10 Incredible Car Security Systems

Cars are a significant investment, second only to homes in terms of value. Like any major purchase, owning a car introduces an additional risk: the possibility of theft. In some laid-back areas, simply locking your doors might suffice, but in most places, it's essential to protect both yourself and your vehicle with proper security measures.

On a positive note, car thefts have been on the decline in recent years, with fewer than 1 million cars stolen in the U.S. in 2009 [source: NICB]. This marks the lowest number in two decades, reflecting significant advancements in car security. For example, over 30 models from General Motors now come with OnStar, a system that offers everything from turn-by-turn navigation to stolen vehicle tracking and remote ignition disabling [source: OnStar]. While OnStar is a technological breakthrough, it's just the beginning – there are a variety of high-tech car security systems that use GPS or radio to track vehicles and even remotely disable engines.

Modern security options range from pre-installed features like OnStar to premium solutions such as LoJack. Keep reading to explore 10 incredible car security systems, from everyday affordable options to futuristic DNA-recognition tech and military-grade Smartrucks.

10: OnStar

OnStar is one of the most prominent car security systems, widely recognized for its advertising. General Motors has effectively communicated OnStar's unique advantages through its campaigns, much like Broadview Home Security ads show operators helping homeowners after burglaries. OnStar ads typically feature operators reaching out to drivers after accidents. But how does OnStar truly work?

OnStar operates through a digital cellular network in the U.S., allowing customers to contact the service 24/7 by simply pressing a button in their car. If you're lost on a remote country road, an advisor will guide you with turn-by-turn directions. This is part of OnStar's "three-button system." With a plan or pre-paid minutes, OnStar also supports hands-free calling with the second button. The third button connects you directly to an emergency OnStar Advisor.

In emergencies like car accidents, OnStar's sensors, such as airbag sensors, can automatically notify an operator of the vehicle’s condition and location, enabling them to send help. But OnStar doesn’t just excel in emergencies; it’s also impressive for regular security. If you lose your keys, OnStar can unlock your car, or help you find your way in a crowded parking lot by honking the horn. It tracks stolen cars using GPS, and for newer models, OnStar can remotely disable the ignition or slow the vehicle down during high-speed pursuits.

OnStar is more than just a security feature; it's a full-service system, and its mobile apps for iPhone and Android make tasks like remote door unlocking even more convenient. Of course, all this comprehensiveness comes with a price – $199 annually for the basic "Safe & Sound" plan, or $299 a year for the "Directions & Connections" plan, which includes turn-by-turn navigation.

9: LoJack

LoJack is one of the most well-known car security systems that uses radio tracking technology to locate and recover stolen vehicles. Most tracking systems operate similarly: small transceivers are hidden inside the car and can be tracked by an external source tuned to the correct frequency. Unlike GPS, which requires a clear line of sight to a satellite, systems like LoJack are capable of tracking vehicles in areas where GPS would fail.

Because of its close collaboration with law enforcement, LoJack tracking devices are integrated into police computer systems. Each LoJack unit is linked to the vehicle's unique vehicle identification number (VIN), so when a car is reported stolen and the VIN is entered into the police database, the corresponding LoJack device is automatically activated to help locate the vehicle [source: LoJack].

LoJack offers a 24-hour recovery guarantee. If your car is stolen and not recovered within 24 hours, you’ll receive a refund for the LoJack system itself [source: LoJack]. However, the downside is that this system is only effective in certain counties across the U.S. and is relatively costly. The basic LoJack system costs $695, but having one could potentially lower your automobile insurance premiums by up to 35 percent [source: LoJack].

Having explored OnStar and LoJack, two of the leading names in car security, let's now examine how BMW measures up to GM's OnStar powerhouse.

8: BMW Assist and Security Plus

BMW introduced its own alternative to OnStar with BMW Assist starting in the 2007 model year. Much like OnStar, BMW Assist provides automatic collision detection, direct communication with BMW response specialists, and remote door unlocking. BMW also claims it will collaborate with police for vehicle recovery if stolen. Using a combination of GPS tracking and cellular communication, BMW Assist, like OnStar, can share tracking data with law enforcement if needed [source: BMWUSA.com].

