Anti-Theft Device - documents for insurance

[alset]

My insurance company (Arbella) is giving me a 20% discount but will give up to 36% discount for further documentation of anti-theft devices or Vehicle Recovery systems. For example, I gave details of the LoJack-like capability built into my BMW and I got further discount there.

Are there any such capabilities and in particular documents available from Tesla in this regard?

I also noticed they have a discount of 10% for Electric/Hybrid and Passive Restraint which they omitted. Will get that fixed...

Arbella discounts are explained here but I suspect the documents would apply to most/all insurance companies.
http://fls.arbella.com/communications/Arbella_AutoCheatSheet_032008.pdf

 

[jerry33]

The car is tracked by Tesla, so they could report its position. Right now they don't really have a "find my car" procedure though.

 

[alset]

Yeah, the capability is there (and we can track it soon) but I really need a document from Tesla so there is something credible from the insurance company. I'll ask Tesla if it's not already out there circulating.

 

[mknox]

Yeah, the capability is there (and we can track it soon) but I really need a document from Tesla so there is something credible from the insurance company. I'll ask Tesla if it's not already out there circulating.

Is this something that's dependent on subscribing to a data plan I wonder? I know with OnStar they got into a bit of trouble when people found out that they could continue to track cars even if the customer let their subscription lapse. So with OnStar it's technically possible (without a plan) but they changed their TOS to stop doing it. The reason I bring up OnStar is because it's cellular based just like the Model S.

 

[joepruitt]

The mobile iPhone/Android app does have a "find my car" feature. There's a tab in the UI where a map comes up and shows the car as it does on the navigation in the car. If the car is moving, details about the speed along with a real-time update of the car moving is shown. It's pretty slick.

 

[MikeK]

If you're able to get documentation, I will be really interested to hear about it. I would like to give the same info to my insurance company and see if I can get additional discounts.

 

[Morristhecat]

I am interested in such documentation as well for my insurance company.

 

[ElSupreme]

Is this something that's dependent on subscribing to a data plan I wonder? I know with OnStar they got into a bit of trouble when people found out that they could continue to track cars even if the customer let their subscription lapse. So with OnStar it's technically possible (without a plan) but they changed their TOS to stop doing it. The reason I bring up OnStar is because it's cellular based just like the Model S.

My final MVPA had a 'connectivity' section that said that Tesla can keep a data/cellular connection to your car and pull data at any time. It even went so far as to say that you had to notify Tesla if you stop your data/cellular plan to your car so that they can restart theirs.

 

[alset]

Emailed ownership. Will post an update on what happens.

 

[dsmith2189]

For the Alarm I read somewhere that it will sound the horn if the doors/trunk/frunk are opened by a non-standard means. don't know that much more about it.

 

[FalconNinetyD]

With regards to tracking the vehicle with the app...

It will be interesting to see if someone can foil this by turning remote app access off via the 17" display (option added in 4.0 I believe). Granted most car thieves aren't going to know about this setting, but it would be nice to have to use a passcode to enable/disable remote access.

 

[brianman]

For the Alarm I read somewhere that it will sound the horn if the doors/trunk/frunk are opened by a non-standard means. don't know that much more about it.

I was trying to remember where I read this. It was in the Release Notes:

Alarm - Model S alarm system will sound the horn if any door, trunk or frunk of a locked car is mechanically opened by a non-standard means. The alarm system can be turned on or off via the setting in Controls > Settings > Vehicle

Model S software/firmware changelog - Tesla Motors Club - Enthusiasts & Owners Forum

 

[dadaleus]

I've just received a letter from my insurance company (21st Century) saying they will remove the theft recovery discount unless I provide proof of a theft recovery system.

Anyone have any luck with this? Would seem stupid to buy a Lojack when the car can already be located by Tesla.

I'm figuring I'll send a copy of the data services agreement and screen shots of locating via the app unless I can get anything more from Tesla.

 

[Robert.Boston]

One problem with relying on the mobile app to locate the car is that a savvy thief can disable remote access. This is a setting that should require a PIN or password to modify.

 

[loganss]

One problem with relying on the mobile app to locate the car is that a savvy thief can disable remote access. This is a setting that should require a PIN or password to modify.

Can a thief access the screen without the keyfob being present?

 

[toto_48313]

One problem with relying on the mobile app to locate the car is that a savvy thief can disable remote access. This is a setting that should require a PIN or password to modify.

That's exactly the requirement I made last week to my service representative... hope they will implement something.

 

[retinadoc]

Perhaps a silly question. Can Tesla remotely disable the car? it would be quite the theft deterrent if you could not only locate the car but also temporarily brick it.

 

[Robert.Boston]

Can a thief access the screen without the keyfob being present?

No, but ... how did the thief steal the car in the first place? If he's spoofed the keyfob, then he can access the screen. If she's physically towed the car (hopefully flat-bed), then by smashing a window she could pop the frunk manually and then cut the 12v cables, which would also disable remote tracking. I can't think of any other ways to steal a Model S -- you certainly can't "hot wire" it!

 

[yobigd20]

My insurance company is also asking for documentation to prove the anti-theft device

 

[alset]

Please make sure you're talking with ownership about the needs, ideally send them a copy of the letter from your insurance company.