Anti-theft devices to soon become compulsory for two and four-wheelers in India.

Theft of vehicles has become a growing menace in India and the Insurance industry has become fed up with it.They say losses are to the tune of 1000 crore annually for insurance companies by means of claims and 15% of this comes in the form of automobile theft.

Suv's/Muv's seem to be very popular among car thieves and most of them do not come equipped with immobilisers.Two wheelers too are prone to theft in India.The transport mininstry along with the insurance industry as well the automobile industry itself[SIAM] plan to take action and make installation of anti-theft devices on two-wheelers as well as four wheeler's compulsory by 2008 in a phased manner.

Insurance industry plans to give upto 10% reduction in insurance premiums for vehicles with anti-theft devices.At present a paltry Rs. 400 reduction is what is being given.

The country's largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has already gone ahead and is giving Immobilisers[Icats] on its entire range which has caused a price rise of a maximum of Rs 4000 depending on the vehicle model.But if that means safety from car thieves then it is well worth paying the extra bucks initially.

[Source:Economictimes]