Are there Insurance Discounts for Anti-Theft Devices?
Last Updated on December 19, 2025
Yes — many auto insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices. The catch is that the discount amount (and which devices qualify) varies a lot by company, state, and even your specific vehicle.
In most cases, insurers apply anti-theft discounts only to the parts of your policy that pay for theft-related losses — usually comprehensive coverage, which is what typically covers the theft of your vehicle. You generally won’t see the discount applied to collision coverage because collision pays for crash damage, not theft.
Think of an anti-theft discount as a “nice-to-have” that can stack with other savings (like the discounts in our top ways to save on auto insurance guide). But the biggest reason to add theft protection is still the obvious one: it reduces the odds you’re dealing with a stolen vehicle in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Many insurers offer anti-theft discounts, but the device must meet that company’s qualifying rules (factory vs. aftermarket, tracking vs. immobilizer, subscription status, and more).
- Anti-theft discounts usually apply to comprehensive coverage (the part that covers theft), not collision—so the dollar savings may be smaller than the percentage sounds.
- Passive systems like factory immobilizers and engine-disabling tech typically earn better discounts than sound-only or manually armed alarms.
- Before buying a device, ask your insurer what the discount would be for your exact vehicle and what proof they require so you don’t spend money on a system that won’t be credited.
- How Anti-Theft Discounts Work
- What Are the Different Types of Anti-Theft Devices?
- How Much Can an Anti-Theft Discount Save You?
- Is the Cost of the Device Worth the Savings?
- How to Claim the Discount (and Avoid Common Problems)
- Extra Theft-Prevention Tips (That Don’t Always Require New Hardware)
- FAQs on Anti-Theft Device Insurance Discounts
How Anti-Theft Discounts Work
Auto insurers price comprehensive coverage based partly on theft risk. If your car has theft-deterrent tech, the insurer expects fewer theft claims — and may reward you with a discount.
Most companies break theft protection into “tiers.” Factory-installed passive systems (like immobilizers) usually qualify more easily than add-on gadgets. Higher-end systems (immobilizers + monitoring or tracking) may unlock larger discounts — but only if your insurer recognizes them as qualifying devices.
What Are the Different Types of Anti-Theft Devices?
Below are the most common device categories insurers look at. If you’re shopping for an anti-theft upgrade, prioritize what actually prevents theft — not just what might trigger a discount.
Passive Anti-Theft Systems (Factory or Aftermarket)
Passive alarms arm automatically when you turn off the car, remove the key/fob, and lock the doors. Because there’s no “I forgot to set it” problem, insurers often view passive systems as more reliable than manual alarms.
Examples include factory immobilizers, transponder keys, push-to-start systems that require an encrypted fob, and OEM security systems that arm on their own.
Active Alarms (Manually Armed)
Active alarms are the classic “press a button to arm it” setup. They can be inexpensive and still helpful, but they’re easier to defeat — and they’re only effective if you consistently arm them.
Because active systems leave room for human error, many insurers discount them less than passive anti-theft tech.
Sound-Only Alarms
Sound-only alarms (horn honking, sirens, flashing lights) can scare off an opportunistic thief, but they don’t always stop someone who’s prepared. Some are also easier to disable than people assume.
You may still qualify for a discount — but in many cases, sound-only alarms offer smaller savings than immobilizers or engine-disabling systems.
Engine-Disabling Alarms and Remote Shutdown
Systems that prevent the vehicle from being driven away tend to be the most valuable theft deterrents. An engine-disabling alarm (sometimes paired with a remote shutdown system) can disable ignition, fuel, or starter circuits when theft is detected — or allow shutdown/recovery actions through a monitoring service.
Insurers commonly treat immobilizers and engine-disabling tech as “top-tier” theft prevention, especially when they’re factory-installed or professionally installed.
Tracking and Recovery Devices
Tracking doesn’t always stop theft — but it can improve recovery odds and reduce total claim costs. Popular options include LoJack and OnStar-type services.
One important detail: some factory telematics systems require an active subscription. If the service is inactive, your insurer may treat it as “not installed” for discount purposes.
Visible Deterrents (Steering Wheel Locks, Wheel Boots, VIN Etching)
Highly visible deterrents can reduce “crime of convenience” theft — especially in higher-risk areas — but many insurers don’t offer meaningful discounts for them because they’re hard to verify and don’t reliably prevent theft the way immobilizers do. Still, they can be worthwhile for peace of mind.
How Much Can an Anti-Theft Discount Save You?
In today’s market, anti-theft discounts commonly fall in a rough range of about 5% to 15% on the comprehensive portion of your premium, though some insurers (and some device combinations) may offer more.
But here’s the part many drivers miss: comprehensive is often a smaller slice of your total bill than liability or collision. So even a “big” percentage discount can translate into a modest dollar amount per year — especially if your comp premium is already low.
If you’re primarily trying to lower your total premium, compare quotes across carriers as well. Some companies price theft risk very differently, and switching insurers can sometimes beat any single discount. If you’re shopping around, start with a short list of reputable options like these auto insurance companies.
Is the Cost of the Device Worth the Savings?
Sometimes — but don’t assume the device will “pay for itself.” A high-end, subscription-based tracking system can cost more than the yearly discount it earns. The smarter way to decide is to do quick math:
- Step 1: Ask your insurer what devices qualify and what the discount would be for your vehicle.
- Step 2: Estimate your annual savings (discount % × your comprehensive premium).
- Step 3: Compare that savings to the device cost (and any monthly fee).
If the discount is small, the device can still be worth it for theft prevention — especially if you drive a commonly targeted model, park outside frequently, or live in an area with elevated theft activity.
How to Claim the Discount (and Avoid Common Problems)
Anti-theft discounts are easy to miss because insurers don’t always add them automatically. Here’s how to make sure you get credit:
- Confirm what’s already installed. Many modern vehicles already have factory immobilizers or OEM security systems. Your VIN and owner’s manual can usually confirm this.
- Ask what proof is required. Some insurers only need the VIN; others want a photo, receipt, or install documentation for aftermarket devices.
- Know what “qualifies” by insurer. One carrier might discount tracking, while another only discounts immobilizers.
- Keep your subscription active (if applicable). If the monitoring service is turned off, you may lose the discount.
- Re-check at renewal. Discounts can drop off if the policy is rewritten, your vehicle changes, or the carrier updates discount rules.
Extra Theft-Prevention Tips (That Don’t Always Require New Hardware)
Even with good anti-theft tech, basic habits still matter. Lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid leaving the car running unattended. If you want more guidance and current theft trend context, these resources are helpful:
Bottom line: anti-theft discounts are real, but they’re usually modest — and they’re most valuable when the device meaningfully lowers your theft risk. Call your insurer before buying anything so you know exactly what will (and won’t) earn you a discount.
