How To Deter Car Thieves: 9 Tips You Need To Know
Late summer is a great time for vacations, road trips, and outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it’s also peak season for car theft. The combination of increased travel and longer daylight hours provides car thieves with more opportunities to strike. Whether you’re driving across the country or down the road, follow these nine car theft prevention tips to help keep your vehicle safe from joyriders, carjackers, and other thieves.
1. Lock Your Doors
The first step to stopping car theft is making sure that your doors are always locked, even when your vehicle is parked at home. Make it a habit to listen for the sound of your car locking and to double-check that all doors are locked.
2. Remove Your Keys
Never leave your keys in the ignition, as a thief could simply break your window and drive off. This also means you should not leave your car running, even if you’re just going inside your home or a store to grab something quickly.
3. Do Not Hide a Spare Key
You’ve probably heard the advice to keep a spare key hidden under your car in case you lock yourself out — thieves have heard this trick too. While calling a locksmith might be inconvenient, it’s a much better option than risking your car being stolen.
4. Close Your Car Windows
It may be tempting to keep your windows or sunroof open for ventilation on a hot summer day, but it’s best to keep them completely closed. Leaving them open enables a thief to reach inside and grab any valuables or unlock your car to gain full access to your vehicle and everything in it.
5. Park in Well-Lit Areas
A simple but effective car theft prevention strategy is to avoid parking in poorly lit or secluded areas. Car thieves are more likely to target spots where they can easily go unnoticed. Instead, park in well-lit, high-traffic locations where your vehicle will be visible to passersby and security cameras.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Leaving valuables like a purse, cell phone, laptop, or shopping bag in plain view could quickly attract a thief. It’s a good idea to keep your belongings with you. However, if you must leave them in your vehicle, ensure they are out of sight. For example, secure these items in your trunk, center console, or glove compartment.
7. Install Car Anti-Theft Devices
Installing an audible alarm system or visible anti-theft device can help deter car thieves. An audible alarm may scare off potential thieves, while a visible device like a steering wheel lock could make them reconsider targeting your vehicle. If thieves believe they won’t be able to quickly and quietly steal your car, they’ll likely avoid it altogether.
8. Invest in a Vehicle Recovery System
A vehicle recovery system uses GPS technology to track your car if it’s stolen. It sends a signal to the police or a monitoring service with your vehicle’s location. This may lead to faster recovery of your vehicle.
9. Stay Alert
Always be aware of your surroundings when parking your car. If you notice someone loitering around the area, you may want to consider parking elsewhere. You should also keep an eye out for signs your car is being targeted, such as unfamiliar chalk marks or stickers on your vehicle.
What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen?
If your car is stolen, immediately contact law enforcement to file a stolen-vehicle report. Be prepared to provide the following information:
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of your vehicle
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
You’ll also want to notify your insurance company as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. Make sure you request a copy of the police report as you may need it for your insurance claim.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Even when you have a thorough strategy for stopping car theft, it can still happen. With comprehensive auto insurance, you may qualify for a payout that helps you get back on the road with a replacement if your car is stolen and not recovered.
If you’re uncertain about whether your current coverage is adequate, reach out to a Westfield agent today. They can help you understand your options and ensure you have the protection you need to feel secure.