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Modern cars come with very sophisticated anti-theft systems, but thieves are always working overtime to defeat them, especially lately. According to the FBI, in 2020, the United States experienced an 11.8% increase in auto thefts compared to 2019, and the trend has continued. While we don't have complete statistics, in the first quarter of 2022, auto thefts increased 88% in Washington state and 31% in New Jersey. In fact, one of our own editors inBorn in Forbesa vehicle was stolen from his home in 2021.
Thieves will always find technological ways to upgrade cars, including carrying spare bodies and matching engine control units and keys in some cases, but there are steps you can take to thwart them or at least slow them down. Aftermarket car alarms are the first line of defense beyond the systems your car came with from the factory and a great way to protect older cars that came without anti-theft systems or slightly newer ones with limited protection. .
As with cars today, there have been great technological advances in car alarms since the first heyday of aftermarket alarms in the 1970s and 1980s. There are two types of modern car alarms. Classic one-way alarms simply activate lights and a siren if someone tries to enter. Two-way alarms do thismisend data to your key fob or phone, alerting you in real time to a threat that could be just a few blocks away. Two-way alarms can also offer features like lockout and keyless entry, GPS tracking, and other functions routed through your cell phone.
There are also some side benefits beyond thwarting a thief. Aftermarket alarms can generally result in lower insurance premiums, although it's best to check with your insurance company prior to installation. Key considerations when buying are compatibility with your vehicle, the range your remote can communicate with the alarm, ease of installation, features, maintenance, and price.
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- Calcular CS7900-AS: Best Overall
- Viper 1 via 3100 V: Best Inexpensive One Way Car Alarm
- Avital 5305L: The best economical 2-way alarm
- Python 5305P: Enhanced two-way alarm with remote start pattern
- Second Generation Carlock Real-time Advanced 4G Car Alarm & Tracker: Easier Installation/Lower Price
Featured Products
Announcement
Calcular CS7900-AS
in amazon
- 3,000 ft max range remote start
- Two-way interactive LCD remote control alarm
- Noise level - 105 dB
- Capable of adding door, hood, trunk and impact sensors
- built-in boot kill
Wsdcam 113 dB Alarma
in amazon
- 66 foot remote control range
- 7 step sensitivity
- Noise level - 113 dB
- IP55 waterproof
- vehicle search function
carlock
in amazon
- gps tracker and alarm
- OBD plug and play
- Alerts about vehicle movement, unauthorized access or disconnection of devices
- Driver Behavior Monitoring
- 4G, smartphone connectivity
editorial choices
why we chose it
Costing nearly $200 more to install, the Compustar CS7900-AS isn't "cheap," but its wealth of features makes it a champion of protection. It offers a 105-decibel alarm along with bright LED lighting, as well as instant beeper for tamper alerts and alarm activation to not only stop the thief, but also let you know what's going on. There are some other nice extras too. The remote operates within 3,000 feet of the vehicle and has remote start capability, allowing the driver to pre-heat the interior on cold days or pre-cool it on hot days, although this feature is not available on all vehicles. The many advantages of the CS7900-AS are outweighed by the need for professional installation, and the company only offers customer service help through professional installers.
Pros and cons
- Well done and appreciated by customers.
- Lots of extra features including remote start
- Instant location when the car is tampered with or the alarm sounds
- Requires potentially expensive professional installation
- Product support offered by installers only
- Not all additional features are compatible with all vehicles
Best Inexpensive One Way Car Alarm
why we chose it
You may remember seeing some pretty cheesy TV commercials for Viper alarms back in the 1990s, and indeed, the Viper 3100V has a long history. This is a basic car alarm at a low price, and you won't find fancy interactive features, but even though it only focuses on one job, it does it very well. The Viper 3100V is all about making a lot of noise and getting a lot of attention if someone tries to break into your vehicle. With a loud alarm, flashing lights, and an engine immobilizer, all the basics are covered. Installation is also among the easiest on the market today.
Pros and cons
- simple installation
- Tall, bright and functional.
- Low price
- Like other older systems, it's just an alarm with no fancy interactive features.
- You can't hear it 10 blocks away.
