A guide to car security systems

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports a 24% uptick in stolen vehicles since 2019. Investing in a car security system now could help you avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft down the road.

A history of car security

The history of car alarms date back to the 1910s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that aftermarket car alarms started to be mass-produced. Car manufacturers began to add car alarms to certain models in the ‘70s, and they’re now a standard feature.

Basic car alarms haven't evolved all that much. They usually consist of a siren, a control panel, and sensors that detect when someone is trying to break into your car. Because they can't distinguish a car thief from a cart bumping a car door, false alarms are a common feature of any urban (or suburban) soundscape, and therefore, likely to be ignored. That’s why an advanced car security system can be a good idea.

Why every car should have a security system

According to the most recent available data from Statistica, there were 268 car theft cases for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2021. The good news? Although car thefts have been climbing in recent years, they’ve dropped significantly since 1990, when there were 657 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people in the U.S.

And thieves are after more than cars, as catalytic converter theft has skyrocketed. A catalytic converter is a key component of a car's exhaust system, and can be sold for scrap metal. Stealing them usually requires special equipment, takes just a few minutes, and is often done in parking lots and other areas where cars are left unattended.

You can reduce your chances of being a victim of car theft by parking in a well-lit and well-populated area and always locking your doors, even if you're just making a quick trip. But the best way to prevent car theft may be investing in a good car alarm system. While it won't completely eliminate the risk, it may make your car a less attractive target.

And because most insurance companies offer discounts for cars that are equipped with security systems, you’ll likely lower your insurance premium.

Types of car security systems

There are many different types of car security systems. Here's what you need to know.

One-way alarms vs. two-way alarms. What’s the difference? If someone tries to break into your car, a one-way system will simply sound an alarm. But a two-way system will alert you using a remote control and a receiver that's installed in your car. When the remote is within range of the receiver, it sends a signal that indicates the status of your car – whether the doors are locked or the alarm is armed, for example. If someone tries to break into your car, a notification will be sent, an alarm can sound, and/or police can be called.

One-way systems don't have two-way communication, so they can't send you alerts if someone is trying to break into your car. However, they are typically less expensive than two-way systems.

Passive security vs. active security. Because they automatically arm your car whenever you leave the vehicle, passive car alarms and security systems offer better protection than active security systems. The security system is always on, so there are no worries about forgetting to turn on your car alarm.

Most passive car alarms turn on once the car’s ignition is off and the doors are shut. In contrast, active security systems require the driver to click a remote to arm the system after the doors are closed and the ignition is off.

Some drivers prefer active alarms because they can choose when to set them to lower the risk of annoying false alarms. A number of car security systems offer active and passive modes, letting the user decide which option is best for their needs. Note that car insurance providers prefer passive alarms and may offer lower premiums to car owners who use these systems.

Features to look for in a car security system

When you’re shopping for a car security system, there are several features you may want to consider.  

GPS car locator with a paired app. If your car is stolen, you could use a car security system with GPS tracking to locate your car and even track its movements.

Security alerts. A security system that can send you alerts through an app or text is a good choice. With alerts, you’ll know if someone is trying to break into your car, even if you're not there.

Starter kill. With this feature, the car won’t start unless the correct key fob is within range.

Panic button. If you're in a situation where you feel unsafe, a panic button allows you to trigger the alarm remotely.

Shock or tilt sensors. If someone is trying to break into your car, shock or tilt sensors will sound an alarm when the sensor is triggered.

Steering wheel lock. This is a device that locks the steering wheel in place, making it difficult or impossible to turn. Even if someone breaks into your car, it will be much harder to drive away,

Loud alarm. To deter potential thieves, the louder an alarm, the better.

Blinking red lights. Because they indicate an alarm is armed and ready to go, blinking red lights often deter thieves.

Which car alarm system is right for you?

The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the most comprehensive protection, a two-way passive security system is probably your best bet. However, if you're looking to spend less, a one-way active security system can still provide some protection.

Consider your specific needs. If you live in a high-crime area or often leave your car in an unsecured location, a more comprehensive security system is probably a good idea. And if your car is in demand by car thieves, so you also might want to consider a more comprehensive system.

How much does it cost to install a car alarm?

The cost of installing a car security system varies depending on the type of system you choose. Installing a basic one-way, active system can start as low as $50, while a more comprehensive, two-way, passive system can cost up to $1,300 to install.

Of course, price is not the only factor to consider when choosing a car security system. Always consider the features and level of protection that are important to you.

How to finance car security systems

The upfront cost of car security systems can be pricey, but there are ways to finance your purchase, from credit cards and in-store financing to installment loans and lease-to-own financing. Note that not all financing options will also cover the cost of installation.

If less-than-ideal credit keeping you from getting what you need or want now, Snap Finance can help. Snap-branded products include bank installment loans, retail installment contracts, and lease-to-own financing for all credit types.¹

Snap-branded product offering includes retail installment contracts, bank installment loans, and lease-to-own financing. Talk with your local Snap sales representative for more details on which product qualifies at your store location.  For more detailed information, please visit https://snapfinance.com/legal/financing-options. 

¹Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with submitted applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.