Are Car Alarms a Nuisance?

With crime on the rise these days and vehicles being a prime target for thieves, car alarms have become incredibly popular. In recent years, newer vehicles come standard with car alarms. However, many of these car alarms have become more of an inconvenience and nuisance more than a benefit. Sure, when they first started becoming popular, everyone wanted one and it deterred thieves from stealing cars a few moments longer. These determined car thieves have adapted easily and can still steal cars despite having car alarms or not.

Many car alarms have proven to be entirely too sensitive. A clap of thunder can cause car alarms all over parking lots to go crazy. A neighbor mows too close to your car and the loud sound sets off the car alarm. A sudden gust of wind that whips against a vehicle can also set off sensitive car alarms. In some major cities, car alarms randomly going off throughout the night do nothing more than annoy residents. In fact, 95% of triggered car alarms are false. When people hear car alarms going off, they don't jump up with the assumption that someone's vehicle is being stolen, they groan and stick the pillow over their head. Car alarms were once supposedly very effective and are having the opposite effect in largely populated areas. In more rural areas, the sound of car alarms still may cause some concern. If you live in a quiet neighborhood and car alarms don't seem to sound off very often, hearing one will cause people to investigate.

There are some benefits of having car alarms, despite the fact that there seem to be quite a bit of annoyances associated with them. Insurance companies usually offer discounts for having car alarms. There can be discounts for home alarm systems as well. Not only could your car insurance be discount for having an alarm, but they can still deter some thefts. Not all car thieves are professionals. In fact, most cars are stolen by criminals who do not make a career from stealing cars. Seeing a small flashing red light on your dashboard may make some would-be thieves walk away from your vehicle. Keep in mind though, if someone is determined to take your car, it will still be done.

If you do live in an area where many neighbors will be annoyed or inconvenienced at car alarms sounding off at all hours, you may want to look into alternative theft deterrent methods for your vehicle. Or, if you know that a thunderstorm is expected, deactivate it. If you know that your car alarm is very sensitive, see if it can be adjusted or stay a step ahead of it. By taking some small steps and still keeping your car safe, you may be allowing others to sleep a little bit longer at night. At least you'll be able to say that the annoying car alarms weren't yours. At least, not this time.