Is LoJack Worth It? What Can It Do And Is It At All Efficient?

The numbers do not lie. Hundreds of thousands of cars get stolen every year in the US alone and in some states, less than 30% of these cars are recovered. These are real vehicle theft figures that can make you pause for a while and wonder whether or not you are making the right decision by not installing a tracking device on your car. Enter LoJack.

Addons in your car highlights

• Commonreasons:more power, cheap upgrades
• Average prices:$150 - $800
• Average waiting time:1 day
• Common problems:no efficiency, dangerous installation
• DIY mods:possible
• Level of satisfaction:low

How Does LoJack Work?

It is as simple as the vehicle owner reporting the stolen car to the police so that the vehicle gets added to the National Crime Information Center. This process automatically activates the LoJack in the stolen vehicle and sends its location to the nearest police in possession of a LoJack tracking computer. But how exactly does it do this?

The LoJack system with early warning alerts you when your car moves and once the vehicle is reported stolen, a coded signal is sent to the police enabling them to successfully track your vehicle's location. One impressive thing about LoJack is that it can emit signals even where GPS normally wouldn't be able to reach. 

LoJack does not depend on GPS like some other vehicle tracking and recovery systems because it sends location signals via Radio Frequency technology. This feature is perhaps one of the most prominent advantages of the LoJack system. 

There are different upgrades to choose from depending on your needs, The LoJack System with Early warning notifies you via text or phone if your vehicle gets moved without your permission, while the Protection Plus 5000 offers you a total loss benefit of up to $5000 under certain conditions.

Is LoJack Worth it?

Installing a tracking device on your vehicle is almost always worth it, especially if it is a type like LoJack with a 24-hour theft recovery guarantee or money back. This recovery system also reports a 90% vehicle recovery rate, which is more than we can say for some other modern variants. 

There are also other advantages like how the system has zero need for cellular range or satellite coverage, not to mention how it comes with a backup battery in case your vehicle's battery is unplugged. But there is more to consider when deciding if LoJack is for you.  

The most important factor to weigh is the vehicle itself. If you're driving a mid-range car, think thoroughly about whether you'll be willing to spend hundreds of dollars getting a comprehensive recovery system or if you'd rather settle for other cheaper vehicle security options. 

Does your vehicle have its own tracking system? What are the chances of your car getting stolen? If you end up deciding LoJack is right for you, follow these steps to further ensure you are making the right choice for your car. 

• STEP 1: Determine if LoJack is available in your area

Unfortunately, LoJack only covers certain areas so you'll have to do your research and be sure it's available to you. You can check on the company's official website to see areas where the device is accessible. 

• STEP 2: Consider your insurance benefits

If your insurance policy already covers theft, investing in LoJack might be overkill. But that again depends on the exact amount of coverage you have. Should you be getting a policy upgrade instead? These are the kind of questions to ask here. 

• STEP 3: Pick a package

After carefully considering other factors, it's now time to pick a package. LoJack offers different options to suit different vehicle types. You can buy directly from the company's website or from another trusted vendor online.  

Are There Any Drawbacks To Using LoJack?

While the brand has a strong reputation for high vehicle recoveries, there are still a few loopholes in the system you should know about. 

• Works in only selected areas

Police patrol units not equipped with a LoJack Police Tracking Computer cannot help you find your stolen vehicle using the system. This is a big drawback given the tool's pricey nature. Even in areas where police are on board with the recovery process, the stolen car has to be within 5-7 miles of the unit equipped with the tracking computer.

• Lack of GPS coverage 

A vehicle tracking system that does not require GPS to function can be beneficial, given how the system would work in places that GPS cannot cover. But this can be a disadvantage when you consider how a vehicle that transmits GPS- based location would be easier to locate in real-time. And because LoJack tracks radio frequency, it might have little effect if the stolen vehicle is quickly moved to a far-off deserted area.  

Fortunately, newer versions of LoJack offer GPS capabilities and other modern features like battery monitoring. 

• Price

At $700- $1000, several car owners find the system a bit too expensive and may rather opt for cheaper low-end security options. Luckily, there are no monthly fees or installation charges with LoJack, compared to some other devices that charge up to a $30 per month service fee. 

Does LoJack Drain a Vehicle's Battery?

The manufacturers guarantee that installing LoJack won't drain your battery fast. However, you can expect it to consume small amounts of power from your car's battery. The device comes with a backup battery, which means it can function even if you disconnect your vehicle's battery. 

Some users have complained though about noticing unusual battery drainage after installing LoJack. 

What Kinds of Cars Is LoJack Compatible With?

The tool works on a wide range of cars since it does not require any special applications for tracking. So whether you have a minivan, family sedan, classic car, or any other kind, you can secure your vehicle with LoJack. 

Can You Add LoJack to an Old Car?

Yes, you can. The newer LoJack comes installed in certain new cars but you can still purchase the classic version and install it. As expected, a new or used vehicle with a LoJack system would be more expensive and you'll need to re-register the unit in your name. But to install LoJack on your existing car, you'll need a LoJack technician or an authorized party. The same goes for servicing, maintaining, and inspecting the system. 

How Do You Know If a Car Has a LoJack System?

If you have bought a new or used car and need to be sure that LoJack has been installed on the vehicle, the best thing to do is to check the common locations where the unit is usually installed. Note that LoJack technicians do not disclose information on the location where the device has been installed and this is purely for safety reasons. 

However, you can try looking at some places like the area around the glove box, behind airbags, or near the vehicle's headliner. There are potentially 20 or more different locations the installed device might be, so it might be best to simply ask the dealership or original car owner if the vehicle has LoJack. 

Does Installing LoJack Lower Insurance Rates?

Insurance companies generally offer reduced rates when the vehicle has anti-theft features, but again, this would depend on the particular company and the driver. You can expect to pay up to 10% less for insurance when your car has LoJack and may even be eligible for special LoJack discounts. Verify from your auto insurer how much you could save on insurance using this vehicle tracking system. 

Can You Remove LoJack After Installation?

Yes, you can remove or deactivate LoJack from a car after installation. Know that this won't be a simple task if you are not a specialized LoJack installer. You might have trouble finding the installation location or disabling the device due to the complex techniques. But if you are bent on removing the unit, begin by ensuring you know what the device looks like, then check the possible installation locations. Remove the gadget and all its cables if you successfully find it. 

Conclusion

We can all agree on one thing: LoJack is a practical gadget and a reliable vehicle recovery system. So whether or not you decide to opt for another security option, what is most important is that you are taking dependable measures to protect your vehicle from theft. And if you are sure LoJack is right for your needs, ensure your unit is installed by a verified technician for optimal effectiveness.