Many people may think it won’t happen to them—but statistics show that auto theft is on the rise. You don’t want to find out the hard way that it can, in fact, happen to you. To prevent auto theft, consider these important tips:
- Keep your doors locked. This may seem like a no-brainer, but most vehicle theft occurs as a result of unlocked doors.
- Take your keys with you. And, don’t keep your spare key near your car.
- Make sure your windows are closed. Completely closed. Even if they’re open just a crack, crafty thieves still can use that small space to gain access to your vehicle—and everything inside it.
- Don’t park in the dark, and keep an eye out. When you have to leave your vehicle behind, be sure to park it in well-lit areas. Thieves are deterred by light because they can be spotted easily. And, when you’re parking your car, pay attention to your surroundings. If you see people loitering nearby, or you think the area could be unsafe, park somewhere else.
- Avoid keeping valuables in the car. If a car thief can see your cell phone, computer or anything else worth money in the cab of your vehicle, that could inspire him or her to break in. Don’t leave money or expensive material items in your vehicle.
- Consider installing … An alarm system, a vehicle immobilizer and a tracking system. Some vehicles don’t have an audible alarm that will sound when they are breached. A vehicle immobilizer will bypass a thief’s attempt to hotwire your car by using smart keys, kill switches and wireless ignition authentication. If your vehicle is stolen, a tracking system will help you locate the vehicle—and maybe, catch the culprit.
- If a thief steals or damages your car, call the police. If you have a tracking device on the car, let the police return the vehicle to you. Don’t attempt to confront a car thief on your own—you could get hurt. Then, call our office to discuss your auto insurance coverage. We can help you repair any damages or help you recover the monetary value of your vehicle if it is not returned to you.
Auto theft doesn’t happen to all of us, but it happens to many. You can help prevent the chances of becoming a victim. Give our office a call today to discuss your auto insurance coverage, and discuss how else you can protect yourself from auto theft. We look forward to hearing from you.
Auto theft stats:
- There were an estimated 721,885 auto thefts nationwide in 2019
- These thefts cost more than $6 billion
- In 2020, the top three most stolen cars were Honda Civics, Honda Accords and full-size Ford pick-up trucks