- "Lock" and "Unlock" share a remote control button, which could mean pressing the button multiple times to make sure the door is locked
Best Inexpensive 2 Way Alarm
why we chose it
The Avital 5305L is a robust two-way alarm system built for further expansion. This helps keep startup costs down and is actually 40% cheaper than the Compustar mentioned above, but it doesn't lock in options if you want to add them later. What you give up to the more sophisticated Compustar is range (Avital's signal only goes to 1500 feet) and five decibels of alarm, though the difference between 100 and 105 decibels isn't that noticeable. Like that more expensive alarm, it can be upgraded later, and consumer reviews suggest that Avital is one of the most reliable alarms on the market. 77% of shoppers give a five-star rating on Amazon.
Pros and cons
- Good price-performance ratio
- reputation for reliability
- The panic alarm works even when the car is running and can be used to call for help
- Range may be affected by the position of the remote control and its built-in antenna.
- Requires professional installation and support provided by authorized dealers only
- Less signal range and alarm volume than some alternatives
Best two-way alarm with remote start pattern
Best two-way alarm with remote start pattern
Offer
$ 359,99
-$ 185,51 (52%)
Offer
$ 359,99
-$ 185,51 (52%)
why we chose it
The Python 5305P is a complete alarm system with many extras included. In addition to a two-way remote for its more advanced features, there is a backup one-way remote for simply arming and disarming the alarm. There is also an app that allows you to track and control the system with a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, it features multi-level arming, allowing you to determine which sensors to activate if there is a situation where you want the alarm to be sensitive only to certain areas or you don't want to use all of its features. The only drawback is the cost. it costs over $200 and requires professional installation.
Pros and cons
- Remote Start Capability Standard
- Multi-level arm
- Mobile app control included
- 1,300 foot range for remote controls
- The keyrings are big and bulky.
- Some owners report inconsistent locks/unlocks
Easier installation/lower price
Easier installation/lower price
why we chose it
Carlock's 2nd Generation Advanced 4G Real-time Tracker & Alarm from Carlock is easy to install, offers plenty of features and doesn't cost much, making it a win on many fronts. From an installation standpoint, it could hardly be easier. There is only one part and it plugs into your OBD-II diagnostic port. From there, it transmits the status and location of your car directly to your smartphone. Because it uses the Internet and GPS, there's no range limit, and at $50, it's half the price of many simple two-way alarms. The only drawback is that there is no active impediment. 4G doesn't sound any alarms or turn on any lights. If your vehicle is stolen, tracking it is very helpful, but many buyers of security systems prefer to prevent a theft in the first place.
Pros and cons
- As easy as installation can be
- Low price and lots of features.
- Direct communication and vehicle tracking with your cell phone
- Not really an alarm - no lights, noise or active deterrent
- Subscription is required to use the service
- Some users report inaccurate tracking data
Featured Products
Announcement
Calcular CS7900-AS
in amazon
- 3,000 ft max range remote start
- Two-way interactive LCD remote control alarm
- Noise level - 105 dB
- Capable of adding door, hood, trunk and impact sensors
- built-in boot kill
Wsdcam 113 dB Alarma
in amazon
- 66 foot remote control range
- 7 step sensitivity
- Noise level - 113 dB
- IP55 waterproof
- vehicle search function
carlock
in amazon
- gps tracker and alarm
- OBD plug and play
- Alerts about vehicle movement, unauthorized access or disconnection of devices
- Driver Behavior Monitoring
- 4G, smartphone connectivity
What are car alarm sensors and how do they work?
Today's sophisticated car alarm systems come with a variety of sensors, each tasked with doing a very specific job. Door/hood/trunk sensors activate the alarm when a would-be thief opens a door, trunk or hood. Shock/impact sensors are used to detect a broken window. The microphone's sensors listen carefully, comparing the ambient sound level inside your vehicle to any spike in that sound level, which could indicate a break-in. Pressure sensors are activated when a change in air pressure (caused by opening a door or breaking a window) is detected. Tilt sensors monitor the angle of your vehicle to determine if it changes. If this happens, it is likely that the car has been hitched to a thief's tow truck. Proximity/Perimeter sensors scan the area around your vehicle, looking for potential thieves who may be lurking in your vehicle, perhaps leaning out of your windows and planning to break in.
