Key takeaways
A car alarm system can range in price from $15 to more than $300
Many auto insurers offer premium discounts for cars with alarms
Installation can be expensive, but worth it if you don’t have the skills to DIY
Blaring car alarms may be the sound everyone loves to hate, but those safety devices keep thieves from stealing your wheels.
If your car doesn’t have a security system you’re at greater risk for break-in or loss. Approximately 873,000 vehicles were stolen in 2020, 10% more than the previous year, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
With car thefts on the rise, now’s a good time to rethink your vehicle security. Besides avoiding the shock of a missing or damaged car, installing a system has another benefit: auto-insurance companies offer premium discounts for cars with alarms—which could help cover the cost in a year or two.
Finding the right security system for your budget and needs, however, can be challenging. There are lots of new features to consider—such as two-way paging, GPS tracking, and remote start—many of which offer extra security and convenience.
This guide will walk you through the different types of aftermarket car alarm systems and add-ons. It’ll also help you decide whether to install the car alarm system yourself or hire a pro to do it for you.
Types of car alarm systems
Car security systems generally fall into a few key categories. Here are the main choices and their average costs.
Active car alarm system
This is the most common type of car alarm. It’s considered “active” because it requires the driver to press a button on the key fob to lock doors and activate the alarm.
Some active systems can be switched into “passive” mode, which automatically engages the alarm when the driver turns off the vehicle and the last door closes.
Prices vary widely—active systems range from as little as $15 to more than $150, depending on features selected.
Passive car alarm system
A passive alarm system automatically activates the locks and arms itself after the driver turns off the ignition and closes the doors. It’s a great option for drivers who sometimes forget to lock their doors or set the alarm.
Because there’s less room for user error, passive alarms often reduce your insurance premiums by a greater amount than active alarms. An inexpensive system costs $50 or less, but an advanced system can easily exceed $200.