Security System

My neighbor's Prius IV gen was recently broken in. They smashed the passenger window got inside and took whatever they could. This prompted me to think about the car alarm. When I had Prius Gen II years ago I remember the dealer convinced me to install the alarm with glass breaking sensor. Which I did. I never tested the glass breaking but I do remember the alarm did go on a few times when I was messing with key/door opening.

However, when I bought my current Prius 3 Touring 2016, I was not sure if I had the alarm or not. I checked the invoice - nothing there. The test of locking the car with the remote, then taking the remote away and waiting a few minutes did not give any result - nothing happened when I tried to open the door from inside (through opened window). So I presume I do not have it. However, on the front passenger window I found a sticker with big letter 'R' and words "Rockledge Securities" (which probably saved my butt because the two cars were identical and next to each other in the garage).

Then I started researching to first find if I may have some system (Factory? Rockledge?) installed but not activated? And which security system should I go for - factory or aftermarket?

This proved to be very difficult. I called the dealer who I bought the car from, they have no clue if anything was installed. Then I tried to find if it was installed on Prius 2016 maybe depending on the model. Again, could not find any information. I found this part on Toyota web site:


2016 Toyota Prius Security System. Glass, KEYLESS, ENTRY - PT39847160 - Genuine Toyota Accessory


which seems to fit my car. But when I called a few dealers to see if it was possible to install it, they had no idea. One said it was not possible and they did not even know about existense of this part. The other one said you would need to replace the whole computer to install it.

So I have a few questions in this respect:

1. Does anybody know if Toyota installed their factory security system on Prius 2016? Maybe based on the models?
2. Is it possible to figure if a security system is installed (factory or Rockledge) but maybe deactivated?
3. Is it possible to install a factory security system? Can dealers do it?
4. What would you recommend - factory or aftermarket?

I know there is a big discussion on the web about the last question. I would probably prefer factory because no wires cut plus no additional remote,, but maybe I am mistaken.

Thank you in advance for any info. I am in So Ca if anyone can recommend a dealer.

 

Points well taken. Thank you all for suggestions. I do have comprehensive but with $500 deductible. So It probably will not help with situation like that. In case of my neighbor, they took their time and cleaned everything: sunglasses and what not. So if this happens to me, the cost will be the broken glass (or $500 deductible) plus everything else (sunglasses, hiking shoes, tire pump, etc.), which for thief will not be a lot, but for me probably another several hundred dollars to restore. So if I had a glass break alarm, maybe this could save me if not the glass itself, but everything else.

So if I contemplate 'factory security' vs. 'no security + sticker', the second one is easy, I somehow already have a sticker . But I still wanted to learn how the factory security is installed. Is it only done for certain models at Toyota factory, and cannot be installed later by a dealer? I really like the fact it is integrated with the original remote and everything else. But it looks I hit the wall - no dealer knows anything about it.

 

I am surprised how little information I could find about the factory security system. For those who are interested, it is pretty much clear that the only way to have 'Toyota factory security system' installed in your car is to buy your car with it installed. Which I plan to pay attention next time I buy a car.

I wrote to Toyota corporate and asked the question if it was possible to install this thing. They asked me to call them, and after 45 min. and them calling my local dealership a few times, we found:

1. The part I mentioned in the first post exists, and it fits my Prius
2. Dealers would not install it (which is the same as I found by calling around myself).

Dealer told the Toyota rep that I should go to 3rd party for security system, but I cannot imagine that if I come to Best Buy with this part, they would install it for me.Why Toyota even sells the part I am not clear. Unless someone has skill to DIY I guess...

 

I called one other dealer who said it would require to change the whole computer and will cost me an arm and a leg. And then gave me an address for a third party shop to install after market alarm.

Before Toyota rep called my local dealership, I did call them 3 times. I spoke twice with 'Parts' and once with 'Service'. No one had a clue this part even existed.

 

If someone gives me a location of a dealership in So Ca who can do it, I would appreciate it and willing to drive some miles.

 

Thank you for the link. But there is no way I could do it myself.