BMW Assist is offered for free for the first four years in certain 2007 and later models, but after that, it comes with an annual fee of $199 [source: BMWUSA.com]. Not all BMWs come with Assist as a standard feature: for example, the 2011 128i Coupe only includes BMW Assist as part of a premium package [source: BMWUSA.com].

In a slightly more extravagant, yet undeniably cool security offering, BMW’s X5 Security Plus is the only mass-produced vehicle from a major car manufacturer to feature Class 6 bulletproof body and glass. While it resembles a standard BMW X5, the Security Plus model is reinforced with armor capable of stopping AK47 bullets, and features like sirens, as well as front and rear cameras, elevate its security well beyond that of an average car [source: Autoblog].

If purchasing a brand-new armored luxury car seems excessive (or simply out of budget), consider more budget-friendly options. While this next security system doesn’t include armor plating, its vehicle tracking capabilities still provide excellent protection.

7: CarShield

CarShield upgrades older vehicles with a security and diagnostic system similar to OnStar or BMW Assist, all via a simple adapter. By plugging CarShield into the diagnostic port of any car built since 1996, it accesses the vehicle’s computer system and sends data to a smartphone or any internet-connected device through cellular technology. CarShield monitors the car’s battery and temperature, and can also detect issues like low oil pressure or tampering with the unit itself. Additionally, the system’s integrated GPS allows for real-time vehicle tracking, with status updates or alerts available via email or SMS [source: CarShield].

CarShield is one of the more affordable telematics solutions currently available. Telematics refers to long-distance communication of data from a vehicle. If you own a car made after 1996 and want to add telematics capabilities, CarShield costs $349 with an annual fee of $159 for wireless services and roadside assistance. Similar to OnStar, CarShield offers access to advisors who can assist in emergencies. CarShield was also a finalist for the 2010 Best Aftermarket Device Telematics Award [source: PRLog].

6: Commando FM-870

Does your car have a keychain pager? This small device lets you lock and unlock your doors from a distance and ensures your car stays secure. The Commando FM-870 is an enhanced version of a standard pager, offering the ability to unlock doors without a key and remotely start the engine from as far as 2,500 feet (762 meters). This model also includes an LCD display that shows the status of your doors and trunk, and can detect hard impacts to your vehicle [source: Commando].

If an unauthorized entry or engine start occurs, the Commando FM-870's LCD display will trigger an alert. Along with remote start and keyless entry, the system also features an integrated car alarm, which can be programmed to activate if the vehicle is accessed without authorization. The multi-functional Commando FM-870 is available for $169.99 on Commando’s website, though the installation requires manual wiring, so make sure you're comfortable with the setup before purchasing it [source: Commando].

While the Commando FM-870's LCD-equipped remote makes it stand out, it's just one of many multifunctional security systems on the market. Let's dive into the Viper 1002 next, another strong contender.

5: Viper 1002

If the Commando caught your eye, the Viper 1002 security system is definitely worth your attention. This system includes two four-button remotes that work over radio frequencies up to 1,320 feet (402 meters), offering a slightly shorter range than the Commando. The Viper also features the Stinger impact sensor, which detects pressure on the vehicle and can trigger a light alarm chirp rather than a loud siren blast for minor impacts. For example, leaning on the car will produce a gentle warning, not a full-blown racket. Additionally, the Failsafe Starter Kill locks the engine, preventing it from starting even with a key once it's activated after parking.

Convenience features like remote engine start, keyless entry, and trunk access are also included in the package [source: Viper]. Although the Viper 1002 has an MSRP of $299.99, you can often find it at much lower prices, like $112 on Amazon.com.

Now that we've explored multifunction security systems, let's shift gears and look at a device with a singular focus: ensuring your engine stays cold, no matter how hard thieves try to take it for a joyride.

4: Cobra 8510

Cobra, a U.K.-based company, offers a wide range of car accessories, from DVD players for headrests to parking assistance systems. But they also produce an effective car security device that stops thieves in their tracks: the Cobra 8510 immobilizer. The name itself hints at how this security system works. Accredited by Thatcham, an organization that tests and rates vehicle security, immobilizers disable crucial engine components required for startup. By deactivating the ignition system, the Cobra 8510 makes hotwiring your car nearly impossible without the key. The system comes with two keys that can deactivate the immobilizer, ensuring your car stays safe as long as the keys remain in your possession [source: CarsBuddy].

