Thanks Sean. I agree with the factory stereo part. In fact, that is
what raised the question in my mind. If all an anti-theft device does
is protect the stupid radio then the insurance company is not offering
discount for the right thing. That is why I thought that there is more
to an anti-theft device than that.

So am I correct in understanding that the car alarms sold in circuit
city and best buy would also qualify as anti-theft devices and would
qualify me for an insurance discount? Since I hate those and think
they are of no value, I never bothered with one. But I guess if it
saves me some insurance $$$ then why not?

Also, the question is, how badly would an after market installer
damage my car's wiring while installing one of these? I would probably
get a keyless entry system with trunk release too. Would *that* hurt
my car's wiring? (I don't think original Honda install would be an
option because of the high cost. My choice is only between getting an
afermarket one and not getting one at all.)

Also any recommendations/brands from anyone in the group would be
highly appreciated.
TIA,
bc


"Sean Donaher" <nospam@nospam.ca> wrote in message news:<kx_pb.7796$R13.439062@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca>...
> Usually, when you hear the companies talk about anti-theft devices they're
> talking about the alarm systems and computer chips in the keys. These are
> important for getting discounts for insurance. Your insurance company won't
> care about the anti-theft code for your factory stereo because they factory
> stereos tend not to get stollen. Why would a thief steal the piece of crap
> factory stereo when they can find so many youth owned civics with insane
> after market ones that are worth a lot more.
>
> Generally though, the only true value of any alarm system, regardless of
> whether it's factory installed or after market is it keeps the honest people
> honest. Professional thieves know how to defeat these systems and will
> steal your car in a heartbeat if they really want to. And as for people
> responding to car alarms, when's the last time you saw that happen? Most
> people are so used to hearing morons in malls trip their own alarm that
> they're conditioned to think that's all it is so they ignore them. The
> thought of an actual break-in occuring is the last thing on their mind.