Get LoJack for a Car You Already Own
The LoJack system consists of a wireless radio transponder the size of a deck of cards that is installed in a motor vehicle and activated by the police to track and recover the vehicle when it is reported stolen. The LoJack's signal is powerful enough to transmit through walls, dense foliage, and ship containers. LoJack is available for new cars and motorcycles through authorized LoJack dealers, but you can also get LoJack for a car you already own. Here's how.
Contents
Steps
- Know whether LoJack coverage is available in your area. The LoJack radio signal requires special computer equipment for tracking; not all police departments are equipped to track the LoJack radio signal. A list of counties within states where LoJack coverage is available is available by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack).
- The telephone list is usually more current than the list on the website.
- Know the age of your car. LoJack makes different systems for cars built before 1985 (classic cars) than for cars made after that year. The difference in the units is that the classic car version is self-contained and does not require connection to the vehicle's battery to work.
- The LoJack version for cars made after 1985 does include a battery back-up to permit it to work if it is somehow disconnected from the battery.
- Decide the level of protection you want. The basic LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System is the wireless radio transponder described above, which LoJack's certified technicians install somewhere in your vehicle. For an additional fee, LoJack offers an Early Warning Recovery System that includes a key pass you carry with you when driving and notifies you by phone, cell phone, e-mail, text message, or pager if your car has been moved without your permission. (You choose which methods you want to be contacted by when you register your LoJack.)
- LoJack makes it a practice not to disclose where in the vehicle the LoJack unit is installed, not even to the vehicle owner. Although you can witness the installation, your recovery warranty may be voided if you do.
- Contact LoJack to arrange purchase and installation. You can contact LoJack either online or by telephone, and you can arrange to have a technician install your LoJack unit at your home or office.
- You can contact LoJack online through its dealer locator and choosing the option "I already own my vehicle or equipment." You will then see a new screen into which you can enter your name, e-mail address, state of residence, ZIP code, phone number, and 200 characters' worth of comments. When you click "Submit," your information is sent to LoJack, who will contact you to make the necessary arrangements.
- You can purchase your LoJack system through LoJack's online store at https://www.lojack.com/products.
- You can contact LoJack by telephone at its main number, 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack). If, however, you're buying LoJack systems for fleet vehicles, you can contact LoJack at its customer service number, 1-877-775-6522.
Tips
- Buying a LoJack system for your car may qualify you for a discount on your car insurance. To find out where a discount is available, see http://www.lojack.com/Cars,-Trucks-And-Classics/LoJack-Stolen-Vehicle-Recovery-System-features/Insurance-discounts, and to find out the particulars, contact your insurance agent. You will need an insurance certificate to claim your discount, which you can obtain by registering your LoJack system at http://my.lojack.com/special-items/test/registration or by calling 1-800-456-5225 (1-800-4-LoJack). Once you buy a LoJack system, it is already registered with the police.
- Although LoJack systems are tested and certified when they're installed, LoJack recommends they be inspected every 2 years or whenever the vehicle has been in an accident. (Inspections are required to maintain any warranty coverage on your LoJack system.) Inspections can be arranged by contacting the company; there is a fee involved. When arranging an inspection or requesting service, have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) handy
- If you have a LoJack Early Warning System, change the batteries in your key pass every 6 months.
- If your vehicle is stolen, report it at once to the police in the municipality where it is stolen and then contact LoJack. Once the theft is properly reported, the police will activate your LoJack, and LoJack will provide you with insurance filing requirements and assist in filing your claim for any warranties.
Warnings
- A LoJack system is keyed to the VIN of the vehicle in which it is installed and is therefore not transferable to another vehicle. If you sell a LoJack-equipped vehicle to someone else, be sure to let the new owner know so he or she can contact LoJack to inspect the unit and re-activate the service in his or her name.
