Despite the spread of sophisticated factory-equipped anti-theft systems in modern vehicles, there’s still a robust demand for aftermarket car alarms. Modern technology hasn’t deterred thieves, apparently
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Despite the spread of sophisticated factory-equipped anti-theft systems in modern vehicles, there’s still a robust demand for aftermarket car alarms. Modern technology hasn’t deterred thieves, apparently. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, in 2020 the United States saw a 9.2% increase in car thefts, to more than 873,000 in total, compared to 2019. Aftermarket car alarms are a great way of protecting older cars that came without anti-theft systems and newer vehicles that have alarms with limited features.
As with vehicles themselves, there have been major technological advances in car alarms since the first heyday of aftermarket alarms in the 1970s and 1980s. There are two kinds of car modern car alarms. 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 cell phone, alerting you in real time in a more direct way than an alarm going off outside or possibly blocks away. Two-way alarms can also offer features like keyless locking and entry, GPS tracking and other functions routed through your cell phone.
These alarms offer an additional layer of protection over a vehicle’s factory systems, and there are some side benefits too. Installing an alarm system can often result in lower insurance premiums, though we advise checking with your insurer before installation. Top considerations when shopping are compatibility with your vehicle, the range in which your remote can communicate with the alarm, ease of installation, features, maintenance and price. Here are five top-rated alarms, each of which offers unique functionality and protective systems.
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