Why does my car alarm keep going off and does it affect my car insurance?
If your car alarm is faulty or malfunctioning, it can be a loud and relentless nuisance that you might want to deactivate completely. But before you do that, consider how helpful they are as protection against vandalism and theft - as well as how your car alarm can affect your insurance.
Key takeaways
A faulty car alarm can invalidate your car insurance, meaning you may not be able to claim if your car is broken into or vandalized.
Car alarms can be triggered by environmental factors, faulty sensors, open windows, key fob issues, car battery problems, or electrical faults.
While you can disable a malfunctioning car alarm, fully disconnecting it could invalidate your insurance if you need to make a claim for theft or vandalism.
Will a faulty car alarm invalidate my car insurance?
Yes, simply put having a faulty car alarm may lead to your car insurance becoming invalidated, so you won’t be able to claim if someone breaks into your car or vandalises it while the alarm is faulty.
What causes a car alarm to go off on its own?
Car alarms can be sensitive, and if malfunctioning they can sometimes be set off when you least expect it - often as a result of:
Environmental factors: Your car alarm may be set off by the environment, like rough weather or a passing person or vehicle
Faulty or dirty sensors: Your car has multiple sensors, and one may be faulty or have dirt and grime around it which causes your alarm to go off
Open windows: If you’ve left a window open then insects or even debris from the road may get in and trigger an alarm
Installation issues: There may’ve been an issue with the alarm’s installation, especially if it wasn’t fitted by the dealership or a qualified mechanic
Key fob issues (battery or signal interference): Car alarms can often be set off by a low or flat key fob battery, while signal interference from devices like phones can also set the alarm off
Car battery: A low, flat, or old car battery may also be responsible if it’s affecting power flow to your car’s alarm system
Electrical faults: Lastly, any other wiring or electrical faults in your car may be causing power issues that set off the alarm
Can I turn off my car alarm?
You should be able to turn your car alarm off, both if it’s been set off and permanently thereafter if you decide it’s become too much of a nuisance. However, disconnecting your alarm entirely is likely to invalidate your car insurance policy if you need to make a claim for theft or vandalism, so consider if it’s the best choice of action.
How do I disable a car alarm?
If your car alarm goes off, you should be able to disable it through one of the following:
Unlock the doors: Using your key fob to lock and unlock the doors remotely may turn the alarm off
Use the switch: Some alarms, especially those installed separately rather than by the manufacturer, may have a manual switch or button you can use to switch the alarm off. If you installed the alarm yourself, check the instruction manual
Start the engine: Some cars may require you to start the engine or at least turn the ignition switch
Disconnect the battery: As a last resort you can disconnect the car battery’s negative connector to shut down the car’s power
What if my car alarm keeps going off?
If your car alarm persistently keeps being set off, you should get it checked over by a professional - and see if your warranty will cover repairs if your car is relatively new. It can be considered a statutory notice by the council if it continues and could even be removed - while you’ll likely need to pick up the cost of this.
Does having a working car alarm reduce my car insurance costs?
Yes, having a working car alarm, as well as other car security features like an immobiliser, can potentially reduce the cost of car insurance - but check with your provider to be sure. Remember, comparing car insurance policies with MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find affordable cover for you and your vehicle.
