
2. Lock Doors and CloseWindows
   • Locked doors and closed windows effectivelylimit access to the vehicle’s interior.
3. Park in a Well-Lit Area
   • Parking under street or parking lot lightsdiscourages thieves from approaching a vehiclebecause of the risk of visibility.

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