How to Keep Your Car from Getting Stolen
Almost everyone knows someone who has been a victim of car theft. Perhaps you have been a victim yourself.
Having your car stolen can be devastating, especially if you have personal belongings inside the vehicle that are hard to replace, like a purse or wallet, car seat, or special sound system.
If your car does get stolen and can’t be found, your insurance company will only give you the book value price of your vehicle based on Kelly Blue Book or another similar company that values cars based on year, model, and mileage. Often the money you might get from your insurance company isn’t enough to replace your vehicle.
There are, however, great tips to keep you car from getting stolen.
No Car is Theft-Proof
Keep in mind that no car is theft-proof, especially if the person stealing the vehicle is a professional. We’ve all seen the shows on television where former thieves show us how easy it is to break into all sorts of makes and models of cars. Some new innovations into vehicles of late have helped to slow a thief’s entrance, but not all the time.
Tips To Keep Your Car Safe
- Be aware of where your VIN or vehicle identification number is on your vehicle. Often they can be found by looking through the windshield on the driver’s side. If a thief can get your VIN number, they can go to a dealership and have a key made to enter the vehicle. Although reliable auto dealers should ask for identification so they can match you with the owner information, they don’t always do this so make sure you keep the VIN covered when you are not in the vehicle.
- Keep your car locked. This sounds easy but how many of us just pop in the grocery store for a minute to grab a loaf of bread and feel our vehicle will be safe? Be smart and always lock your car.
- Don’t leave any items in your vehicle that have your name, phone number or home address in your vehicle that is attached to a spare set of keys. If a thief gets into your vehicle, they can steal your vehicle and rob your home if you have an extra house key on that spare key chain set. Keep spare keys to your car and home in your purse, wallet, or pockets.
- Law enforcement tells us that if you get personalized plates, thieves tend to stay away from those vehicles. Why? The personalized plates are easier to identify once your vehicle has been reported stolen.
- Keep your windows rolled up and locked when you exit your vehicle. Even a small opening can attract a thief.
- Pay attention to where you park your vehicle. If you are going to a big town event, choose a parking lot that has an attendant instead of one where you self park. Car thieves are more likely to hit an unattended lot than one with an attendant.
- Turn your vehicle off. Many people who take their pets along for the ride may lock their doors but keep their vehicles running so their pets can stay cool or warm. If a thief gets into your running vehicle, they will just take off so turn off your vehicle and take your pets with you.
- Ask the experts at auto parts centers what good security devices are. They can give you tips on the latest and greatest on the market and which device will work on the type of vehicle you own.
Finally, many auto manufacturers have designed the engine to turn off if the vehicle is being stolen. The computer can tell that is not the correct key going into the ignition so the engine shuts off. Seek out and purchase vehicles that come with this feature to keep your car safe from car theft.
Keep your car safe by staying up to date with maintenance, too. Wear and tear breakdown expenses can be prohibitive, but you can avoid a major hit to your wallet by buying a car wear and tear extended warranty.
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Filed under: Wear and Tear
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