In 2010 there were 737,142 vehicle thefts were reported during - a total loss value of around $53.9 million. Lists come out every year detailing the most stolen cars and, with that, what steps one can take to deter car thieves. Even so, a car is stolen in the United States every 24 seconds according to the Insurance Information Institute. Auto theft continues to thrive despite those lists and regardless of new anti-theft technology that emerges with every new model year.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle and to avoid the time, financial burden and overall hassle of a stolen car.
1. Use more than just the factory anti-theft system
It is very important to have a good quality anti-theft system installed in your car. Most cars come with one factory installed however, it is smart to add extra anti-theft features after market. You should skip the sticker on your window advertising what type of system it is, because when you display this information you could actually be helping thieves know what they have to do to get around the system. It's also important to avoid displaying a sticker for your audio system; this could lure more potential thieves to your car.
2. Purchase additional safety features for your car.
Since it seems like everything from a loud Harley to a rumbling garbage truck can set off a car alarm, so people have been conditioned to tune them out. Instead of a motion-sensitive car alarm, one that is activated by loud noise or someone just bumping into your car, upgrade to one that has a pager that will notify you as soon as your alarm is activated when your vehicle has been breached.
3. Check for exposed wiring.
It's important to make sure your car alarm system is properly secure. Leave nothing exposed that will make it easy for thieves to disable it and easily break into your car. You might even consider using a hood lock cable so the thief can't get to your battery or car alarm mechanism.
4. Don't leave valuables in your car where thieves can look in the window and see them.
Anything left in plain view exposed in your car is a temptation for car thieves to break in and take it. Keep your valuables out of plain sight - take them with you or store them in the trunk of your car. Leaving your valuables exposed gives a thief a reason to break your window and cause expensive damage.
5. Invest in a steering wheel lock
When you lock your steering wheel in place when your leave your vehicle, the car is useless to anyone except the person who can disable the steering wheel lock. No steering means no driving and no car thief. This small added anti-theft devise might make all the difference.
6. Never leave your keys in the car.
Don't leave your keys in your car when you are not in the car for any reason. If you leave them in the ignition when you are parked or even for a quick errand you might turn around and find your car gone. Car theft is a crime of opportunity, if you jump out of your car to drop something off or run to the mailbox, a thief could jump in and drive away.
7. Don't keep personal information in your car.
It is smart to keep your registration and insurance information with you instead of storing it in your cars glove box. These documents usually include your home address, when this information is in the hands of thieves, they can use them to rob your house or to steal your identity. Likewise, do not to leave a spare garage door opener or house key in your car, a thief could take these and break into your home later.
8. Be smart about where you park.
When you park your car for any amount of time leave it in parking lots and garages that have security or a parking lot attendant watching out for it. Park near the entrance of these facilities to ensure the most foot traffic and potential witnesses to any crime that may occur. Also, when parked in long term lots, stay away from far away and abandoned corners. Consider safety even when you park at home; leave your car in a lighted area or in your home garage.
Auto theft is above all else a crime of opportunity, you as a car owner should take away as many opportunities as possible for a thief to access your car you increase your chances of keeping your car secure.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle and to avoid the time, financial burden and overall hassle of a stolen car.
1. Use more than just the factory anti-theft system
It is very important to have a good quality anti-theft system installed in your car. Most cars come with one factory installed however, it is smart to add extra anti-theft features after market. You should skip the sticker on your window advertising what type of system it is, because when you display this information you could actually be helping thieves know what they have to do to get around the system. It's also important to avoid displaying a sticker for your audio system; this could lure more potential thieves to your car.
2. Purchase additional safety features for your car.
Since it seems like everything from a loud Harley to a rumbling garbage truck can set off a car alarm, so people have been conditioned to tune them out. Instead of a motion-sensitive car alarm, one that is activated by loud noise or someone just bumping into your car, upgrade to one that has a pager that will notify you as soon as your alarm is activated when your vehicle has been breached.
3. Check for exposed wiring.
It's important to make sure your car alarm system is properly secure. Leave nothing exposed that will make it easy for thieves to disable it and easily break into your car. You might even consider using a hood lock cable so the thief can't get to your battery or car alarm mechanism.
4. Don't leave valuables in your car where thieves can look in the window and see them.
Anything left in plain view exposed in your car is a temptation for car thieves to break in and take it. Keep your valuables out of plain sight - take them with you or store them in the trunk of your car. Leaving your valuables exposed gives a thief a reason to break your window and cause expensive damage.
5. Invest in a steering wheel lock
When you lock your steering wheel in place when your leave your vehicle, the car is useless to anyone except the person who can disable the steering wheel lock. No steering means no driving and no car thief. This small added anti-theft devise might make all the difference.
6. Never leave your keys in the car.
Don't leave your keys in your car when you are not in the car for any reason. If you leave them in the ignition when you are parked or even for a quick errand you might turn around and find your car gone. Car theft is a crime of opportunity, if you jump out of your car to drop something off or run to the mailbox, a thief could jump in and drive away.
7. Don't keep personal information in your car.
It is smart to keep your registration and insurance information with you instead of storing it in your cars glove box. These documents usually include your home address, when this information is in the hands of thieves, they can use them to rob your house or to steal your identity. Likewise, do not to leave a spare garage door opener or house key in your car, a thief could take these and break into your home later.
8. Be smart about where you park.
When you park your car for any amount of time leave it in parking lots and garages that have security or a parking lot attendant watching out for it. Park near the entrance of these facilities to ensure the most foot traffic and potential witnesses to any crime that may occur. Also, when parked in long term lots, stay away from far away and abandoned corners. Consider safety even when you park at home; leave your car in a lighted area or in your home garage.
Auto theft is above all else a crime of opportunity, you as a car owner should take away as many opportunities as possible for a thief to access your car you increase your chances of keeping your car secure.
About the Author:
About the Author - This article was written by Al Boenker Insurance, an industry leader in Texas auto insurance. We have over 40 years of experience serving the Texas area and we specialize in providing our customers with customized advice about auto insurance in Texas as well as finding the lowest rate available.
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