Car insurance – Tips & Advice – Stress-free driving
In terms of car security, a vehicle tracking system is certainly a high-end weapon against crime. These electronic devices need to be professionally installed and most have a monthly rental charge on top of the initial purchase price. Although they are a costly consideration, they are also among the most effective security systems currently on the market.
Are you receiving me?
The cheapest type of electronic tracking devices use radio frequency, which operates effectively but over a fairly short distance. There is no monthly fee, but the device will only be activated by the Police once you have realised your car is missing and have informed them that it has been stolen. By the time you do this of course, the device may have been destroyed.
Most of the devices that are available use Global Positioning System (GPS) modules, which can track a stolen vehicle anywhere in the world. Communications components, such as cellular or satellite transmitters, are also employed to communicate the vehicle’s location to a remote user back at a central monitoring station. Vehicle information is then viewed on electronic maps and the data is relayed to the police.
You are being watched
Many systems are automatically activated if it is sensed that the vehicle has been tampered with and is being started without the key. The tracking device is set off and sends out information that can be picked up by the monitoring station. The theft of car keys has also been taken into consideration with some having the ability to detect a problem even if keys are being used, via a ‘driver recognition transponder card’ that identifies the authorised driver.
The majority of sophisticated vehicle tracking systems involve the supplier providing a proactive service. This might mean that if your vehicle is driven at an unusual time or into an unusual area, they will phone you to check that you know where it is. This involves them building up an individual map of your normal usage and monitoring a deviation from this.
A few systems come with a verbal communication feature, which enables connection with the central monitoring station. This would be particularly helpful in the rare, but terrifying, possibility of a car jacking. There is also the opportunity of owning a device that incorporates a ‘remote engine kill’, where the engine is switched off when the speed drops below a certain point. This means the car is safely brought to a stop at traffic lights or a junction and the thief is prevented from re-starting the engine.
To buy or not to buy?
If you’re concerned that the level of security you have on your car is insufficient, then it’s definitely worth exploring your options as far as tracking devices are concerned. A good, conventional car alarm system can still be enhanced by this added safeguard against crime, particularly as even the most security conscious owner is likely to leave their car unlocked ‘just for a moment’ at some point. As you would be significantly reducing the loss risk of your vehicle, it would also pay to talk to Direct Line about how an electronic tracking device could lower your car insurance premium. All in all, it could add up to be a very worthwhile investment.
Related information:
Car alarms – most new cars come with alarms fitted, but if you have an older model, check out our guide for choosing a good car alarm
Secure thinking – more suggestions for keeping your car more secure
Tracker – supplier of vehicle asset management systems
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