If your car gets stolen, it can be a long process to report the theft to the police and then fill out a large pile of never-ending insurance forms. In many instances, these cases can drag on for months, leaving you in a state of anguish and distress. Here are five simple ways to prevent your vehicle from being stolen in the future.

 

 

• Park Strategically

 

This may seem like an obvious tip but several individuals repeatedly make this mistake. It’s important to park in a secure location that has sufficient lighting and other cars nearby. This means if someone does try to steal your automobile, there’s a good chance someone will see the incident and report it to the authorities. If you choose to park indoors, try to park near the security attendant or near a surveillance camera. If you’re going to the mall, park near the entrance of the building where there tends to be more people, as the traffic will deter thieves.

 

 

• Hide All Valuables

 

It’s very common for people to leave important valuables in their car, such as purses, phones, wallets, backpacks and electronics. A thief will be immediately drawn to your car if they see any of these valuables laying out in open view. It’s smart of you take all of your possessions with you. Even if you’re at home, it’s advised to not leave anything of importance in your vehicle.

 

Do not place valuables in the trunk or glove compartment because criminals now possess technology that can confirm if you have certain electronics in your car. For example, many people used to hide their GPS in the glove compartment, but thieves can now use this technology and see if there’s a hidden electronic object, meaning you’re more vulnerable to car theft.

 

You should never keep a spare key in the glove compartment or under a stone in the driveway. Thieves are cunning and if they’ve been watching you for a period of time, they’ll be able to locate the spare key and steal your vehicle. It’s also crucial to not loan out any spare keys to friends or neighbors because they can be stolen, meaning theft can easily occur even if you’re very precautious.  

 

 

• Turn Your Car Off

 

During the bitter winter months, people typically start their cars and retreat back inside while they wait for the vehicle to warm up. Leaving your car unattended with the keys in the ignition is one of the worst mistakes you can make even if it’s in your own driveway. After all, a third of all car thefts occur in residential zones according to SafeWise.

 

As unpleasant as it may seem in the moment, it’s smart to just sit in your car as it warms up. You can also invest in a remote control starter, so thieves can’t get away with the car without having the actual physical key. The same principal applies when you’re double-parked outside of a shop or restaurant. Always turn the car off, roll up all the windows, and lock the door.

 

 

• Buy An Anti-Theft Device

 

Statistically speaking, certain states have higher rates of car theft. These states include Texas, Florida, and California, meaning car insurance premiums can be more expensive. Therefore, many insurance companies recommend purchasing an anti-theft device, which lowers the monthly cost of your premium.

 

There are several different anti-theft devices on the market, ranging from steering wheel locks to small devices that immobilize your vehicle if someone tries to hotwire it. These devices can be purchased from a hardware store or from your local mechanic.

 

 

• Use technology

 

If you’re purchasing a brand new car, make sure it comes with an automated alarm system. Many vehicles now come equipped with a built-in system called OnStar, which uses a GPS technology to track your car in the event of a theft. The GPS coordinates can then be handed over to the authorities and they can safely recover your stolen vehicle.

 

You can also purchase a simple GPS tracking device online from either Amazon or eBay and place it in a secret location in the car. This means you can also pinpoint the exact location.  

 

Several new dash cams can record interior footage of your car, meaning a thief can be easily identified. You can usually access the recorded footage with a username and password via the Internet. You can then pass the footage to the authorities that can trace and identify the assailant.

 

Overall, your vehicle needs to be safeguarded against the threat of theft. By utilizing and applying these five tips mentioned above, you’ll be  securing yourself as good as you can from theft. For more information regarding anti-theft insurance in North Carolina, consult Protective Agency for all your questions and concerns. Call us at (877) 739-9367.