A Look at Car Alarms

Car theft is a big problem and as a result,  car alarms have become incredibly popular. In recent years, car alarms are a standard feature on the newer vehicles. However, many of these car alarms have become more of an inconvenience and nuisance than a benefit. When they first came out, car alarms deterred thieves.  Now days, however, determined car thieves have adapted and can figure out how to steal autos regardless of whether they are equipped with car alarms.

Car Alarms and the Boy Who Cried Wolf

One of the inconveniences is that many car alarms have proven to be entirely too sensitive. A clap of thunder can cause car alarms all over parking lots to go crazy. A neighbor who is mowing his yard may come too close to your car and the loud sound of the lawn mower sets off the car alarm. A sudden gust of wind that whips against a vehicle can also set off sensitive car alarms. In some major cities, car alarms randomly going off throughout the night do nothing more than annoy residents. In fact, 95% of triggered car alarms are false.

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This has created something of the "boy who called wolf" syndrome. When the boy kept calling wolf as a prank, people stopped running to aid him.  Just like the fable, when people hear car alarms going off nowadays, they don't jump up and race to the window, assuming someone's vehicle is being stolen.  Instead, they groan and stick the pillow over their head. Car alarms that were once effective and are now having the opposite effect in largely populated areas. In more rural areas, the sound of car alarms still may cause some concern. If you live in a quiet neighborhood and car alarms don't seem to go off very often, hearing one might cause people to investigate.

The Benefits of Car Alarms

Despite the fact that there seem to be quite a bit of annoyances associated with them, there are benefits of having car alarms. Insurance companies usually offer discounts for their customers who have car alarms. There can be discounts for home alarm systems as well.

Not only could your car insurance be discounted for having an alarm, but they can still deter some thefts. Not all car thieves are professionals. In fact, most cars are stolen by criminals who do not make a career from stealing cars. Seeing a small flashing red light on your dashboard may make some would-be thieves walk away from your vehicle. Keep in mind though, if someone is determined to take your car, it will still be done.

If you happen to live in an area where neighbors will be annoyed or inconvenienced with car alarms sounding off at all hours, you may want to look into alternative theft deterrent methods for your vehicle. Alternatively, if you know that a thunderstorm is on its way, deactivate the alarm.   If your vehicles have sensitive car alarms, observe what sets them off and if possible, take measures to avoid having your alarm go off for no reason.

"A Look at Car Alarms" contributed by Geoff Oden