Car theft is a frustrating occurrence no vehicle owner should have to deal with. While the high percentages of motor vehicle theft from 2020 to 2023 are behind us, car theft remains a large risk for those who own or lease a vehicle. Where you park your car, the make and model of your vehicle and even your theft prevention habits can all play a role in how criminals target your property.
Location is a significant factor in your risk of auto theft. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), one vehicle is stolen every 48 seconds, and in some urban areas, the risk of theft is even greater.
Jennifer Nix, AVP of Claims Auto Material Damage at Grange Insurance, says “Auto theft is a serious problem for car owners, but you can take steps to protect your investment. One of the best ways to safeguard yourself financially is to get comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, which covers theft and vandalism.”
Car thieves can steal everything from personal belongings and car parts to the car itself. Taking precautions like keeping your keys out of your vehicle whenever you aren’t in it, locking your doors, and removing all valuables from your car can help reduce the risk of theft and claims on your auto insurance.
Latest car theft prevention tips
To reduce the risk of car theft happening to you:
1. Keep doors locked and windows up
Lock your vehicle’s doors and roll up your windows, especially when you aren’t in the car. When you’re driving, when you’re parked and when you’re out of the car (even for a moment), lock your vehicle. Keeping your doors secure and your windows up is the easiest way to keep someone out of your car.
2. Park in secure locations
Whenever you’re driving somewhere, it’s a good practice to park in well-lit and secure areas, especially at night. Parking in an area with cameras and lights, such as a parking garage, could prevent the headache of experiencing car theft. If it does happen, there’s a chance the car thieves are caught on camera.
At home, take precautions where you can. Park in your garage if you have one, or if a section of your driveway is fenced in, opt to park inside the fenced area for an added layer of security. For exposed driveway, street or alley parking, consider installing motion-detecting lights and security cameras to deter people from approaching your car.
3. Don’t leave your car unattended while it’s running
If you live in the Midwest, you know how cold the winters can be. It may be tempting to turn on your car and leave it running to warm it up, but you leave yourself vulnerable to car theft. It also wastes fuel and creates unnecessary pollution. If you must turn your car on to warm it up in bitter cold temperatures, keep your vehicle in your eyesight while it’s running.
4. Use a key fob signal blocker
Newer vehicle keys typically come as a key fob with an emergency key hidden inside in case the battery dies or the electronic device fails. Unfortunately, hackers and car thieves can use devices to mimic key fob signals and break into vehicles without you knowing. Use a key fob signal blocker pouch or box to store your key fobs while you’re at home. These storage tools can reduce the risk of fob cloning and increase car security.
5. Install physical deterrents
Steering wheel locks are a helpful tool to prevent car theft. For Hyundai and Kia models that are highly vulnerable to car theft, this device can visually deter and physically stop thieves from stealing your vehicle.
6. Don’t advertise on your car with stickers
Decal stickers can be seen as cute ways of self-expression and pride in your family or business. However, they make you an easier target for thieves. A sticker with your HVAC company’s logo on it could lead criminals to assume you have tools and valuable materials in your vehicle. A stick figure family car decal with one adult and three kids could show criminals you’re a single parent with three young children, possibly making you an easier target for theft.
7. Take extra security measures
One of the most sought-after car parts among car thieves is the catalytic converter. The metal within this anti-pollution car part can sell for hundreds of dollars and can cost over $1,000 to replace. Installing anti-theft devices on valuable car parts like this one is the best attempt to avoid car theft.
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Smart habits to reduce the risk of burglary and identity theft
Keep photocopies of your vehicle registration
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to keep your vehicle registration in your vehicle. Your vehicle registration displays personal information like your home address, making it simple for thieves to know where you live.
For example, someone could break into your car at work and see you have a garage door opener. If they find your vehicle registration in your glove box and it states your home address, this could lead to both your car and home being vandalized and robbed.
Storing photos of your registration and the VIN (vehicle identification number) on your phone or somewhere safely on your person can help you avoid unintentionally sharing that personal information if your vehicle is broken into. In addition, law enforcement usually accepts photos of your vehicle’s registration and insurance should you be pulled over for a traffic violation.
Identity theft is another concern for many drivers. Instead of stealing physical objects, thieves could take the basic information on your registration and use it to apply for loans, commit insurance fraud, open credit card accounts and more. Adding identity theft protection to your auto insurance plan could protect you from the havoc identity thieves cause.
Install a GPS tracker or Bluetooth tracking device
Tracking your car may be one of your only hopes to get your vehicle back in the event car thieves decide to take yours. Installing a GPS tracker can alert you, the police or a monitoring service where your vehicle is located.
Many security and GPS tracking systems come with a warning sticker to display for deterring thieves. Thieves may rethink their decision to steal your car once they learn you have a tracking system somewhere in your vehicle.
For a budget-friendly option, hide a Bluetooth device like an Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag in your vehicle to help track your vehicle on your smartphone in the event it’s stolen.
Does car insurance cover auto theft?
With help from a comprehensive auto insurance policy, you can replace your stolen vehicle. Talk to your Grange Independent Agent to learn more about how you can protect yourself from car theft headaches with the right insurance coverage.
References
- National Insurance Crime Bureau - Vehicle Thefts Decline
- National Insurance Crime Bureau – Prevent Vehicle Theft
- Consumer Reports
- Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, risk management, or insurance advice. Implementation of any suggestions does not guarantee coverage, prevent loss, or modify the terms, conditions, or exclusions of any insurance policy. Coverage is determined solely by the terms of the applicable policy.