METHODOLOGY
To determine the best aftermarket car alarms for your vehicle, we consider the products that are most affordable to the widest range of American consumers and compatible with the widest range of vehicles. At least one of our picks uses your vehicle's OBD-II port, which means it will only work with post-1995 vehicles, but many other options can be plugged into older vehicles by a professional installer.
When considering the range of alarms, we specifically choose our options based on availability, performance (decibels, range, reliability), price, and complexity of installation. Most modern high-end car alarms require professional installation and may not be eligible for customer support without it, but they are also the most effective deterrents. Our research also considered a wide range of end-user ratings and reviews from various testers.
Are aftermarket car alarms worth it?
A good car alarm system can be cheap insurance if the lights and sirens they emit scare off would-be thieves or car thieves. Some studies also suggest that GPS tracking gives the owner a better chance of recovering a stolen vehicle, although there are no guarantees. Fortunately, that's not necessarily an option, as some two-way alarms include traditional flash-bang alarms, as well as GPS tracking in case the thief drives off. Some alarms also offer optional extras, such as remote start and lockout features, that add value beyond burglary protection.
Do car alarms really deter thieves?
Yes and no. There is no guarantee that a burglar will be deterred by even the loudest and most obnoxious alarm, and professional burglars can often disable systems in less than a few minutes. But sirens and high beams on a sleepy residential block can deter casual drivers or thieves, or people simply looking to get into the car, and any protection is better than almost complete lack of car theft deterrents anymore. vintage from the 1980s and earlier.
What is the difference between one-way and two-way alarms?
One-way alarms send a signal from the key fob to the alarm. It's usually pretty basic: arm or disarm the remote for the lights and sirens. Two-way systems send this signal, but also send data from the vehicle to the user. Depending on the vehicle and system in question, this data may include the vehicle's status and location, doors open or lights activated, or even the vehicle's interior temperature. Two-way systems offer more sophisticated monitoring and protection, but are also more expensive to purchase and install.
How much does it cost to install a car alarm?
Some simple systems simply plug into your OBD-II port, so there's no setup cost, but most require additional wiring. Easy installations use existing wire harness connectors or come with adapters and can cost as little as $100 to $200 to add, but higher-end systems can be in the $500 to $1,000 range.
Are aftermarket alarms better than factory ones?
Factory alarm systems are usually extremely reliable and free of false alarms. Where aftermarket systems excel are additional features like crash and glass break sensors, status and location data sent directly to a mobile phone or tablet, and the ability to add new features as they are introduced. Most factory systems do not offer these extras, and cars made before the 1990s rarely have modern theft protection features.
Will adding a car alarm lower my insurance premium?
Yes, but the amount you save varies by insurer, so it's best to check with your provider before any purchase or installation. Theft is only one part of your insurance policy and an alarm would only reduce that part of the premium attributable to that part.
Is a two-way remote starter worth it?
If you live in a very cold or very hot climate, probably. Drivers who live in a cold climate often opt for remote starts to warm up their vehicles before driving in the winter months, and these systems also allow you to cool down your car during the hot summer months (or in very hot places like New Mexico) before entering. For some drivers, this convenience is definitely worth it.
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mike hagerty Taxpayer
As a car-mad California kid, I've been writing and talking about vehicles for 25 years on TV and radio, print and online, including AAA magazines in Arizona, Oklahoma, Northwest Ohio, South Dakota and Mountain West, as well as BBC Automobiles. . I serve as vice president of Western Automotive Journalists, a professional group of automotive writers based in San Francisco, and have no relationship with McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Classic Insurance, who is younger, better looking, and richer.
FAQs
Are aftermarket car alarms worth it? ›
Having an aftermarket car alarm can help scare off thieves in the act, but they can't work alone. If you want to make your car a little safer, consider pairing your new car alarm with devices like these to deter criminals and find your car if it is stolen: GPS vehicle trackers. Dash cams.
How do I choose a car alarm? ›- Decide between an active or passive alarm.
