Vehicle Security FAQs - New Zealand

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about vehicle security systems and services.

If you can’t find what you are looking for here then you can contact me here.

Vehicle Security FAQs by category:

General Vehicle Security
Car Alarms
Car Alarm Remotes
GPS Trackers
Service

General Vehicle Security Questions:

What are the most stolen vehicles in NZ?

The Toyota Hilux is currently the most stolen vehicle in NZ.

Here is a list of the top 20 for 2025 broken down to the manufactured year.

What brands of vehicle security do you recommend and sell?

I only sell vehicle security systems that are effective. I am an approved dealer for the following brands:

Vodafone Automotive (Cobra)
Autowatch
Cyclops (Dynatron)
Viper
Author Alarm

Do you sell "5 Star Alarms"?

The NZSA 5 Star alarm rating System was dropped in 2012. Anyone quoting it is misleading you with outdated information as explained here.

What Insurance approval ratings are there?

Both AS/NZS 4601:1999 and AS/NZS 3749.1:2003 are no longer valid. Many shady retailers still quote these invalid standards for a quick sale. This page explains what to look for if you need an alarm for insurance reasons.

Do you sell AVS and Mongoose?

No. I only sell brands that are trustworthy. Both AVS and Mongoose quote expired standards and sell old outdated systems. I believe that you deserve better.

How much does a security system cost?

That depends on what vehicle you have and which system you are after.

Car Alarm Questions:

How much does it cost to get a car alarm installed?

Typically from $450.00 to $1250.00. Find out more details about car alarm installation costs and other installation questions here.

How can I tell if my vehicle has an alarm or not?

Having a flashing LED does not always mean that your vehicle has an alarm. This article shows how you can test if you car has an alarm. Alternatively you can contact me an arrange a free assessment.

My vehicle already has keyless entry. Can I use my existing remote to arm and disarm an alarm?

Absolutely. Most vehicles can have either a CAN-BUS alarm, or a PLIP upgrade alarm added that will work the the existing remote key.

How can I find out if a CAN-BUS alarm will work in my vehicle?

Have a look at the CAN-BUS alarm vehicle list. If your vehicle is not listed then I may still have a solution so contact me with your vehicle details.

My car does not have remote locking. Can this be retro-fitted?

Yes, so long as your car has central locking, a remote alarm or keyless entry system will give you remote locking.

I park my vehicle on the road as I don't have a drive. What can be done to notify me if the alarm has triggered?

An alarm with a 2-way remote will notify you via the remote, even it the alarm is out of hearing range. The other option is a GPS tracker with intrusion alert function which will notify you via your phone.

What is the best car alarm in New Zealand?

That depends on what vehicle you have, and what your needs and budget are. This article covers the best alarms in New Zealand in 2025.

What is the difference between factory and aftermarket alarms?

Most factory alarms are very basic and can often be defeated by picking the door lock or removing a fuse. Many lack internal movement sensors so will not detect a window being smashed. After-market alarms can plug these security vulnerabilities whilst retaining the the factory convenience. Find out more about upgrading the factory alarm here.

Why does my car alarm keep going off?

There are many reasons why your alarm can go off.

This post goes into detail on the common causes and how to solve the issue.

Car Alarm Remote Questions

I only have one remote. Can I get a spare one?

Yes, have a look at the car remote page and see if it is one I stock. If it is not there, then you are welcome to send me a photo of the one you have and I’ll try me best to get one for you.

What if my remote stops working?

First off change the remote batteries.

Check that the LED on the remote lights up to confirm that the the remote has power.

What batteries does my remote take?

That depends on which remote you have. Check the car alarm remote page of the website, I have photos of all the remote controls I sell along with the part numbers. Each remote has a drop down menu which includes which battery that remote uses.

My remote seems to be OK but the alarm will not disarm?

Check your vehicle battery. if it’s flat then either charge it or replace it. The alarm will work once it has a good power supply

I've lost my remote, what can I do?

Nearly all alarms have an emergency disarm method. Either a hidden switch or a PIN code. Check your user manual which explains how it works for your alarm.

I don't have my emergency PIN code. What can I do?

Ideally you should find out what your PIN number is before you need it. If you still have a working remote I can often program a new PIN number (depends on Make/Model).

Can someone program an additional remote to my security system without my knowledge?

That depends on which make of security system you have. I recommend systems that are not vulnerable to remote cloning, This article explains which security systems protect your vehicle against this attack.

Do you have a guide explaining how to get hold of a new remote?

Yes, this guide goes into detail about replacement remote controls.

GPS Tracker Questions

Will a GPS Tracker make my car battery go flat?

That depends on which GPS tracker you have. I only sell systems that have a low current draw so it won’t be an issue. I also bench test trackers and publish the real world current drain.

Do you remove GPS Trackers?

Yes, if you have a GPS Tracker you want removed, or are a 2nd vehicle owner and suspect you have a GPS Tracker then I can remove them,

I think my ex is stalking me and may have hidden a GPS Tracker in my car. Can you sweep my car and find them?

Yes, I have a range of methods to detect if a vehicle has a GPS tracker and can normally find and remove them.

Do you recommend Pre-pay GPS trackers?

The downside with Pre-pay SIM cards is that you’re tracker will stop working if it runs out of credit. If left too long the SIM card will be expire and need replacing. Whilst I’m not opposed to installing them, the responsibility for keeping them working is up to you.

How much does a GPS Tracker Cost?

Pricing can be found on the GPS Tracker page.

Service Questions

What services to you provide?

A full list of services can be found here.

What information do you need to give me a quote?

I’ll need to know the make, model and year of your vehicle, along with what basic requirement you have and your suburb. These are all listed in the Contact form to make things easy. Alternatively give me a call to discuss your needs.

What payment options do you have?

Cash, bank transfer and VISA/Mastercard. I use HNRY for my accounts so require your email address for invoicing.

Where are you located?

I’m based in Paraparaumu. You can either bring your vehicle to me or make use of my Mobile installation service which covers the whole Wellington region.

What areas do you cover?

My installation service covers the following areas: