How Are Cars Stolen? How Can You Keep Your Vehicle Safe?

Car theft is a constant problem in many areas of the country. It may seem like an issue for only those with high-value vehicles. That is not the case. ABC News reports a vehicle theft occurs in the U.S. every 43 seconds. This causes the loss of about a million cars each year. Many times, those thefts occur because the driver made it easy for them to happen.

Your auto insurance policy may cover theft. If you have a comprehensive policy, it will include theft in most situations. Yet, preventing it is more important.

How to Prevent Theft

Learning how thieves steal cars can help you to learn how to protect your vehicle. Any type of car is at risk for theft if the right circumstances are present.

• Keys Left in the Car: Some people leave the keys in the car. You run inside a store to pick up something fast. You leave the keys in the dash as you head into the gas station. These are high-risk situations. Someone could easily walk by, spot the keys, and decide to make a move. Never leave the vehicle accessible to anyone else.
• You Don’t Lock Your Doors: You think you live in a very safe area. You many but car thieves do not care which city you are in. They are looking for an easy target. An unlocked car is not going to sound an alarm. Simply locking your doors will reduce the risk of theft.
• Parking in Hidden Areas: Always park your car as close to the home as you can. Car thieves are less likely to touch a car parked under a large parking lot light either. If the car is very visible or close to the building, it is a harder target. However, keeping the car hidden also helps. For example, parking in a garage might protect the car. However, parking behind a bush that impedes your line of sight might mean a thief can make a fast getaway.
• The Brand Is Highly Desirable: High-valued vehicles are not the most common vehicle lost to theft. Rather, brands such as Acura, General Motors, Toyota, and Honda are. They have a higher resale value. There are many of them, too. This makes it easier to use the car for parts if the thief cannot sell it.

Be proactive. Be sure your vehicle has protection in place. It is important to know if you have auto insurance to cover this type of risk. Because it is nearly impossible to always safeguard your vehicle, be sure you have comprehensive car insurance with theft protection. It reduces your losses if a theft like this happens.