My 7 was stolen on the 26/27th of May and recovered on the 4th of this month (June). Fortunately, still intact, only thing damaged was radio bezel/surround no damage to locks/iginition. Been driving it for 3-4yrs w/o any anti-theft device, no problem. Til now.

Any recommendations? Also I've heard certain systems will give you a discount/reduced insurances rates for having such a device(s). Which, if any, insurance companies do this and with what device? I know Progressive doesn't cuz I go through them..

 

Anti-theft device discounts have pretty much all but gone away with most modern cars having some form of anti theft from the manufacturer. I've never had any issue with my Clifford alarms I have had (aside from one defective actuator). Pretty popular, affordable equipment. They offer a wide range of options. Compustar is a bit more expensive, but I have heard some good things.

I wouldn't suggest changing insurance companies just for anti-theft discount. I left Progressive for a lower rate and ended up returning. Best insurance company I've ever dealt with.

 

its like 4-5 bucks a month. it takes years to "pay back"


its not worth the hassle of switching unless someone else just has a better rate in general

 

I think car alarms are mostly a waste of money, unless you keep your car in a garage where you can hear the alarm. I have for years used hidden switches which disable the power to the fuel pump. This is cheap, and takes less time to install than an alarm system. Unless the thieves are going to drag your car onto a truck and take it away, they will not spend the time it takes to find my fuel switch.

 

I just installed a viper 5906, top of the line from viper. I did buy an additional glass brake sensor, back up battery, and a GPS tracking unit. I did install this myself with no previous alarm expirience. Took me couple a weeks with a full time job. All that cost me around 700 bucks including the 3 year subscribtion for GPS, road side assistance and ability to use the app on my phone. I plan on putting in over 2,000 dollars of audio and electronics so in my opinion it is worth it.

My recommendation is to get an alarm if you know electrical and wiring. If not, or if you are on a budget than just install a kill switch for your pump.

 

a friend had this "chip" thing, looked like a little pcb. and you put it into a little slot to start the car.

pretty trick and clean