- Decide between a one-way or two-way system.
- Consider what you want your car alarm system to do.
- Familiarize yourself with the options.
- Look for features you want.
- Compare brands and prices.
- Find out about installation.
Currently the best vehicle immobiliser available for aftermarket security is the Scorpion X-Series. One of the newest and most comprehensive immobilisation systems, the Scorpion X-Series is also extremely user-friendly and quick to Arm/Disarm when using your vehicle.
What is the #1 most effective active safety device in your car? ›1. Airbags. A car's airbags will deploy in a crash and cushion both the driver and passengers from common impact points, like the steering wheel, dash, and sides of the vehicle.
What is the number one safety device in your car? ›#1 – Airbags.
Driver and passenger airbags typically will deploy if you get into an accident that involves the front of your vehicle. However, some cars come equipped with several additional airbags. The supplemental airbags can help protect you in many different circumstances or accident types.
Installation varies from $29.99 and $149.99 (Hardware not included).
Can thieves disable car alarms? ›Many thieves have also found easy ways to disconnect the alarm or to stop it once it starts to go off. It is becoming easier and easier for thieves to disconnect the alarms. In addition, if the alarm does go off, thieves tend not to sweat it.
Is hard wired alarm better than wireless? ›There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here's the gist: Wired security systems have more reliable signals, whereas wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and can be used in places where wired systems can't.
What are the 3 main types of alarms? ›Before jumping into our overview, here is a more in-depth analysis of the 3 main types of alarms you may be looking for: fire alarm, burglary alarm, and intrusion detection.
Is a loud or soft alarm better? ›Silent alarms make waking up easier, healthier, and less disruptive. Overall, they're much better for your health.
What are the three 3 types of alert alarm? ›
There are three main types of fire alarm monitoring systems: ionization, photoelectric, and combination alarms. Below we will discuss each type of alarm and how they can help detect fires.
Are Viper alarms worth it? ›When it comes to vehicle security, Viper's 350 Plus has a lot to offer. It's one of the best car alarms available on the market and includes a shock sensor with a six-tone siren. This 3-channel, 1-way alarm system also has a failsafe starter kill and an anti-hijacking system.
Can thieves bypass immobilizer? ›Thieves listen in on the signals between your car and the locking system and with the help of a little technology in half an hour they can disarm the immobiliser, taking away one of the vital security barriers stopping them from stealing your vehicle.
Can someone steal a car with an immobiliser? ›No, a car fitted with a ghost immobiliser can not be stolen. Even if a thief makes their way inside your car with the key, without the sequence pin they will not be able to start the car. This will deter them even further.
What is the most successful safety device ever added to a car? ›Mandatory in 1968 for All Passenger Cars
Many tout the three-point seat belt as the single most effective safety measure ever. NHTSA claims wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a car or truck cuts your risk of a fatal injury nearly in half.
Wear your seat belt: In an accident, a seat belt can mean life or death, so this is absolutely the best thing you can do to survive a car crash. Seat belts reduce serious car crash injuries and deaths by about half, and those are good odds.
What are 2 two things installed in most cars or vehicles to prevent the driver and passenger from injury during accident or collision? ›vehicular safety devices, seat belts, harnesses, inflatable cushions, and other devices designed to protect occupants of vehicles from injury in case of accident.
What is the least safe spot in a car? ›But, a recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that rear passengers might be in more danger in a head-on car crash than those in the front seat. This is due to a lack of safety protections for those in the back versus the front seat.
What device might prevent the theft of a vehicle? ›Add a Lock and an Alarm System
Police say visible steering wheel locks, such as The Club and Disklok, work well as deterrents, and adding an aftermarket alarm system, which often includes a visible blinking red light, can be a good idea for older vehicles without a built-in system.
Top 20 safest cars in India with Global NCAP rating 2023
Of the 20 models listed here, 5-star rating cars in India include Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Punch, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Altroz, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV700.
Does Best Buy do a good job installing car alarms? ›
Installation went smoothly
Highly recommend getting you alarm installed at best buy. They stand behind the work their doing and they perform a clean & neat job.
