LoJack and similar security/tracking systems?

[interestingstuff]

Greetings,

New Fit (base) 09 owner. Just talked to the insurance company. They have a discount for a LoJack-type vehicle tracking system.

So, I need a LoJack type system, either that or another brand. Since it's a base model fit, I figure I also need a typical security system, but they don't offer a discount for that.

Are there any good combo systems? Are there better competing systems? I live in the US if that matters.

Has anybody had one installed? What typical expenses might I expect?

Any other thoughts?

I found the DIY discussion, but I don't think that will cut it with the insurance company. DIY Low-Cost Vehicle Locator

thanks

[MetalFit630]

This is something that I've been looking into as well. I can get 15% off my insurance with a vehicle recovery/tracking system. LoJack is damn expensive, between $600 and $1000 depending on the features that you're looking for. It's pretty packed with features, such as being able to start or unlock your car from a computer or cell phone, and the Early Warning system that tells you if your car even moves.

Way too expensive for me. And the idea of using the cell phone hidden in the car, well, thats a good idea, but I'm not so sure my insurance would accept that as a viable prevention tool.

One option that is cheaper (mind you, NOT cheap) is called a Zoomback. The only reason I know about these is because I install car electronics at Best Buy, and I had this lady come in saying that her husband had us install a Zoomback in her Tahoe, and now they're seperated and he's using it to stalk her. Needless to say we hunted for it and removed it.

Anyways, they're $100-$150. They do require an agreement (like a cell phone company) and also a monthly subscription of $10 per month. They require power, but not much, and are weather resistant. In the lady's Tahoe, we found in the rear bumper.

This is a much cheaper option. Any system that you find is extremely likely to require a monthly service fee. The LoJack systems don't, but thats half of why they're so expensive. Also, with the Zoomback, I'm not sure if an insurance company will accept it as a tracking system, since it is mainly meant to track family members, such as new drivers or recently estranged spouses.

BestBuy.com - Search Results

[radareclipse]

As a LoJack owner, I wouldn't recommend it. Unless your car is modified something like mine. Otherwise, $600 on a $17,000 car? Are you kidding? You can't transfer ownership of the unit if you sell your car. In about two years, they hit you up for MORE F-in MONEY telling you your car isn't going to be protected. Any questions? Put an alarm in it and call it a day.

Although, something else you could look at is the Auto Page C3 system. I have that in another car. It's pricey to start. Remote Start/Alarm combo plus the C3 module. The module is like $400 more plus some more install $$. I think they are running a deal right now to give you coverage for your first year, otherwise it can be $149-249 depending on usage. You can start your car from L.A. when it's in NY. You can see where it is located within a reasonable perimeter. I can operate my car from my iPhone, but on the iPhone you have to open the Safari browser and operate it from there. It's not going to replace a transmitter. Again it's a lot of coin for the dollar vs. what a Fit cost.

[interestingstuff]

Originally Posted by radareclipse

As a LoJack owner, I wouldn't recommend it. Unless your car is modified something like mine. Otherwise, $600 on a $17,000 car? Are you kidding? You can't transfer ownership of the unit if you sell your car. In about two years, they hit you up for MORE F-in MONEY telling you your car isn't going to be protected. Any questions? Put an alarm in it and call it a day.

Although, something else you could look at is the Auto Page C3 system. I have that in another car.

Well, I'd only put in a LoJack or another vehicle tracking system IF it makes economic sense in regards to the insurance discount. I'm definitely going to put in a security system, but that won't get me an insurance discount.

But I'm curious how they justified hitting you up in 2 years after initial install for more money? How much more did they want, and what did they say it was for? I thought LoJack was supposed to be a one-time-cost thing.

As far as other systems I have found.. it seems that there is zoombak (gps tracking, but requires monthly fee)... and the Omega system(s) that require fees but may not require much fees if you're not using the tracking features unless it's stolen.

[radareclipse]

The justification is they are a publicly traded company. I haven't had the time to deal with it but I was going to dig into it more probably next month. Smells like a class action lawsuit?? They don't tell you when you get it your going to have to pay more later.
Yeah, I forgot to mention the cost savings on insurance. It never seems to pay even over time. I did it because of the effort put into the car plus the $$ put into the car.

[interestingstuff]

Originally Posted by radareclipse

The justification is they are a publicly traded company. I haven't had the time to deal with it but I was going to dig into it more probably next month. Smells like a class action lawsuit?? They don't tell you when you get it your going to have to pay more later.

Well obviously any company has a profit motive. I just meant.. when they sent you that letter/sales brochure/phone call/whatever... what did the text of that statement actually say?

As far as "You can't transfer ownership of the unit if you sell your car." -- I'm not planning on selling my car anytime soon.. I plan to keep it for a good long time.

thanks