Rocky Mountain Tracking

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Auto theft recovery efforts are aided by the use of GPS Tracking systems across the world.  Even in the UK, recovery efforts in 2009 surpassed £12 million.  We are talking about big dollars here in the United States as well.

GPS Tracking & Auto Theft

But, beyond big conglomerate numbers a GPS Tracking device can save you money.  Here’s how:

Lower Insurance Rates

Did you know that many insurance companies provide a discount on your monthly premiums if you have a GPS Tracking device installed and in operation on your vehicle?  It’s true and it makes sense because it lowers their risk and increases the chances of you getting your car back sooner if it becomes stolen.

These days, no one knows how much risk they are at and the best thing to do is to be ready for anything.  GPS Tracking provides you with a measure of security and peace of mind that you might not otherwise have.  Burying your head in the sand and pretending that you are not at risk is no longer an option.

Better Maintenance Monitoring

Everyone can watch their odometer and see when it is time to take their vehicle in for maintenance but, what about the terrain over which you drive your car or truck?  Simple monitoring of miles driven does not take that into consideration.  Watching your driving routes on a PC screen with your GPS Tracking unit will help in this effort.  Being mindful of the terrain and other elements in which you drive helps you better gauge the frequency of your maintenance intervals.

Watching Vehicle Usage

Do others in your family drive your vehicle?  If so, you can monitor their location, destination and speed.  This helps you curb destructive driving practices and enforces rules that you set forth about the use of your car or truck.  This is great for parents of teenage drivers.  It also provides a measure of security when teens venture out on their own.

You need to be ever vigilant in making sure that your vehicles can last as long as possible.  Economic conditions demand that cars are kept longer than they used to be.  Using the above three methods will help you in this effort.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

More is better when it comes to protecting your vehicle from the potential threat of theft.  Some reasons for seeking more protection include the frustration of going through the event, possibility of losing personal property at the same time, and the gnashing process of having to get another vehicle, financing, etc.

GPS Vehicle Tracking & Theft

How does extra protection sound now?  GPS vehicle tracking provides you with extra layers of security that will help you avoid some of the bad fallout from a theft incident.  Here’s how:

Tracking Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is stolen and you have a GPS vehicle tracking device installed, you will be able to track your car to within a few feet of its actual location.  If you have a device that sends out a constant signal, you can trace it in real-time through a website on your computer and relay the information on the location to the local police to aid in the recovery process.  Your vehicle can be recovered within hours rather than days, weeks, months, or maybe not at all.

Insurance Premiums Drop

Most insurance companies will give a deduction to those who use devices that help prevent the theft of their vehicles.  Using GPS vehicle tracking saves the insurance companies money and they return it to you in the form of lower premiums.  It is a ‘win-win’ situation for all parties.  Check this out with your insurance provider to see if they participate in this type of a program.

Community Deterrence Measures

Making the community aware of theft deterrent devices in vehicles helps make for a safer place to live.  It is likely that perpetrators will go elsewhere for easier targets.  It also sends the message that the community is serious about their crime fighting activities and it could have a spill-over affect on the rest of the area as well.

GPS vehicle tracking devices have already proven their worth many times over.  Even if your state does not encourage the purchase and use of these effective devices, you can rest assured that it is money well-spent.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

By Greg Bartlett

Most people who buy GPS trackers for their property and assets will often consider the cost a bit of personal insurance. The technology can certainly help protect or recover items in case of loss or theft. Investment in a GPS tracker can seem small in comparison to the cost of losing a vehicle or other valuable property. Yet what if purchasing and installing GPS tracking technology could also save you money on your monthly insurance premiums?

GPS Tracking & Insurance

Fact is, it can. Insurance companies recognize GPS trackers as simple yet effective way of safeguarding all sorts of property, so they’re willing to make it worth your while to give them a little more peace of mind. To them, it’s all about statistics, and GPS trackers will lower the odds of costly property loss.

The benefits among auto insurance providers may vary. Liberty Mutual is one of the biggest discounters, offering up to 25% off regular comprehensive monthly premiums to GPS users. Other insurance companies like AAA, Progressive, and Geico offer up to 18%, 15%, and 10% off respectively. Some companies have different discounts or requirements in different states, so call your agent and ask what benefits apply to your situation. If you’re a company managing an entire fleet of vehicles, GPS tracking will certainly net you a higher gain than an individual vehicle policy. If you’re a parent stressing over your newly licensed teen, there’s likely some discounts to be had there, as well. A few years ago, AIG began a program offering a particularly high discount to teen drivers who were willing to be tracked by their parents. Again, be sure to check out these discounts if you’re not already familiar with them. Don’t doubt that there’s one out there for you-about a dozen states (note: pdf link) have passed laws requiring insurance companies to offer incentives to drivers who purchase anti-theft devices like GPS trackers.