The Cobra 8510 automatically arms itself, making it incredibly hard for thieves to drive away with a car equipped with this immobilizer. When compared to other more complex GPS or multi-feature security systems, immobilizers like this are affordable. You can purchase the Cobra 8510 for around $65 on Amazon.co.uk, making it a cost-effective solution for preventing car theft.

3: CobraTrak 5

Cobra's CobraTrak 5 takes the features of several of their top security systems and combines them into a single powerful solution. With a Category 5 ranking in the Thatcham system, it’s designed to enhance the chances of vehicle recovery if it's stolen [source: Thatcham]. This advanced system offers vehicle tracking that functions in a very unique way, ensuring comprehensive security for your vehicle.

An automatic driver recognition (ADR) system creates a connection between your vehicle and a card that you keep on you. If the card is not in the car, the ADR system becomes active and immediately alerts Cobra's monitoring center if the vehicle is moved. Even if a thief manages to steal your keys but misses the ADR card, they're out of luck: the system will detect that the card is absent and will activate the alert. Cobra can even remotely immobilize the engine, ensuring that once the car is turned off, it can't be restarted. When paired with GPS tracking, remote engine immobilization boosts the likelihood that police will be able to track down and recover a stolen vehicle [source: Cobra].

This high-end security system is geared toward car owners in Europe. Cobra charges £649 ($1,050) for the system, with an additional annual fee of £199 ($322) for monitoring [source: Cobra]. If that price is too steep for you, don’t worry. Next, we’ll explore another security option. While it doesn’t feature GPS tracking or remote engine immobilization, it will make it significantly more difficult for carjackers to sell your stolen car to an underground chop shop.

2: VINshield

Each vehicle has a unique vehicle identification number (VIN), a series of digits that differentiates one car from another. The VIN can be found on the dashboard and is visible through the windshield. Car thieves often cover the VIN to conceal a vehicle's identity, but once the car reaches a chop shop, it’s usually dismantled for parts and the VIN number becomes irrelevant. However, VIN etching allows you to permanently mark your car’s windows with its unique VIN, making it difficult and costly for thieves to sell your car’s parts.

VINshield is a handy product that lets you easily etch your car's VIN onto its windows. The kit includes stencils with your VIN and a chemical solution to apply the etching. The included warning stickers can serve as an additional deterrent for would-be thieves. While VIN etching won’t offer GPS tracking, engine immobilization, or trigger a loud alarm, it can discourage carjackers and complicate the resale of stolen parts. At only $19.95, the VINshield kit is a cost-effective alternative compared to most car security systems [source: VINshield].

VINshield marks the conclusion of our discussion on practical car security measures, but the journey doesn’t end here. Some of the most extraordinary high-tech security systems haven’t hit the market yet – in fact, some only exist in the realm of science fiction. Let’s explore some of the futuristic car security technologies Nissan and Lexus have been working on.

1: Nissan Vision 2015

Nissan's Vision 2015 project focuses on designing innovative car concepts and technologies for the year 2015. Many of these technologies are centered around reducing fatalities and injuries from car accidents. One of Nissan's Vision 2015 concept cars fully embodies this mission by integrating advanced tech designed to prevent drunk driving accidents — and eliminate drunk driving altogether [source: DUI.com].

In this concept, sensors within the car's seat and gearshift are capable of detecting alcohol through the driver’s sweat, preventing the car from being driven if alcohol is detected. Additionally, a camera monitors the driver’s eyes. If it senses signs of fatigue or intoxication, it will issue a vocal alert and tighten the seatbelt as a reminder to stay awake [source: DUI.com]. The system can also detect suspicious driving behavior, such as drifting out of a lane, and trigger the same alert and seatbelt adjustment if it detects the driver is falling asleep behind the wheel [source: DUI.com].

Though this futuristic concept car isn’t available yet, Nissan has already begun incorporating a drunk driving message into its current navigation systems [source: DUI.com]. In the next decade, Nissan’s vision might become a widespread reality, and car security systems could be just as effective at safeguarding us from ourselves as they are at defending against external threats.