To reset the anti-theft system on your Chevy Malibu, get in the car and turn the electrical system on with your key or key fob, but don’t start the engine. After a few minutes, the anti-theft light will go off, and you should be good to go!

If you think having an anti-theft system on an economical family sedan like the Chevy Malibu seems silly, think again! The Malibu frequently appears on the list of the most commonly stolen cars by state, and new Malibus are among some of the most stolen vehicles in the US. Turns out it’s not the fast and flashy sports cars that are the most popular with thieves—it’s trucks like the

Ford F-150

or sensible sedans, like the Chevy Malibu or

Honda Civic

. Who knew?

Jerry did, that’s who! And it just so happens the

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. Read on to learn what the anti-theft system on your Malibu does, how to reset it if it’s been triggered, and also the fastest and easiest way to save big on the car insurance coverage you need to stay safe.

How to reset the Chevrolet Malibu anti-theft system

It’s pretty easy to get the anti-theft system on a Chevy Malibu to reset. You’ll just need to make the car recognize that you’re there with a proper key or key fob and that it’s okay for the engine to start.

So how do you let your Malibu know that the threat of Stranger Danger has passed? If you have a physical key, insert it in the ignition and turn it just enough so that the electrical system is on but the engine doesn’t start. According to some, you’ll only need to sit like that for 30 seconds or so, but other sources say it’ll take 10 to 15 minutes. Some people even report having to repeat the process a few times, but the result should be the system resetting and the light turning off.

If you have a key fob, you can also try this method: stand outside of your car and hold down both the “lock” and “unlock” buttons at the same time. Once the horn honks and the lights flash, release the buttons. Then get in the car and do the same procedure as described above—turn the electrical system (but not the engine) on, and wait a few minutes.

If neither of these works, some drivers in the Chevy online forums reported having to disconnect their car battery and let it sit for a few minutes to get the anti-theft system to reset. But this will cause the entire electrical system to reboot as well, which can be kind of a pain. If you find yourself having to do this, it means something is not working correctly—and a trip to the mechanic or dealership is in order.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

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What does the anti-theft system on a Chevy Malibu do?

The specifics of your Malibu’s anti-theft system will depend on your model year. But in general, it’s considered a passive anti-theft system, as it’s activated automatically when you turn your car off, remove the keys from the ignition, and lock your doors with the key fob.

If your car detects that someone is trying to open a door, the trunk, or the hood without the key or key fob present, it will activate the anti-theft system. The engine will immobilize (which means the car won’t start), and in some cases, the headlights may flash and the horn may honk.

If it’s been activated, you’ll see the Anti-theft Light flashing on your dashboard. So if you ever get in your car and it won’t start, check to see if that light is on first before you move on to your other troubleshooting.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Malibu’s anti-theft system?

The anti-theft system on your Malibu is good for peace of mind, but like most any technology, it doesn’t work perfectly all the time.

The system is designed to be triggered if the doors, trunk, or even the hood of your car is opened without the key or key fob. But sometimes, things like a good jostle or a really loud noise—such as fireworks—might cause it to be triggered, which is a little annoying.

If it seems like your anti-theft system is being set off by nothing, it could mean something is not functioning correctly, like an electrical issue or a problem with your door locks. In this case, it’s wise to take your Malibu to a Chevy dealership or a trusted mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Does the Chevy Malibu anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

Yes, an anti-theft system often lowers your insurance rates! Having one in your Malibu can be good for a

car insurance discount

of anywhere from 5% to 25% with most providers. But they often won’t provide it unless you specifically ask about it, so make sure you do.

Another thing that will help to keep the cost of insurance down for your Chevy Malibu is going for an older model year when buying used. If you’re getting a new Malibu, remember that add-ons like an upgraded

sound system

will generally increase your insurance costs, while things like extra driver assistance aids can help reduce them.

And last but not least, adding on features like an aftermarket alarm system can also mean seeing some savings on your car insurance coverage, as well as providing some extra peace of mind.

MORE:

Chevrolet Malibu trunk space

How to save on your Chevrolet Malibu insurance

Having a good anti-theft system is one of the ways you can protect your Malibu—another one is making sure you have the right

car insurance

coverage. Although it’s not required in any state,

comprehensive coverage

is an exceedingly wise thing to have. This is the policy that will protect you from costly losses in the event of theft or vandalism, as well as a variety of other unexpected (and unpleasant) events.

If you’re worried about how much that will cost to add on, just download the

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