GPS trackers can also save you money indirectly. Most insurance companies have low mileage discounts for infrequent drivers, so a data sheet generated by your car’s GPS tracker can be a quick and simple way to show how much you’ve travelled during any relevant period of time. On a similar note, if you itemize your tax deductions, a GPS tracker is a great way to prove your low mileage at the end of every year to the IRS.

Even without the benefit of lower monthly premiums, GPS trackers pay for themselves by providing security and peace of mind. And if they can save you a few extra bucks as well, what’s keeping you from picking one up?

By Greg Bartlett

Insurance-it’s on everyone’s mind these days as the health care debate remains in the media spotlight.  Health insurance is just one of many forms of insurance which most people have.

Insurance & the GPS Tracker

When did you last consider your other insurance and how much you are paying?  For example: car insurance.  Did you know that many car insurance companies offer discounts to vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices?  Some states even require auto insurance companies to offer discounts for anti-theft devices (Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas).  And just in case you don’t think your car will ever be stolen, consider some statistics.  According to the FBI, a car is stolen in America every 33 seconds.  Those living in urban areas are at an even greater risk for car theft.

Don’t be lulled into complacency because you have an older car.  The National Crime Insurance Crime Bureau reports the top ten most stolen cars in 2006 were models were 1995, 1991, 1989, 1997, 2005, 1994 (several different models from this year), and 1990.  If you happen to own a motorcycle, you are at an even greater risk.  In 2008 60,763 motorcycles were reported stolen.

And while car thefts have fallen slightly over the past year, it is in part due to the advances in technology in anti-theft devices.  One such device is a GPS tracker.  A GPS tracker has two components: the satellites that do the tracking and the receiver that is attached to the vehicle.  There are roughly 24 satellites that can determine the location (latitude and longitude) of the receiver (can be a person, in this case your vehicle).  This information is sent to a database that is accessible by internet or through mobile devices.

Active GPS tracking systems give real-time information about the location of the receiver, while passive tracking is more like a log of events that occurred.  If your vehicle equipped with this type of anti-theft device were to be stolen, you would be able to determine the exact location, which is why insurance companies often reward such preventative measures with discounts.  These discounts can start around 5% and go as high as 30%.

As previously mentioned, some states require companies to offer discounts, but many, many companies in other states also offer incentives and discounts to owners who equip their vehicles with anti-theft devices.  If you are paying too much for car insurance, consider the investment in a device that will offer you many benefits-one of which would be lowering your monthly insurance costs.

So vehicle thefts are down but what about those of you who own vehicles that are specifically targeted by car thieves?  Do you feel comfortable with just your Original Equipment Manufactured theft deterrent system?  You shouldn’t because these professionals will steal your car if they get the opportunity.  They are trained at how to bypass theft deterrent systems, gain access to and drive away in your car.

Vehicle Theft & GPS

You don’t care because you have insurance, you say?  How do you like paying high premiums because your car is a high risk for theft?  Does your money matter to you that little?  Here’s a little secret:  you can save money on your insurance by purchasing a GPS Tracking device and having it installed into your vehicle.

But, before we go down that road, here are four ways that you can help to prevent vehicle theft or incur almost instant recovery should your car be stolen:

Active Deterrent

Lock your vehicle and take your keys with you every time you leave your car.  This means, if your vehicle is out of your sight, even for just a few seconds, do this action.

Audio Warning

Use an alarm system that activates your horn or a siren if your vehicle is tampered with.  These will usually scare off would-be thieves.  Even if not, they draw attention to the vehicle which can help, too.

Immobilization Device

Consider having a “kill switch” installed under the dashboard which disables the ignition and renders your vehicle a 4,000 pound rock.  This is important, because if thieves encounter this type of device, they will not waste time trying to determine why the vehicle will not start.  Instead, they will find an easier target.

GPS Tracking

Purchase a GPS Tracking device and have it installed in your car.  Obtaining one of these units will give you the ability to track your vehicle should it be stolen.  The thieves will not know about your device which will allow you to give location information to police who can then recover it within hours, not days, weeks, months or maybe never.