You could save up to 20% if your home has a robust home security system that monitors the house — that is, if someone trips your alarm, a home security monitoring service is alerted. “Usually discounts are in the range of 2% to 15%, depending on the type of security you have,” says Loretta L.
What is the easiest alarm system to install? ›If you're looking to save a bundle on home security components, installation, and monitoring, put the SimpliSafe Home Security System at the top of your list. It's incredibly easy to install and configure. You can also switch between self-monitoring and a 24/7 professional option without worrying about a contract.
What cars are hijacked the least? ›The brands that are the least likely to be stolen are Subaru, Volvo and Chrysler.
How do I keep thieves off my car at night? ›- Lock your vehicle. ...
- Keep the keys safe. ...
- Be aware of carjackers. ...
- Park responsibly. ...
- Watch for illegal tow trucks. ...
- Fit good in-car security locks. ...
- Double-check electronic locking. ...
- Before owning, check for cloning.
You can deter a thief by installing audible alarms, steering wheel locks and decals. You can also etch the vehicle identification number onto the windows, which will lower the vehicle's value to thieves, as they have to spend time and money on removing it before reselling the car.
What is the best wired alarm system on the market? ›- ADT - Best Hardwired Security System Overall.
- Brinks Home Security - Best Hardwired Security System for Professional Monitoring.
- Ring Alarm Security Kit - Best Hardwired Security System for Existing Sensors.
- Lorex - Best Hardwired Security System for Self-monitoring.
If you have your security system monitored through a home phone line, a burglar can easily disable your alarm communication.
What are the disadvantages of wired alarm system? ›Cons of a wired system
You will need professional installation due to the complicated installation process. This type of system will require connecting of sensors, drilling holes, and wires inside your walls. Because of the way these are installed, it's going to be pretty permanent in the home.
Grade 2 Intruder Alarms – Premises of a higher risk of an intruder or theft due to valuables kept theft on site. Grade 3 Intruder Alarms – Premises at substantial risk from intruders due to high-value contents. Grade 4 Intruder Alarms – Premises has a very high risk of being targeted by organised criminals.
What are the 4 basic types of alarm panels? ›
There are four basic types of panels: coded panels, conventional panels, addressable panels, and multiplex systems.
What is the best alarm sound to use? ›Progressive sounds
A sound that starts relatively quiet and calm and gets progressively loud and energizing is most effective, Giordana says. “Rather than just literally pulling them from sleep into the wakeful state, you're sort of gently escorting them into the wakeful state,” Giordano says.
- Best silent alarm clock overall: Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light, $179.95 at Amazon. ...
- Best wearable silent alarm clock: Fitbit Charge 5, $128.11 at Amazon.
Why does it happen? If you don't actually hear your alarm, you could just naturally be a heavy sleeper. According to Dr. Guy Meadows, co-founder and clinical lead at Sleep School, research suggests that deep sleepers have more sleep spindles, a form of brain activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
What are the different types of car alarms? ›There are two kinds of car modern car alarms. Classic one-way alarms simply set off lights and a siren if someone tries to break in. Two-way alarms do that and send data to either your key fob or your phone, alerting you in real-time to a threat that might be blocks away.
What is a camo alert? ›What is a Camo alert? The state's Camo Alert program is designed to notify the public of a missing current or former member of the United States armed forces as those struggling with mental illness can isolate themselves and disappear without notice.
What is the most common type of alarm system? ›1. Electric Current Alarm System. Electric current systems are your most basic monitoring tool, in that they only monitor entry points like doors and windows, and are often installed when a home is being built. With these systems, a low-voltage electrical circuit flows between two points.
What is the most reliable alarm system? ›- Vivint. : Best overall.
- SimpliSafe. : Budget pick.
- ADT. : Trusted brand name.
- Cove. : Best customer experience.
- ADT Self Setup. : Best optional monitoring system.
- Abode. : Best for Apple Customers.
- Frontpoint. : Quality DIY pick.
- Ring Alarm. : Best outdoor cameras.
The last Dodge Viper was produced in 2017 as it was discontinued due to poor sales.
