You leave your car unattended while on vacation, and the next thing you know, your car is stolen. How can you enjoy traveling again knowing that your car has been stolen before? Would things have been different if you had a vehicle recovery system? You may be wondering, “What is a vehicle recovery system?”
With auto theft once again on the rise, find out what makes a vehicle attractive to car thieves and then learn how to keep your vehicle safe. We’ll also look at how protecting your vehicle can help reduce your insurance rates.
What Makes a Vehicle Attractive to Thieves?
Vehicles are attractive to thieves primarily based on their make and model. For example, if you own a sports car, your automobile is more likely to get stolen because of how expensive it is.
Cars are also attractive to thieves based on where you park. If you park by the road, it is easier for thieves to steal because they have an easy getaway plan. Even parking in the driveway can be dangerous for your car.
Consider parking your car in your garage rather than on the street or in your driveway. This will significantly reduce the risk of it being stolen.
Basic Tips for Preventing Theft of Your Vehicle
Here are some basic tips for preventing theft of your vehicle. Some of these may be common sense, but it’s good to be reminded of them.
Lock Your Doors
Locking your doors is important to do when you’re parked and when you’re driving. Someone can easily break in and attempt to steal your car. Always pay attention to your surroundings.
Something that might help prevent theft of your vehicle would be outdoor security cameras around your home. Surveillance cameras not only show you what’s happening around your home, but they record footage as well.
Keep in mind that should your car get stolen, you can use the footage from your cameras to help the police pinpoint who the thief might be.
Never Leave Your Keys in the Car
Leaving your keys in the car is something that you should always avoid, even when you have someone sitting in the passenger seat. It’s just not a good idea to leave your keys. You should always take them with you if you need to exit your car.
Even leaving your keys in your vehicle for a second or two is risky. You must stay alert and vigilant when you’re out and about.
Never Leave Valuables in the Vehicle
From phones to purses, it’s incredibly dangerous to leave these things in your automobile. Thieves will be more inclined to steal from you when they see that you have left valuables unattended in your car. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Don’t Leave Your Vehicle Unattended and Running
There are too many stories of children being kidnapped because a parent left their car unattended and running. It’s just not wise to do. Please refrain from doing this, especially if you have children in the car.
Besides that, if you need to get out and go somewhere, turn your car off, bring your keys and your kids with you, and lock the doors, making sure your windows are rolled up.
Install Anti-Theft Recovery Systems
Your best bet to prevent your car from being stolen or allow your vehicle to be recovered by the police is to install anti-theft recovery systems. These systems come in many forms, but they all work to prevent theft or recover your vehicle from theft.
One of the vehicle recovery systems is simply a global positioning system (GPS) that is installed in the vehicle. This system helps you to track your car and pinpoint its exact location.
Another one of these systems is a starter disabler. This prevents your automobile from starting if you decide to stop it remotely. It helps lenders and owners alike make sure their cars are not being stolen or misused.
No one wants to see their car stolen, but it can happen to anyone. Use these basic tips to help you protect your vehicle from car thieves.
How Protecting Your Car Can Protect Your Wallet
Protecting your car from thieves can save you money as well. Below, we will look at how keeping your vehicle safe will prevent you from having to spend money.
Reduce Monthly Insurance Premiums
Having anti-theft recovery systems and taking the proper precautions to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get stolen are surefire ways to get a reduction in your monthly car insurance premiums.
Many insurance providers give a 2% discount on your premium when installing anti-theft devices into your car. It might not seem like much, but that 2% can add up, depending on how long you stay with your insurer.
You Don’t Have to Purchase a Replacement Vehicle
Having to replace your stolen vehicle has to be the most significant way to lose money. Once you know that the car can’t be retrieved, your insurance provider will compensate you based on the value of your automobile at the time it was stolen. You will still need to purchase a new vehicle.
Cars these days are so expensive, and if you still owe on the stolen vehicle, you will need to keep making payments until it’s paid for. Saving money by protecting your vehicle really does help your wallet in rather significant ways.
Do your due diligence and make sure that you are prepared should your car get stolen.
The Effects of Car Theft
It’s unfortunate that people would resort to criminal activity like stealing someone’s car. Its effects can have a lasting impact on both the victims and the criminals.
What we’ve discussed today should help you and others be more aware of where they park, what they drive, and ensure that you don’t leave your automobile unattended. Take these tips to heart and make sure you don’t have to suffer any of the consequences of car theft.
Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. Peyton is passionate about people’s safety, and she enjoys helping people protect their vehicles from theft.
Last Updated on 1 year by Evan White