Don't Get Robbed
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday December 5, 1989
WITH CAR theft at epidemic proportions, giving yourself some sort of car security device may be imperative to prevent an unmerry Christmas. Security devices fall into two categories: car-alarm systems, which Tried & Tested will deal with this week, and theft-deterrent devices. The former are expensive but good ones are very effective. They tend to be fitted by new car buyers. Theft-deterrent devices, which are generally less expensive, are designed to make a quick getaway much more difficult for thieves, usually by locking one of the car systems.
Considering the impact of soaring car theft on insurance companies, it isn't surprising that two of them, the GIO and the NRMA, encourage the use of car alarms. Both issue lists of brands and models considered acceptable by the insurer.
The GIO requires recommended alarms to have, as standard equipment, protection for all doors, boot and bonnet, battery back-up, siren and glass breakage protection. The company has also negotiated with the various alarm companies to obtain a discount for GIO policyholders and, in addition, offers policyholders a 10 per cent reduction (up to a maximum of $30) on their car insurance premiums.
The NRMA's requirements for recommended alarms are more extensive (see box). It doesn't promise its members a discount but does suggest that they ask the alarm company whether an NRMA discount is available.
Both insurers' alarm lists are long, the GIO's particularly so, as well as out of date. And they include some very expensive alarms indeed - one costs more than $1,000. So, to make life easier for you, Tried & Tested has compiled a table, using both sources and updating them, that shows details of the best alarms under $600. We have included only alarms that comply with the NRMA's more stringent requirements but, naturally, a number of these are also recommended by the GIO. Where this is the case, we have contacted the distributors to check the current price available to GIO policy holders.
In the price column, the first figure shown is generally the figure available to the general public and the second, if any, the figure available through the GIO. The absence of a second figure does not necessarily mean the model concerned is absent from the GIO list. It may simply mean that the first figure is discounted or that, the GIO list to the contrary, no discount is available to GIO members.
Whether or not you insure with either the GIO or NRMA, the chances are quite high that you can obtain many of the discounts shown, by explaining politely that you are aware the discount is available to GIO members and that you will be happy to give the firm your business if it can be made available to you, too.
Many of the models listed provide features other than the minimum required by the NRMA so, before you make a final decision, check details of features and consider just which ones will suit you best. Take warranty times into account too. Occasionally, alarm troubles can continue for an infuriating length of time.
The phone numbers listed are those of the alarm companies. Some install their own alarms, others distribute to independent installers. In the latter case, the alarm company will be able to recommend an installer.
On the basis of the information in the table, the cheapest recommended alarm by far is the Quasar Mamba2 - and it has a two-year warranty into the bargain. Its stablemate, the Mamba1, is also a very good price. The only other models in the list under $500 are limited to one-year warranties. More expensive models, however, may have substantially more features. If you want more, check them out.
THE NRMA's 10 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
* Siren linked to all doors, bonnet and boot.
* A cut-out device that stops either starter, fuel or ignition system functioning.
* Siren that sounds immediately when bonnet, boot or doors are opened or when entry is through glassed areas or sunroof.
* Vehicle lights (other than headlights) that flash when alarm is triggered.
* Separate siren containing a standby rechargeable battery.
* Warning system to indicate condition of standby battery is optional(essential from 1990) but highly recommended.
* Warning lamp and/or window stickers - the make or type of alarm should not be identified.
* Alarm preferably sets itself automatically - or can be switched from outside the vehicle.
* Siren sounds for up to 90 seconds at a time - with automatic cut-out and reset period of five seconds (minimum).
* Service mode available to allow work on the vehicle without setting off alarm.
© 1989 Sydney Morning Herald
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