8 Tips to Prevent Auto Theft

According to the most recent FBI statistics, car thefts cost Americans an estimated $6 billion a year. Each victim loses an average of more than $7,700 per incident. And despite the fact that auto thefts have been trending down for the past two decades, new tactics like stealing smart keys and removing vehicle identification numbers reinforce the reality that this problem is not going away.

“Fortunately, there are a lot of common sense things people can do to minimize their risks,” says Penny Glass, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Austin.

Here are some preventive measures you can take to protect your vehicle.

1. Lock It Up

This advice may seem obvious, but some people mistakenly thing that it doesn’t matter if you lock your car doors or not — whoever wants to get in will find a way, regardless. Unlocked doors are basically an invitation for theft. Lock them as a deterrent to thieves looking for an easy target.

Additionally, make sure to take your keys with you when you leave your vehicle. Leaving them in the car could not only attract criminals but also prevent your insurance policy from paying out a claim, since you technically assisted in the theft of your vehicle.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that shopping centers and parking lots are the only place your vehicle is vulnerable — your neighborhood street and driveway are also targets. In residential areas, theft from parked cars accounts for almost 36% of all reported larcenies.

3. Park in a Well-Lit Area

Leaving your vehicle in the shadows makes it far easier for a burglar to break in unnoticed. Make sure you find an area of a store parking lot that’s well-lit if you’re doing any late-night shopping. This creates a spotlight that burglars are likely to avoid.

4. Don’t Crack Windows

You would be surprised how little room is needed for a thief to wiggle their fingers into a cracked window and rock it off its track — giving them an opening to both your car and your belongings.

5. Hide Gifts and Valuables

Seeing a bag with a high-end logo or recognizable gift wrapping makes breaking in far more appealing since criminals know they’ll likely strike gold. Placing your gifts out of sight, and particularly in your trunk, significantly reduces the likelihood that your car will be a target. Most thefts happen in less than a minute, which means thieves have little time to open your trunk. Be sure to relocate items to your trunk before reaching your destination — you never know who’s paying attention to you!

6. Reduce Visibility When Unloading

When you return home after a long day of shopping, hide your new purchases from unwanted eyes by pulling into your garage and shutting the door before unloading the car. If you don’t have a garage, just be sure not to leave your vehicle unattended or car doors open, as that can be an invitation for theft right in your own driveway.

7. Sound the Alarm

Services like OnStar and LoJack can deter would-be thieves, since these products use GPS to track the car and disable it if a key fob is not in the vehicle. Car alarms can also help deter criminals in certain situations. Check out this list of alarms and safety features to look for in a car.

8. Take cover

Unfortunately, even the most safety-conscious driver can fall victim to crime. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you have the right insurance policies in place to cover your needs.

“A lot of people don’t realize that theft of personal property is not covered by your auto policy,” Glass says. “You want to make sure that you have a renters or property insurance policy that can be applied.”

A standard comprehensive auto insurance policy will cover your vehicle should it be stolen or damaged by theft. However, it’s important to remember that coverage only extends to features on the car when the policy was written. Aftermarket additions like expensive wheels, fancy stereos, or other nonstandard extras will not necessarily be covered.

“Those things can be covered, but they need to have underwriter approval, and there likely will be a surcharge,” Glass says.

In the event of a theft, after notifying the police, contact your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent, who will expedite your repair process. No matter the situation, they will do what it takes to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.