Glossary

Anti-theft device discount

A premium reduction, usually on comprehensive coverage, for cars with alarms, immobilizers, tracking systems or other theft deterrents.

Also called: anti-theft discount, passive anti-theft discount, theft deterrent discount

An anti-theft device discount lowers the part of your premium that pays for theft, which is usually the comprehensive coverage portion. Insurers apply it when a car has equipment that makes it harder to steal or easier to recover: audible alarms, passive engine immobilizers that arm automatically, steering-wheel or ignition locks, VIN etching on the windows, and GPS tracking or recovery systems.

The size of the discount depends on the device and the insurer. Passive systems that work without any action by the driver often earn more than devices you must remember to use, and tracking systems that help police recover stolen cars may earn more still. Because the discount applies only to comprehensive, the dollar saving is often modest.

Some states require it. Florida law, for example, requires insurers to give a discount on comprehensive coverage for cars with anti-theft devices, though it does not set the percentage. Most new cars come with factory immobilizers, which insurers may already reflect in the car's base rate through its vehicle symbol; aftermarket devices are where you may need to ask. Tell your insurer what is installed, keep the receipt, and check that the discount appears on your declarations page.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Comprehensive coverage Pays for damage to your car from causes other than a crash, such as theft, fire, hail, flood, falling objects, vandalism or hitting an animal. Vehicle symbol A code insurers assign to each make, model and trim to reflect its expected claim costs, used as a rating factor in pricing. Declarations page The summary page of an auto policy listing who and what is insured, the coverages, limits, deductibles, premium and policy period. Rating factors The characteristics insurers use to price a policy, such as driving record, location, vehicle, mileage and, where allowed, age and credit.

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