Finally, the savings on your insurance premiums can pay for one of these devices in just a few months.  There, you do not have any good reason to avoid adding a GPS Tracking device to your vehicle.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

By Greg Bartlett

A few months ago, my brother-in-law’s car disappeared. It vanished in the middle of the night, right out of his apartment’s parking lot. He walked out in the morning to find an empty parking space and no way to get to work. Apparently, it is quite easy to break the lock with a good flathead screwdriver. The Honda Accords of that year are the second most stolen car in North Carolina. He thought that the car was gone for good. The cops were helpful. “Yeah, we won”t find it. It’s probably turned into parts by now. They just love those things. You just spent $200 on brand-new tires last week? Wow. They’re gonna love that.” The insurance company was equally encouraging by offering them a little sympathy and a car-theft plan for their next vehicle.

A few weeks later he had resigned himself to life without his car. But, he still had this obsession with checking out every beige Honda Accord that drove by. One day he went to a restaurant with a friend only two miles from his house. He told his friend about his obsession and then proceeded to check out yet another beige Honda sitting in the parking lot. It was his car.

GPS Tracking & Your Car

It’s nice to have stories with happy endings, but unfortunately, car thefts don’t usually end that way. The cops had a reason for saying what they did and owners usually do have an obsession for a couple of months or a year. And then they move on.

But recently, some other owners have had better luck finding their cars, but not by checking out the local fast food restaurants, but with car tracking devices. This new technology lets you find out where your car is whether the driver wants you to or not. So let’s imagine a different outcome: Say that last year I gave my brother-in-law a car tracking device for Christmas. He thinks I’m strange but installs it in his trunk anyway. Half-way through the year he’s calling me, thanking me for getting him his car back because I had enough foresight and knew a little bit about car tracking devices. About then, I’m feeling really good.

Oh well. I should have thought about it last year. But it’s not too late to get a car tracking device for all my relatives this year. My guess is that my brother-in-law would be really happy to have one about now.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Of all of the theft deterrent devices on the market for vehicles, GPS Tracking devices deliver the best value for the money.  Think differently?  Can your theft deterrent device do all of this?

GPS Navigation

Tracking for Location

Does your device allow you to monitor its location 24 x 7?  Can you pull up a map on your computer and know exactly where your vehicle is at all times?  Even if the battery cable has been cut?  Score one for GPS Tracking devices.

Tracking for Speed

How fast is your vehicle being driven?  Did you loan it out to a family member who lacks in basic responsibility skills?  Are they exceeding the speed limit in a vehicle with YOUR name attached to it?  Now you can know for sure with a GPS Tracking device.  Point:  GPS Tracking.

Tracking for Direction of Travel

Where is your vehicle headed? Has it breached a pre-designated area where it should be located?  With geo-fencing and alerts, you can know this information as well.  Advantage:  GPS Tracking

Tracking Insurance Savings

Does your on-board navigation system provide you a reduction on your insurance premium?  If not, this benefit goes to those who have GPS Tracking devices installed in their vehicles.  Service ace:  GPS Tracking.

Face it; GPS Tracking devices are far better than anything on the market.  It gives you all of the information that you need to keep your vehicle under close watch at all times.  Don’t get caught in a situation where you would have been better off if you had a GPS Tracking device.   It can happen to anyone.  Thieves are no respecter of persons, just the vehicles that they steal.

All of this boils down to one word: control.  You have greater control over your vehicle and that translates to a safer, better ownership experience.  And, saving money on the insurance premiums is like icing on the cake.  Don’t wait; get a GPS Tracking device for your vehicles today.  You will be glad you did.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking Device to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

Ever had your vehicle stolen?  If so, then you know the frustration level that this event can have on your life.  It’s nothing short of maddening, because you no longer have your car to take you from place to place and the hassle that comes with trying to locate it, deal with the police report, work with your insurance company is frustrating.

Vehicle Theft

That is why a GPS Tracking device attached to your vehicle makes sense.  Let’s face it, things are being stolen in greater numbers because of the bad economy and vehicles are at the top of the list.  Professional car thieves are good at what they do.  Better have a plan in place to help in case this happens to you.  Here’s what you can do with a GPS Tracking device:

Locate Instantly

Find your car in an instant from the satellite signal from your hidden GPS Tracking device.  The thieves will be none the wiser, but will be surprised when they are stopped and apprehended in short fashion.  They will just figure that it was a bad day for them.  Until they discover in court that the vehicle had a GPS Tracking device under the hood.  Sweet.

