The Best Car Theft Deterrent Devices 

For many Americans, their cars are one of their biggest assets, making it essential to have the right car theft deterrent devices. Although car theft rates are finally declining after a spike in 2023, 850,708 vehicles were still reported stolen across the United States in 2024. 

Along with having reliable car insurance, having the right safety and anti-theft tools is one of the best ways you can protect your investment from would-be thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau notes that theft prevention efforts by auto manufacturers played a key role in the recent decline in stolen vehicles, especially as theft rates continued to fall in the first half of 2025. 

As a driver, you also need to play your part by using all of the tools at your disposal to keep thieves at bay. To make sure you’re not a target, check out the Freeway Insurance guide to the best theft deterrent tools and technologies available. 

Visible & Audible Car Theft Deterrents: Stop Thieves in Their Tracks 

Thieves usually look for the path of least resistance; they want easy targets that they can break into without much difficulty. There are plenty of visual and audio deterrents designed to show thieves right away that your car won’t be an easy score. By simply having a few basic deterrents already installed, you can scare away thieves quickly and even make them think twice about approaching your vehicle in the first place. 

You can avoid getting your car stolen by having well-placed deterrents like steering column collars, steering wheel/brake pedal lock, brake locks, wheel locks, theft deterrent decals, identification markers in or on your vehicle, window etching, and microdot marking. You can also use classic alarms to startle thieves and attract attention from bystanders. 

Wheel Locks 

Wheel locks are easy-to-use tools that can play a major role in deterring criminals. They attach to the steering wheel to keep it from turning, and they can be extended to fit most steering wheels. You simply use the accompanying key to unlock the device when you’re ready to drive. Many criminals will avoid cars with wheel locks simply because they look harder to steal. Thieves would have to spend extra time trying to break and remove the lock, making them more likely to get caught. 

Glass Etching 

Glass etching is a simple process you can do at home or have done by the dealership before you take possession of a car. It is simply etching your vehicle’s VIN number into the corners of every window, windshield, and other pieces of glass on the car. If any of the glass is removed or disassembled, it’s still possible to track the vehicle and, hopefully, identify the thief. 

Alarms and Alerts 

Car alarms are another tried-and-true method for warding off criminals. They immediately draw attention to your vehicle, which can scare away thieves before they even get started. Alarm technology has also improved significantly over the years, and many devices will automatically alert you if the alarm is triggered. 

Smart Anti-Theft Devices for the Modern Driver 

There are many tools you can use to protect your vehicle from criminals, from old-school locks to modern tracking systems and smart keys. Here are the top tools that any driver should install: 

Kill Switches and Immobilizers 

Kill switches, such as starters, ignitions, and fuel disablers, are some of the latest ways to deter thieves. With a kill switch, the car will not start unless a hidden switch is activated, disrupting the flow of electricity to the battery or ignition switch or disabling the fuel pump. 

Smart Keys and Wireless Authentication 

Wireless ignition authentication technology is another great option for preventing thieves from getting away with your vehicle. These tools look like key fobs or wallet tabs and have transmitters that activate the ignition. Similarly, smart keys contain radio frequencies or coded computer chips to make sure that your car will only start with that specific key. 

GPS and Vehicle Tracking Systems: Recover Stolen Cars Faster 

Tracking systems are the final frontier of anti-theft devices. This technology emits a signal to the police or a professional monitoring service when your vehicle is reported stolen. Some systems employ telematics, which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of your vehicle. If the car is moved, the system will alert you, and you’ll be able to track its exact location. 

Everyday Anti-Theft Habits That Make a Big Difference 

Along with installing the devices listed above, taking a few simple steps can also make a big difference in protecting you and your vehicle. By making these habits a part of your routine, you can make sure you’re not an easy target for criminals: 

• Always have your car locked, even while driving. 
• Never leave your keys in the car when parked. 
• Always close your windows, including the sunroof. 
• Do not leave your car running unattended. 
• Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them. 

Protect Your Vehicle (and Your Wallet) With Freeway Insurance 

You can’t always prevent car theft, but you can take all available precautions to make sure your car isn’t vulnerable. Car theft deterrent devices make it harder for thieves to get into your vehicle and can also help track them down if they do succeed. Additionally, having the latest in car security technology can help you get discounts from your insurer and make it easier to file a claim if a thief targets your vehicle. 

Our insurance experts at Freeway Insurance are here to answer your questions about how to help keep your car safe and your rates low. Freeway Insurance offers discounts for etched windows as well as many other good driving habits and security features. Call us today at 800‑777‑5620 for a free quote, visit us in person at a nearby Freeway Insurance location, or request a car insurance quote online. 

FAQs 

Learn more about how to keep your vehicle safe by checking out this Q&A: 

Do Car Theft Deterrent Devices Really Work? 

Yes! Car theft deterrent devices are effective at warding off thieves. If you can show that it will be a hassle to get into your car, thieves will probably pick another option. Of course, criminals can still target vehicles with the latest safety technology, but they’re much more likely to get caught. Whether you have alarms alerting people nearby to the theft, or a tracking device helping you find your car after the fact, the right tech tools can be a major help when it comes to protecting your vehicle. 

Can Anti-Theft Devices Lower My Insurance Rates? 

Yes, many insurers offer discounts on auto insurance if you install certain anti-theft devices. Installing security and anti-theft tools decreases the likelihood that you’ll need to file a theft-related claim, making you less risky to insure and ultimately saving money for both you and your insurance provider. Policies can vary by company, so shop around to find out which devices could help you qualify for extra savings. 

What’s the Best Anti-Theft Device for Older Cars? 

When it comes to older cars, it’s a good idea to install multiple devices, including wheel locks, external tracking tools, and hidden kill switches. New, modern vehicles often come equipped with built-in anti-theft tools, but older cars may need a bit of extra aftermarket tech to keep thieves at bay. 

Steering wheel locks are an affordable, simple way to protect your car, but it’s still best to use them in conjunction with a kill switch or a tracking tool if a thief does dismantle the lock. When it comes to tracking systems, you can choose from simple hidden GPS devices to more advanced monitors from professional tracking and security companies. 

Do I Still Need Comprehensive Insurance If I Have an Anti-Theft Device? 

Yes, you should still get comprehensive coverage even if you have the most advanced anti-theft technology on the market. Security tools and visual deterrents can go a long way towards keeping thieves away, but they aren’t foolproof. Some people will still try to overcome these deterrents to steal your car; even if they aren’t successful, they could seriously damage or vandalize your vehicle during their attempts to break in. 

As a result, you want to have the extra safety net of comprehensive insurance for worst-case scenarios. Plus, your comprehensive coverage can also come in handy for other types of damage beyond just theft or vandalism. 

How Can I Tell If My Car Has a Factory Anti-Theft System? 

You can tell if your car has a built-in anti-theft system by checking your owner’s manual or looking for a small alarm light on your dashboard. Look for terms like “engine immobilizer,” “disabling device,” “alarm,” or simply “anti-theft.” You may not even realize that your car has a security system as part of the factory settings. 

Keep in mind that even with security systems from the manufacturer, you should still have additional deterrents. Using a combination of factory and aftermarket tools will give you the best chance of avoiding becoming a target.