Athena Valentine Lent is a finance columnist for Slate and the author of Budgeting for Dummies (Wiley, 2023). Her writing has appeared in BuzzzFeed, The College Investor, GOBankingRates, Money Under 30, and Keeper Tax among other places. Her personal finance blog, Money Smart Latina, won the Plutus Award for "Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities" in 2020 and was nominated for "Blog of the Year" in 2022. When not working she can be found with her main man, a polydactyl cat named Harrison George.
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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More than 1 million motor vehicle thefts took place in the U.S. during 2022.[1] Vehicle theft occurred at a rate of one car every 32 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[2]
You can prevent car theft in many cases by not leaving personal belongings in your car, parking in well-lit areas, and locking your car. Beyond keeping those simple actions in mind, you can avoid vehicle theft by having an anti-theft device installed on your car. Many companies even offer a discount for doing so.
Here’s what you need to know about getting an anti-theft device discount.
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What’s an anti-theft device?
An anti-theft device is a technology or system that can help prevent auto theft. These devices typically fall into one of two types: passive or active.[3]
Passive devices work automatically when you turn your vehicle off. This includes automatic locks and vehicle tracking systems. Active devices, like steering wheel locks or remote locks, require manual activation before they can protect your car.
You can use anti-theft systems individually or simultaneously for more robust protection against theft. Some anti-theft devices can aid local law enforcement in finding your car in the event of vehicle theft.
Car insurance companies with anti-theft device discounts
Some auto insurance companies provide car insurance discounts for vehicle owners with anti-theft devices installed on their vehicles. Thieves are more likely to target cars without safety features than vehicles with anti-theft devices.
Check out the table below to see some of the top insurance companies that offer anti-theft device discounts. Discount availability and specifics may vary by state for each insurance company.
Several different anti-theft devices are on the market. In many cases, manufacturers install these tools when building the car, but drivers can also install certain features independently.
Here are some of the most common anti-theft devices:
Steering wheel locks: Activated by a spring, steering wheel locks can disable your vehicle entirely by powering it down. This activates if someone tries to move your steering wheel or tires without having a key in the ignition or a remote key fob nearby. This device is manufacturer standard in new cars.
PASS lock system: When triggered, this anti-theft device disables your engine by preventing your fuel system from engaging. This installation can happen during the manufacturing process or after you buy your vehicle.
Automatic locks: Some new vehicles with electronic doors will automatically lock when your key fob is more than five feet from your car. This is manufacturer standard.
Vehicle tracking and recovery systems: Anti-theft device systems programmed inside your vehicle, like OnStar and LoJack, can help you find your car through GPS. OnStar and other subscription services can include safety features such as sharing your location with your family and calling emergency services if needed. GPS installation can occur during or after manufacturing.
Why anti-theft devices affect car insurance rates
Anti-theft devices help deter criminals from attempting to steal your car and make it harder for theft to occur. Having one or more anti-theft devices in your vehicle decreases your likelihood of experiencing auto theft. And some anti-theft devices can help law enforcement find your stolen vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance — part of a full-coverage insurance policy — typically covers vehicle theft. Because you’re less likely to have your vehicle stolen with anti-theft devices, your insurance company may assess you as a low-risk driver to insure and provide a discount on your insurance premium. For example, you can earn an anti-theft device discount of up to 23% with GEICO.
How to get an anti-theft device discount on your insurance
Many insurance companies encourage you to have an anti-theft device on your car to help prevent vehicle theft by offering an anti-theft-device discount. Some companies won’t insure certain vehicle make and models — including select Hyundai and Kia cars — because of a lack of anti-theft features like immobilizers that make them an easier target for theft.
To get an anti-theft discount, you’ll need to call your insurer to ask about discount specifics and availability. Insurance companies may require car owners to provide additional information to verify the installation of the anti-theft device — especially if installed after your original purchase. Some companies only offer discounts for manufacturer-installed anti-theft devices.
Good to Know
The amount of your discount may vary depending on how much protection the device provides your vehicle. For example, insurers are more likely to approve a discount for an automatic steering wheel lock that disables your vehicle than standard automatic door locks. Other anti-theft systems that insurers might not provide a discount for include car wheel clamps and club steering wheel locks.
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Other ways to save on car insurance
In addition to installing an anti-theft device, you can find other ways to save on your auto insurance premium. Here are a few of the easiest steps you can take to save money:
Maintain a clean record. The fewer incidents you have in your driving history, the better. Make sure you avoid tickets by practicing good driving habits.
Pass a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies will provide auto insurance discounts for completing a defensive driving course. These can help significantly when trying to get a discount as a teen driver.
Sign up for paperless and automatic billing. You can earn a discount by signing up for paperless billing and automatic payments with some insurers.
The information below should answer your remaining questions about earning an anti-theft device discount.
What qualifies as an anti-theft device?
An anti-theft device is a system or electronic device installed on or in your car to prevent theft. Some devices can also help find the vehicle’s location in the event of theft.
Does car insurance cover auto theft?
Comprehensive coverage includes auto theft. It’s essential to make sure your coverage fits what you need for your vehicle. If you have liability-only insurance, you should consider purchasing additional coverage to protect your own vehicle.
Does an anti-theft device make insurance cheaper?
It’s possible. A vehicle with an anti-theft device installed has a lower likelihood of theft. Insurers may view having this anti-theft feature in place as something that lowers your risk, which can result in a lower car insurance premium.
How do you make sure you’re getting an anti-theft discount for car insurance?
The best way to ensure you get a discount for an anti-theft device is to call your insurance company. Your insurance agent or another company representative can walk you through your next steps to get the best discount.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Athena Valentine Lent is a finance columnist for Slate and the author of Budgeting for Dummies (Wiley, 2023). Her writing has appeared in BuzzzFeed, The College Investor, GOBankingRates, Money Under 30, and Keeper Tax among other places. Her personal finance blog, Money Smart Latina, won the Plutus Award for "Best Personal Finance Content for Underserved Communities" in 2020 and was nominated for "Blog of the Year" in 2022. When not working she can be found with her main man, a polydactyl cat named Harrison George.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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