Non Passive Alarm
Installing a car alarm system is almost a given. No one wants to experience car theft, and everyone wants the discounts offered by car insurance companies for having an alarm system. Car owners have a choice of two main types of car alarms: a passive alarm and a non-passive alarm, also called an active alarm.
A passive alarm sets automatically when the driver turns off the ignition. Because no thought is required and the alarm is so reliably set, insurance companies offer larger discounts for passive alarms. Many models of passive alarms allow owners to switch between passive and active functioning. While passive alarms are convenient because they don't require effort to set them, they must be disabled to open the car door or the trunk.
A non-passive alarm requires an action to set it, usually clicking a device that sets the alarm. Many non-passive alarm models offer some of the same features of passive alarm brands, such as remote starting and remote keyless entry. Also, most non-passive alarms can be set to operate as a passive alarm.
The big advantage of a non-passive alarm is that it lets the driver turn it on when it's most convenient. This means the driver can turn the ignition off and do other things, like get things out of the truck, before having to set the alarm. Many people simply prefer the control that a non-passive alarm gives them. The big disadvantage is that the driver always has to remember to turn it on!
Many cars come with an alarm as a standard features. Some manufacturers may offer the option of a passive or non-passive alarm installed system on their new cars. No matter what system a new car has, drivers may opt to replace the factory-installed alarm system with a different or more advanced aftermarket system. Car alarms systems are more reliable than ever. But keep in mind that aftermarket do-it-yourself systems, like steering wheel locks, are often just too easy for expert car thieves to counter and may not be sanctioned by an insurer.
The insurance discount for having any alarm system will most likely be modest, especially in the case of a non-passive alarm. Insurance companies may not recognize all types of car alarms, and they almost certainly will want one to be professionally installed before it qualifies for a premium discount.
Premium discount aside, a car alarm is worth having to reduce the risk of car theft and the risk of a car being vandalized. Always remember that a passive or non-passive car alarm alone won't prevent car theft. Drivers must still implement good anti-theft practices.