Stereo System Security
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Stereo System Security
Guys,
Recently around my area there have been a lot of problems with thieves breaking into cars and stealing whatever they can find. I'm fairly concerned right now, I have to park my car outside at my apartment complex. I do the usual as far as parking near a light, and locking my doors. I do not however have a car alarm. My factory alarm quit working on me (I think it's just a fob problem that won't keep it's memory). I have tinted windows. I have 5% on the sides and some slightly faded 20% on the back. I usually take my faceplate off and lock it in the console.
What steps have you guys taken in order to help prevent theft? I'm considering investing in an alarm but I'm not sure that would be effective. Does anyone have insurance on their stereo? If so how did that work? I've read my policy but it doesn't mention replacement of anything in the vehicle. I don't have renters insurance.
I was also thinking of buying a cargo shade. I called today and the dealer wanted $131.30 for the stock shade. I have a dealer account and I thought that was waaay to expensive for a piece of nylon. I found it for $80 at Mid America and it has the C5 logo on it.
Thanks !
Recently around my area there have been a lot of problems with thieves breaking into cars and stealing whatever they can find. I'm fairly concerned right now, I have to park my car outside at my apartment complex. I do the usual as far as parking near a light, and locking my doors. I do not however have a car alarm. My factory alarm quit working on me (I think it's just a fob problem that won't keep it's memory). I have tinted windows. I have 5% on the sides and some slightly faded 20% on the back. I usually take my faceplate off and lock it in the console.
What steps have you guys taken in order to help prevent theft? I'm considering investing in an alarm but I'm not sure that would be effective. Does anyone have insurance on their stereo? If so how did that work? I've read my policy but it doesn't mention replacement of anything in the vehicle. I don't have renters insurance.
I was also thinking of buying a cargo shade. I called today and the dealer wanted $131.30 for the stock shade. I have a dealer account and I thought that was waaay to expensive for a piece of nylon. I found it for $80 at Mid America and it has the C5 logo on it.
Thanks !
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: College Station TX
It sounds like you do everything you can already. The cargo shade is a good idea if you keep valubles in the back. Your factory alarm can also be activated by pressing the LOCK button on the door and then closing the door. Although, if your fob locks the doors it should set the alarm. So if your fob does lock the doors, your alarm itself might have a problem.
I think you've done all you can for your stereo, but you might want some sort of disabling device so no one can steal the car.
I think you've done all you can for your stereo, but you might want some sort of disabling device so no one can steal the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Noel you need to buy renters insurance! It is VERY cheap. It should be on the order of $75-$100 per year. You create a list and pictures of all your personal belongings and determine a replacement value. You then get a full replacement value policy. This is the only way that you will be able to get insurance replacement money for your stereo system. So if your car gets broken into, all you would be responsible for is damage to the car (broken windows, jacked up dash) that would be covered by your automobile comprehensive insurance. The renters coverage would give you replacement value for your stereo stuff and anything else you owned that was in the car at the time (like a leather jacket in the trunk or a gun in the glove box for example).
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,222
Likes: 344
If you're concerned, getting an alarm would be a good idea. Just the blinking light may scare off a thief, moving them on to an easier target. The price for the cargo cover seems high. Check the "parts for sale" section here or Ebay.
Also, turn your system down when you get close to home. The fewer people that know what you have in there, the better. Good luck.
Also, turn your system down when you get close to home. The fewer people that know what you have in there, the better. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Sorry it's been a while but here's an update...
Ok so I took Lars' advice and got renter's insurance. Since I'm still a college kiddie I'm covered under my parents home owners. I took pictures and have serial numbers (if they apply) and receipts. Hopefully I'll be ok.
The advice on not playing the stereo very loud is good advice. I've always tried to turn it down when getting anywhere near my place.
I'm looking into an alarm. Anyone have any experience installing these? I've only done a Rattler back in the day but it was pure definition of half ***. I seriously doubt it even works anymore. I've google'd this on the net and some don't look too terrible. I haven't found anything for corvettes however.
Cargo net is on it's way. Gene at Karshop (good transaction) hooked me up for $30 bucks shipped.
Noel
Ok so I took Lars' advice and got renter's insurance. Since I'm still a college kiddie I'm covered under my parents home owners. I took pictures and have serial numbers (if they apply) and receipts. Hopefully I'll be ok.
The advice on not playing the stereo very loud is good advice. I've always tried to turn it down when getting anywhere near my place.
I'm looking into an alarm. Anyone have any experience installing these? I've only done a Rattler back in the day but it was pure definition of half ***. I seriously doubt it even works anymore. I've google'd this on the net and some don't look too terrible. I haven't found anything for corvettes however.
Cargo net is on it's way. Gene at Karshop (good transaction) hooked me up for $30 bucks shipped.
Noel
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,222
Likes: 344
I have an Autopage on both of my cars. It works well and was under $175 installed on each car. I'm sure there are "better" alarms but it works for me. I've had Alpine before and they are good also.
I don't do installs...
I don't do installs...
