Anti-Theft Car Insurance Discount: How to Qualify, Potential Savings, and More

Car thefts were extremely common in 2023, with one occurring every 31 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). One of the best ways to prevent vehicle theft is to have an anti-theft device in your car. Not only can it deter thieves, but it can also get you a discount on your auto insurance.

Discounts can vary, but you can save up to 23% on your insurance premium from companies like GEICO. This article outlines your potential savings, how to qualify for the anti-theft device discount, plus other ways to save on your auto policy.

How Much You Can Save With an Anti-Theft Discount

Although you can usually find an anti-theft discount from many of the top auto insurers, most don’t advertise how much you can save. Our research uncovered that you can typically save between 10% and 23% on your premium, though it varies by insurer and state. GEICO offers the largest anti-theft system discount of 23%, according to our research.

You could save more or less depending on which state you live in, the number and types of anti-theft devices you have, and how your insurer applies the discount. Some companies may apply the savings to your entire premium, while others, like GEICO, may only apply it to your comprehensive coverage. Your comprehensive insurance pays for vehicle thefts and stolen parts.

How to Get an Anti-Theft Discount

You need a qualifying anti-theft device in your car to receive a discount. Examples of different anti-theft devices include:

• Car alarms: If someone breaks into your vehicle, a car alarm emits a high-pitched sound to deter thieves.

• Vehicle recovery systems: Tracking and recovery systems like LoJack and OnStar aid law enforcement by using GPS to locate your stolen vehicle.

• VIN etching: Some thieves steal cars to resell. Etching your VIN on all your windows requires them to swap out all the glass, eating into their profits, which can deter them from stealing your vehicle.

• Security locks: Steering-wheel locks and brake locks prevent thieves from turning the steering wheel or using the pedals if they gain access to your vehicle.

• Passive devices: Passive disabling devices like Passlock and immobilizers work automatically to prevent the ignition from turning on without the key or fob that’s coded to your VIN. Automatic door locks are also passive systems that automatically lock your doors if your key or fob is a certain distance away from the car.

Your insurer may automatically apply the discount based on your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN if the manufacturer installed your anti-theft device. But if you or someone else installed one of these devices after you purchased the car, you may need to contact your insurance agent or company to get the discount.

Where to Get an Anti-Theft Discount

The anti-theft discount is fairly common, though you probably won’t know how much you’ll save without getting a quote or asking your insurance agent.

Here are a few other car insurance companies offering the discount, and how to get it:

Insurance Company	Eligibility Requirements
Mercury	Install an anti-theft device in your vehicle.
COUNTRY Financial	Install an anti-theft device or car alarm, and it’ll lower your comprehensive coverage cost.
NJM Insurance	Install vehicle recovery, anti-theft devices, or safety features like passive restraint systems and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Auto-Owners	Install anti-theft devices and safety features like ABS and airbags.
State Farm	Install approved anti-theft devices and car alarms in your vehicle.
Allstate	Install an anti-theft device in your vehicle.

The Best Anti-Theft Discounts Currently Available

The more you can prove you’re less likely to file a claim, the more money you could save on your car insurance rates. Anti-theft devices deter or prevent theft and lower your risk of filing a claim, which is why most insurers offer a discount if you have an anti-theft system.

Here are three auto insurance companies offering the best anti-theft device discounts, based on our research.

Amica

• Average premium: $243 per month

• Compare.com Rating: 3.90 out of 5

You can earn a discount from Amica if your vehicle has an approved anti-theft device, like a car alarm or GPS tracker. But what we like the most about Amica is its multiple safety features that can help you save even more if your vehicle has passive restraints, adaptive headlights, forward-collision warning, and electronic stability control — common features in many new cars.

Direct Auto

• Average premium: $145 per month

• Compare.com Rating: 3.76 out of 5

Like Amica, you can stack multiple vehicle discounts with Direct Auto. Save up to 10% with an anti-theft recovery or tracking system, 2% with a new car within the last three model years, up to 10% if it has at least one airbag, and up to 5% if it has ABS.

The airbag discount is only available in Florida and Pennsylvania. The ABS discount is in Florida only.

GEICO

• Average premium: $88 per month

• Compare.com Rating: 4.65 out of 5

Another company offering multiple vehicle equipment discounts is GEICO. Though the discounts only apply to certain coverages, you can save up to 23% with a built-in anti-theft device, 3% with daytime running lights, up to 23% with airbags, and up to 15% if you own a new vehicle no more than three model years old.

How to Maximize Your Anti-Theft Discount Savings

Here’s how to take advantage of the anti-theft discount and maximize your savings:

• Understand how your insurer’s discount works. Your insurance company may only discount your comprehensive insurance premiums or offer the discount for specific anti-theft devices. Learn what qualifies so you know if you’re eligible.

• Compare new vehicles. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider models with factory-installed anti-theft devices and other safety features to qualify for the maximum savings.

• Consider switching insurance companies. If your insurer doesn’t offer an anti-theft device discount, compare car insurance quotes from companies that do to see if you can save money by switching insurers.

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Other Common Car Insurance Discounts

Applying discounts to your policy is an easy way to save on your car insurance premiums. Here are some other common car insurance discounts — besides the anti-theft device discount — you may qualify for:

• Safety feature: Some insurers offer a separate passive restraint discount if your vehicle has features like airbags, ABS, locking seat belts, or daytime running lights.

• Driver safety course: Completing an approved driver training course can help you become a safer driver and earn you a driver safety course discount.

• Good student: Full-time high school and college students with a B or above GPA can qualify for a good student discount.

• Multi-car: Insure at least two cars with the same insurer to get the multi-car discount.

• Multi-policy: Purchase auto coverage and another insurance policy, such as homeowners, condo, renters, or mobile home insurance with the same company to qualify for a multi-policy discount.

Anti-Theft Discount FAQs

Sources:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Vehicle Theft Protection,” accessed November 8, 2024.

2. J.D. Power, “What Is A Theft Device Immobilizer?,” accessed November 8, 2024.