Can Viper car alarm be hacked? ›Smart hijacking in seconds
The research team discovered that hijacking a smart alarm user account is not only possible, but not that hard either. To steal a Viper or Pandora account, there is no need even to purchase the alarm itself (which can be a pricey $5,000).
Where is the safest place to keep car keys at home? ›
If you have a 'keyless entry' car then make sure your keys are kept well away from doors and windows. Keep your car key in a screened box/tin/bag so that the signal can't be 'grabbed' from the outside and used to open your car – and don't forget to do the same with any spare set!
Why do you wrap car keys in foil? ›Prevent car theft by wrapping your car key fob in foil. Yes, that's right — a piece of tinfoil can stop your car from getting stolen. Key fobs might be convenient, but there's a security risk associated with them. Thieves can use devices that will amplify fob signals to cars or copy the code to get into a vehicle.
What is the best car immobiliser? ›Currently the best vehicle immobiliser available for aftermarket security is the Scorpion X-Series. One of the newest and most comprehensive immobilisation systems, the Scorpion X-Series is also extremely user-friendly and quick to Arm/Disarm when using your vehicle.
Which keyless cars are most stolen? ›The likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes E-class and Land Rover Discovery were also among the most stolen cars, underscoring the extent to which thieves are targeting high-end luxury vehicles with keyless entry systems.
What is a ghost lock on a car? ›The Ghost uses the buttons in your vehicle such as those on the steering wheel, door panels or centre console, to allow you to make a unique, changeable, disarm sequence (like a PIN code) that must first be entered before you can drive your car.
Which system is effective in avoiding theft of the vehicle? ›Install burglar-alarm-system for better security. Use securing devices like steering lock, clutch lock, break lock, wheel lock, etc. Theft deterrent decals. Identification markers in or on vehicle.
Do car alarms actually deter theft? ›A loud alarm may deter an amateur, but it's no problem for most skilled thieves, who can easily clip a few wires and mute an alarm. In fact, according to a 1997 study, cars with alarms “show no overall reduction in theft losses.” Worse, when car alarms go off, they may have an impact on the health of your neighbors.
What type of alarm tone is best? ›- it has a a melody you can easily sing or hum along to.
- it has a dominant frequency around 500 Hz, or in the key of C5 and.
- it is not too fast or too slow (100 – 120 beats per minute is ideal).
- Always lock all of your vehicle's doors and windows after entering and exiting it.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you.
- Vehicle Contents: ...
- Invest in anti-theft devices:
- Secure Your Vehicle. Roll your car windows up all the way and engage the car alarm, but do not depend on it as the only way to deter a thief. ...
- Keep Your Vehicle Tidy. Thieves like to window shop! ...
- Conceal All Proof. ...
- Stash Before You Park. ...
- Park Smart.
How do you lock your car from thieves? ›
- Always lock your doors and take your keys. ...
- Install a remote car starter. ...
- Get a smart car alarm. ...
- Install a kill switch. ...
- Use a steering wheel, brake, or tire lock. ...
- Etch VIN into windows.
Whether you have hearing loss or are a deep sleeper, a vibrating alarm clock may be the right solution for you. Another benefit of a vibrating alarm clock is that it isn't your phone. While smartphones come with built-in vibration and alarms, the feature isn't strong enough on its own to wake up many sleepers.
Do alarms attract burglars? ›Alarms help deter burglars
The majority (60%) of the burglars in the study said they would look for an alarm before robbing a house, and if an alarm system were present, most would move along to another target.
The Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is one of the best car security devices available on the market and provides first-rate protection against key cloning, key theft and car hacking.
How do I choose an alarm sound? ›- Open your phone's Clock app .
- At the bottom, tap Alarm.
- On the alarm you want, tap the Down arrow .
- Tap the current sound's name.
- Choose a sound: Pick a sound from the list: Tap it. Use your own sound file: If you've downloaded a sound file to your phone, tap Add new. Your sound file.
1. Best Overall: Sonic Alert SBB500SS Sonic Bomb Loud Dual Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker. Part old-school alarm clock, part Armageddon, the Sonic Alert combines pulsating lights, a 12-volt bed shaker, and a siren that can reach 113 decibels (about the same level as a jet plane before it takes off) to get you out of bed.