Alarm popularity?

[cosmart]

I looked at the "tell us what you ordered" thread and was shocked at how many people ordered the alarm. Are people just checking all the boxes or has an alarm ever really helped anyone? First off, everyone ignores car alarms when they go off because it is almost always a false alarm, and second, if someone wants your car, they'll get it regardless.

How many people out there have ever definitively known that an alarm prevented a theft? Maybe I just am living in the right place. I have a car I bought used with an alarm, and I hate it. I never arm the thing, and it makes working on the electrical system a PIA.

Is it just a way to lower insurance premiums?

[Carnut]

It's another form of insurance. Like all insurance if it is never used it is a waste of money, and vice versa.

My feeling is that "Tippers" would immediately desist once it went off.

[meaux61]

The alarm has a motion sensor so if someone tries to move your smart, it will go off. Five people can pick up and carry the car. ALso, you get a discount on your insurance if you have an alarm. Finally, I like having an alarm because if I am out late at night and I feel threatened, I can engage the alarm and make alot of noise and possibly scare off a potential assailant.

Meaux

[parnami]

I'm in Philly and since the city's turned, my car gets broken into, on average of once a year while parked in front of the house. The most recent occurance being this past tuesday, when looking out the window first thing in the morning, I saw my window broken, the dash ripped apart. (They didn't get the car because I have used a steering column collar since the first break-in.) I've always been against alarms for the reason you stated but, now figure if the alarm had gone off after the window was broken, I'd have heard it and possibly prevented the damage that followed. Of course, I might also now be dead on the sidewalk! Anyway, I'm having one installed as soon as I get it back from the body shop.

But, even before that, I planned to order my smart with the alarm, hoping it would help to prevent "tipping" if nothing else.

[MarkB]

I didn't see the option to add alarm when I configured and I forgot to send that change in when I eliminated my comfort package. Oh well, I will either see what it costs to add at dealer or just put in aftermarket. I've installed alarms on my other cars and it's pretty easy.

[SmartAzz]

I might as well mention again how having an alarm notified me that my car had been hit and then ran out and got the guys' info before he could leave the scene I figure for the small amount it costs the benefits of having it are worth it.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by cosmart

I looked at the "tell us what you ordered" thread and was shocked at how many people ordered the alarm. Are people just checking all the boxes or has an alarm ever really helped anyone? First off, everyone ignores car alarms when they go off because it is almost always a false alarm, and second, if someone wants your car, they'll get it regardless.

How many people out there have ever definitively known that an alarm prevented a theft? Maybe I just am living in the right place. I have a car I bought used with an alarm, and I hate it. I never arm the thing, and it makes working on the electrical system a PIA.

Is it just a way to lower insurance premiums?

for me yes
karl

[SmartBob]

I'm more concerned with people messin' with it in lots, etc. An alarm will make people look at the perp. Perps don't want to be identified. So for me the alarm will be an effective deterrent. One could just by a blinking LED...whether that's enuff is up to you.

[Andrewlcox]

I picked the alarm and every other option I could. I figured the alarm might be useful along with the other options so why not? I think all of the options are reasonably priced, that's why I picked all of them. If I couldn't afford the upgrades maybe I shouldn't being buying the car.
Andy

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Andrewlcox

I picked the alarm and every other option I could. I figured the alarm might be useful along with the other options so why not? I think all of the options are reasonably priced, that's why I picked all of them. If I couldn't afford the upgrades maybe I shouldn't being buying the car.
Andy

No question if one thinks they're reasonably priced then they are (for that person); others may see the smart as a true economy car and not wish to add a long list of options, or even choose to order a Pure with minimum options. Strictly personal taste, as opposed to what people can afford IMHO.