Vehicle theft is a large problem for owners and law enforcement in the US. Did you know vehicle theft has increased each year since 2019, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)?
Last year alone, over one million vehicles were stolen. Even more shocking is the price owners pay for vehicle theft. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a total cost of $8 billion each year due to vehicle theft!
It's clear that having your car stolen can turn into an expensive headache. That's why it's important to do what you can to prevent a break-in and to keep your car safe. Here are some simple tips to help prevent car theft and break-ins:
1. Don't Leave Your Keys in the Car or Leave the Car Running.
Don't make it easy for someone to break-in or steal your car. Never leave your car running and take the keys with you when you leave your vehicle.
2. Lock Your Doors
Always make sure to lock your car doors, even if you're simply running into a store for a few minutes. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference. A locked car is a lot harder to break into and may be enough to deter someone from even trying.
3. Use An Alarm System
Vehicle alarms are great ways to stop someone. If you have an alarm system, use it! The loud noise often draws the attention of onlookers and can scare someone enough to stop a break-in.
4. Don't Leave Valuables in Sight
Be smart about where you leave belongings. Even if you're going inside a store for a quick trip, remember it only takes seconds for your car or belongings to be stolen. Don't leave valuables out in plain sight. Put your items in the trunk or hide them the best you can within the vehicle.
5. Park in Safe and Well-Lit Locations
Park in well-lit areas, if possible, or in secure areas. Thieves are less likely to steal or break-in in areas where people may see them. Park in areas with high foot traffic, good lighting, and/or security cameras. These things may help deter a robber.
6. Use Locks.
Wheel locks, hood locks, and tire locks are all great devices that make it hard, if not impossible, for a criminal to drive off with your vehicle. Even just seeing a lock may be enough to stop them from trying.
7. Keep Spare Keys Far Away
Don't leave spare keys hidden near the vehicle. Seasoned criminals tend to know where to look.
8. Don't share your location online.
Don't tell people where you are or where your car is. Keep your location private. Criminals and other malicious people may use that information as part of a robbery or worse.
9. Add a GPS tracker to your car.
In the event that your car is stolen, a tracker may help law enforcement recover it quickly.
How Auto Insurance Handles a Car Theft
If your car is stolen or broken into, your auto insurance will handle theft or loss per the terms of the policy. Comprehensive coverage may cover the theft and repairs such as broken windows.
However, it's important to know that comprehensive coverage does not cover your personal belongings inside the vehicle. If your personal belongings inside the car are stolen, they may be covered under a renters or homeowners policy, if you have one.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, please know that you most likely do not have any coverage that will cover theft.
Do what you can to prevent a break-in or theft. If you'd like to discuss your insurance needs, review your coverage, or shop around to see what rates may be available to you, give our licensed agents a call at (844) 358-5605. We're happy to help.
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