Save Money on Insurance

Everyone is into saving money these days.  Adding a GPS Tracking device to your vehicle saves money from lower insurance premiums.  Insurance companies appreciate the addition of these devices to your cars and trucks because it helps them lower their risk of loss and having to pay out on stolen vehicles.  One has to wonder how soon it will be that Insurance companies REQUIRE these devices before they will insure them.

Keep Track of Drivers

Got a teenage driver in your house?  Suspect your partner of cheating on you?  These are both legitimate uses of a GPS Tracking device.  Being stealthy about tracking and discovering the locations of vehicles when they are not where they should be is a tool that you can use to help ensure the health of your relationships.  Or, at least, knowing what is going on so that it can be addresses.

GPS Tracking devices are low in cost, but provide valuable benefits.  You would be wise to add one to all of your vehicles today.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking Device to meet any need.  Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business.  You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to inquire about writing services

The National Insurance Crime Bureau comes out in support of GPS Tracking as a means of keeping vehicle thefts on the decline.  Cited as the reason for most vehicle thefts, the obtaining of parts by professional thieves are stripped from the stolen cars and re-sold for pure profit.  Sometimes the profit margin is twice the value of the vehicle on the used car market.

The NICB always lists the top ten vehicles that are the most wanted by thieves.  This list has the effect of alerting owners to the dangers of having these vehicles and hopefully, motivating them to do something about it.  That “something” should include the purchase of a GPS Tracking device.

Even though the number of car thefts is on the decline that does not mean that efforts should be reduced or eliminated to help prevent them.  In fact, it is the active efforts by everyone that keeps the numbers from increasing.

This is all the more reason to embrace the NICB’s “four layers of protection.”

Common Sense

This includes locking your car and taking your keys every time you leave your vehicle - no exceptions.  More vehicles are stolen that are left unattended with the engine running just outside of a home or a business.  You may as well just put a sign on the vehicle that states “steal me.”

Warning Device

Yes, we have all become immune to the horn that is beeping across the parking lot.  No one looks to see if a car is being broken into, but yet, it does meet its intended goal:  capture attention.  And, often, that attention is enough to cause a perpetrator to run away.

Immobilizing Device

Many are using a “kill switch,” fuel cut-off device, or smart key to help prevent thefts from occurring.  These are effective and inexpensive ways to protect your vehicle.

Tracking Device

GPS Tracking devices that allow an owner to track in real-time, the location of their vehicle helps in recovery efforts should their car become stolen.  And, with possible reductions in insurance premiums for having and installing one, the unit pays for itself over time.

There are other reasons to have a vehicle recovery device installed as well, but suffice it to say that this topic is at the top of the list.  Taking a proactive approach to vehicle theft prevention will help keep you from becoming a victim.  And that is peace of mind we all can use.

By Greg Bartlett

Many people are afraid of new vehicle tracking systems and the increased technology that surrounds our world today, because they feel that their privacy is continually being invaded and there is no one to stop this invasion. However, there are already laws in place about GPS tracking and as time goes by and these systems become even more widely used, there will be more restrictions put into place.

Scales of Justice

In most instances, vehicle tracking is allowed if the registered owner of the vehicle has consented. This opens the door for businesses and private homes to freely use GPS trackers in many different ways. Parents have the freedom to track their teens driving without informing them, but things are a little more unclear when it comes to tracking spouse infidelity. According to the law in most states, the owner of the vehicle has to have given permission. Unless the straying spouse is driving a car that is in the name of the suspicious spouse, this kind of tracking may not be legal. We recommend that you receive legal counsel or contact the local authorities about this kind of tracking.

Business owners also own company vehicles, so they do not have to inform their employees that they are being monitored. They may choose to, however, because it will probably be more beneficial to them. Employees that know they are being monitored will be harder workers, which is what the business ultimately wants. By informing employees, business owners do not have to fear that an employee can use the tracking against them. This also applies to cell phones that are given out by the company. However, in some states such as Connecticut and Delaware, it is against the law to track employees without informing them. Laws regarding vehicle tracking systems differ from state to state, so make sure you check your state’s laws before purchasing a tracking device.

Law enforcement officers are also free to use vehicle tracking systems in most circumstances. If no warrant is issued, the officers may place a tracking device on the exterior of a suspect’s car that is parked in a public place, such as a parking lot or a street. However, if the law enforcement officers wish to place a tracking device inside the vehicle, they must obtain a warrant, because the interior of the car is covered by privacy laws.

People do not need to be afraid that vehicle tracking systems are invading their privacy because lawmakers are continually evaluating these systems and their legal uses to determine how to best keep the people of this country safe.