Additional Alarm/trackers etc -worth it?

mutley74

I have ordered a new car next week!
It comes with factory fitted immobiliser as standard.

Just wondering is it worth getting a Thatcham alarm fitted or tracker? does have either security device make a difference to car insurance premiums in terms of savings?

scaredofdebt

Depends on the car I expect - if it's a brand new Ferrari then I'd invest in one, if it's a 17 year old Peugeot then probably not.

What's the car?

forgotmyname

Is it something special? Likely to be stolen?

Adding extra alarms to modern cars can be a nightmare. They can play havoc with each other if not done properly.

If its a high risk car then the insurance may want a tracker. But the subscription costs may not be worth the insurance saving.

fivetide

Have you checked out what level of security it already has? It might just be thatcham cat 2 already so adding an additional immobiliser won't make a difference other than possibly messing up the car.

Trackers tend to cost more than they save and are only worth it if you really want the car back.

OddballJamie

Get GAP insurance and don't leave anything in view in the car. I've heard of coats and cigarettes being stolen before.

colino

The reality is, if they have a buyer for it, it's going. Most standard set-ups are fine for putting off the oiks, but an unusual car to order means good insurance is your friend.

ilikewatch

Assuming that the car is relatively modern, nothing too desirable and comes with reasonable factory fit security I wouldn't bother with an aftermaket alarm or immobiliser. If you're talking about something more desireable to todays parts/export thieves (Supercar or expensive 4x4) or if the car is irreplaceable then maybe consider a tracker if the insurance discount makes the expense worthwhile.

The days when your average light fingered teenager could silently pinch a car in a couple of minutes with no tools more exotic than a slim jim or a piece of nylon packing strap and a bit of brute strength are long gone.

If your car is particularly desireable to thieves the chances are that they will want to take the keys first anyway by theft or robbery, and in this case an alarm or immobiliser is no use anyway.

mutley74

just curious if extra security reduces premiums enough to warrant such device. new car is nothing special new citroen

vikingaero

Definitely not worth getting additional alarms/tracker for a Citroen unless you live in a bad area.

Your car will have deadlocks and an immobiliser if not an alarm (depending on spec).

You would be better off spending the money you would spend on an alarm on GAP insurance (bought from the net and NEVER a dealer). If you plan to keep the car for a long time then an alarm may be worth it.

Forget any insurance discounts. Theft comprises a very small proportion of payouts and is dwarfed by compo claims. If you car is stolen you may not want it back.

fivetide

Well I had a tracker on my Subaru. Cost £150 to fit and £10 a month subscription but only knocked about £30 off the premium.

It did open up more insurers to cover the car but it was a high power one and modified so I decided it was worth the cost.

I wouldn't bother on anything else. If it gets nicked, I don't really want the car back.

oliverr

A Citroen? No, I wouldn't think that it was necessary but if it gives you peace of mind then maybe you'd want to. I'm not sure if it reduces insurance premiums but is certaintly worth looking into as there's usually that tickbox section for what type of security alarm you have.