Cars are valuable. They are precious and should be protected. Car theft is quite common. The numbers vary depending on where they are located. There is always the possibility of car theft, no matter how secure your parking space is. Anti-theft devices are a great help in this situation.
They can not only prevent car theft but also come in handy to reduce the car insurance premium. The following sections will introduce you to the different types of anti-theft devices and their impact on the payable premium for car insurance.
Anti-theft Devices, Car Insurance Plan
Anti-theft devices are gadgets that help to protect your vehicle. It can make use of multiple technologies to accomplish its goal. There are many types of anti-theft device, from alarms to locks. Anti-theft devices are strongly linked to car insurance. A car insurance policy is a promise. The insurer will help the policyholder financially in the event of an untoward incident to the vehicle.
The insurer doesn’t have to pay the policyholder if nothing happens. In this instance, the insurer has to protect the insured asset, which is the car. Anti-theft devices are designed to enhance car security, deter theft, and track the vehicle. Insurers encourage car owners to put anti-theft devices into their cars. They also reward these owners with discounts on their car insurance premiums.
To avail the anti theft discount on your car insurance premium, you must have the anti-theft devices certified by the Automotive Research Association of India.
The benefits of having an anti-theft device in your car:
These are some of the many benefits associated with anti theft devices (ATDs) for cars in India.
- Prevent theft:
ATDs can deter thieves from trying to steal your vehicle. If thieves have the option to steal two cars, one with an alarm and a tyrelock, and the other without such security, this is an example. What do you think thieves will choose?
- Stopping Theft
The ATDs provide the critical buffer time that prevents theft. The thieves may not be aware of the alarm system on the car and try to get in. The alarm sounds and the thieves go into panic mode. The alarm goes off and alerts security guards and other people around the vehicle. This increases the likelihood of thieves abandoning their plan and calling off their theft. They may also be caught in the act. The theft can thus be stopped
- Car Insurance Discount
If you have a certified ATD and want to get a discount on your Comprehensive car insurance policy, installing them and notifying your insurance company about them will help you get it. If you have an ATD installed and wish to receive a discount, be proactive and notify your insurance company via email or phone about the security measure. This provision is usually not included in the online policy renewal/purchase flow.
- Seamless Claim Settlement
An ATD is a sign of your willingness to protect your vehicle. This can be used to prove that you took all necessary precautions to protect your vehicle, but it was stolen. This can be helpful for the insurance company to understand that you did everything possible to prevent theft, which can lead to seamless claim settlement.
- Avoiding Inconvenience
The trauma of car theft can make it difficult to visit the police station and file the First Information Report (FIR). This will allow you to coordinate with your insurance company. ATDs are likely to avoid this. So why not get one? ATDs can help avoid these kinds of inconveniences.
- Financial Safety:
It is not possible to sugarcoat a loss. Even if you file insurance to cover the car stolen, you will only receive the Insured Declared Valu ( IDV ) and not the purchase price, unless an Invoice Protection Addon is purchased. By preventing theft, ATDs can help prevent such a loss.
Different types of anti-theft devices for cars:
There are many types of anti-theft devices available for four-wheelers. You should only buy anti-theft devices approved by ARAI.
- GPS Tracking
This device is useful in tracking a stolen vehicle. This device works on the Global Positioning System, and provides a live location of the vehicle when the system is active.
- Car alarm:
This ATD is sound-based. The system will sound an alarm if anyone attempts to alter the car. A car-alarm-based anti-theft device that is not expensive is often affordable.
- Electronic Immobiliser:
Advanced car keys can be fitted with technology that signals the vehicle to start its engine. The car will not start if there are no such signals. These anti-theft electronic immobilisers can be used to protect your vehicle.
- Mechanical Immobilisers:
There are many options for mechanical immobilisers. These devices aren’t high-tech and are therefore not very expensive. These devices use mechanical devices to stop the car from moving. Examples of mechanical immobilisers include the Tyre Lock and Steering Lock as well as Gear Lock.
- Kill Switch
This device consists of a switch that can turn off a portion of the car’s engine. It renders it immobile until the switch turns on. To prevent theft, these switches can be hidden in the car.
Are New Car Models Available with Anti-Theft Devices Built-In?
Some car models may have one or more ATDs. Before purchasing a vehicle, you can discuss the anti-theft system with your dealer. You can choose an appropriate device yourself if the vehicle does not have an ATD.
How much does anti-theft devices cost?
There are many options for safety devices to protect your car from theft. You can look at online shops to get an idea of the range. A tyre lock, for example, can be as low as INR 1000.
ATD’s impact on car insurance premiums:
When you purchase/renew your online/offline car insurance, you will get a discount of approximately 2.5% if you have an ARAI-certified ATD.
