What is an "anti-theft" system

Pardon my ignorance but when you say that a car is equipped with an
anti-theft device, does that only mean that the radio/HU cannot be
used if stolen? Or does it include the chip in the car-key that makes
it impossible to start the car with a fake key?

Or more to the point, how do I verify if my 2000 Accord LX comes with
an anti-theft device. I am pretty sure it doesn't say so anywhere in
the car or on the radio but since my insurance gives me a discount for
an anti-theft system, I need to get to the bottom of this.

Also how much would it cost and what are the advatages of having one
(besides the insurance discount, that is)?

Thanks in advance,
bc

 

(Bryan Canter) wrote in

You have to check the details for each model auto.

Read the manual,for starters.(RTFM)

The radios with anti-theft just lose their programming when battery power
is lost,or have a removable front panel. That's one form of anti-
theft.Insurance will not discount for this,as your auto or parts like
airbags,wheels,engine computers are still vulnerable.

A factory or aftermarket auto alarm is another,better anti-theft method.(if
there are people who can respond to the alarm.) It will better protect your
entire auto,although the auto could still be towed away by unscrupulous tow
operators,in broad daylight,yet.(bystanders may ignore the alarm,thinking
your car is being repo'd)

Also,there's the smash-and-grab thieves,who smash the window,take your
cellphone or CDs,whatever of value they can get fast,and leave before
anyone can respond to the alarm.

Cost for an aftermarket alarm can be less than $200 installed depending on
options. (BestBuys,etc),
or you can buy cheaper do-it-yourself alarms if you can do the work
yourself. (Ebay,JCWhitney,etc.)

The newest cars are coming with factory security(alarms,ignition lockout)

 

Usually, when you hear the companies talk about anti-theft devices they're
talking about the alarm systems and computer chips in the keys. These are
important for getting discounts for insurance. Your insurance company won't
care about the anti-theft code for your factory stereo because they factory
stereos tend not to get stollen. Why would a thief steal the piece of crap
factory stereo when they can find so many youth owned civics with insane
after market ones that are worth a lot more.

Generally though, the only true value of any alarm system, regardless of
whether it's factory installed or after market is it keeps the honest people
honest. Professional thieves know how to defeat these systems and will
steal your car in a heartbeat if they really want to. And as for people
responding to car alarms, when's the last time you saw that happen? Most
people are so used to hearing morons in malls trip their own alarm that
they're conditioned to think that's all it is so they ignore them. The
thought of an actual break-in occuring is the last thing on their mind.

 

Thanks Sean. I agree with the factory stereo part. In fact, that is
what raised the question in my mind. If all an anti-theft device does
is protect the stupid radio then the insurance company is not offering
discount for the right thing. That is why I thought that there is more
to an anti-theft device than that.

So am I correct in understanding that the car alarms sold in circuit
city and best buy would also qualify as anti-theft devices and would
qualify me for an insurance discount? Since I hate those and think
they are of no value, I never bothered with one. But I guess if it
saves me some insurance $$$ then why not?

Also, the question is, how badly would an after market installer
damage my car's wiring while installing one of these? I would probably
get a keyless entry system with trunk release too. Would *that* hurt
my car's wiring? (I don't think original Honda install would be an
option because of the high cost. My choice is only between getting an
afermarket one and not getting one at all.)

Also any recommendations/brands from anyone in the group would be
highly appreciated.
TIA,
bc

 

(Bryan Canter) wrote in

I had 'midnight auto' visit my Integra GSR,and steal the engine
computer,leaving a dead car.It took a month and a half to get a new one.
An alarm would have prevented that theft,I believe.Even with $100
deductible insurance,there was considerable cost to mebesides having to
drive a POS rental car.The insurance discount is the least of my worries.
BTW,they(State Farm) discount PASSIVE arming alarms,so you won't forget to
arm it.
The ECU was stolen probably for a Honda conversion project,not by
"professionals".

I found Best Buy to do a good job,they began with a checklist to record
that everything worked before start of their installation(to protect
themselves,yes),and ran thru it again at the completion.They do have to cut
and splice some wires,I believe.Mine was a simple alarm,with ignition
interlock,no frills. I could have gotten the trunk release and door
lock/unlock,but it's only a 3-door hatchback,I don't really need it,or want
it.YMMV.