Tips For Preventing Car Theft And Keeping Your Insurance Costs Down
Car theft is a really serious issue in some states and can drive up the cost of your car insurance. However, there are several things that you can do to minimize the chances of your vehicle being stolen and thus helping to keep your insurance costs down.
While you can't control the actions of others, you can prevent car theft by parking in a secure area whenever possible, remembering to lock your vehicle, and keeping your keys in a secure location.
It's important not to live in fear of car theft, but being aware of the possibility is going to go a long way in helping you to protect your vehicle.
How to Securely Lock Your Car
Locking your car is the most basic, but often the most overlooked, measure when it comes to preventing car theft. Make sure that you always lock your vehicle whenever it's parked and don't leave any valuables inside.
A lot of alarm systems in modern cars won't be activated until the doors are closed, so if you leave your car unlocked, it will not trigger an alarm even if someone has tampered with it. So make sure that you always lock your vehicle, even when it's parked in a secure area during the day.
Getting in the habit of testing your door handles after locking is one of the most effective ways to make sure that your vehicle is securely locked and can help you avoid car theft. Older models of cars that do not have central locking may need to have each individual door locked.
If you have an older vehicle, it's very important to check all of the car doors before leaving your car unattended. If you have children or transport other people in your car, it's especially important to make sure that they are aware of the importance of locking the doors when they get out.
Getting in the habit of double-checking that all doors are locked before you leave your car is very important. Even if you're only going to be away for a few minutes, it is one of the best preventive measures you can take against car theft.
Understanding the Different Types Of Car Alarms And Their Benefits
Modern cars come with a few extra benefits to their alarm systems, so if you're looking to purchase a car, you need to be aware of the different types of car alarms that are available.
Car alarms come in a variety of styles and have varying levels of protection, ranging from basic audible alarms to more complex systems that include motion sensors and cameras.
However, no matter what type of alarm system you choose, it is important to remember that they all require regular servicing and maintenance to ensure that they are working correctly.
Classic car alarms are very simple and will trigger a siren followed by flashing lights to deter would-be thieves. While these alarms are not as effective as more modern systems, they can be helpful if you're looking for a cost-effective solution to deter theft.
Cars with more modern alarms can alert a mobile device or even the key fob, which is a great way to be alerted if the car is tampered with. Even if you have the best alarm system available, never allow yourself to become complacent or overlook the importance of being attentive to your vehicle.
Don't Leave Valuables in Sight in Your Car
Having a car often means an alternate storage solution for lots of valuable items that you'd rather not keep at home. This is especially true if you go on trips, as your car may become the most practical place to leave your luggage and other items.
Unfortunately, leaving items in sight can be tempting for would-be thieves, so it's important to never leave any items in your car that are visible from the outside. This includes laptops, phones, wallets, and anything else of value.
Using your car's glove compartment can be the perfect way to get valuables out of sight, as some vehicles (especially sedans) offer spacious compartments which can easily fit something as large as a laptop.
Although glove compartments are a great storage solution to get things out of sight, the best way to prevent theft is to take any items of value with you when leaving your car unattended. If this isn't practical, keeping things hidden in the trunk or under the car seat can also be a good way to keep items safe.
It's important to remember that car theft can happen even in the safest of areas, so it pays to be extra vigilant and take precautions against thieves.
Parking Strategies Which Reduce The Risk Of Theft or Vandalism
Sometimes we have no option but to park on the street, but doing it for convenience is one of the main reasons why cars become targets for theft. If you own a home with a lockable garage, always use it for your car since it is far more secure than a street.
It's totally understandable if you want to use your garage for extra space for your workshop or other activities, but remember that it is there to protect your car.
If you can't use a garage, the next best place to park is in your driveway. Having your car parked in your driveway makes it a more difficult target for thieves as it is harder to gain access and more visible from inside your home.
Installing automatic spotlights or outdoor lighting can also be a fantastic way to deter thieves, as it will make them more visible if they decide to target your car. Thieves can't hide in the shadows if they have spotlights that are always switched on, so this will often deter them.
If you have to park on the street because of other reasons, locking your vehicle is the most important step you can take to prevent theft. Try to park in well-lit areas near a street light and, when possible, consider using a wheel lock if you want an extra layer of protection.
What Types Of Insurance Cover Theft?
While typical insurance like liability coverage doesn't cover theft, there are other types of insurance you can look into if you're worried about your car being targeted. Comprehensive coverage is the best option to cover vehicle theft and is also useful in the event of accidents.
Some types of comprehensive coverage may also cover vandalism to your vehicle or the contents inside, which is a bonus if someone decides to break into your car. The reason that being vigilant against car theft can keep your insurance costs down is because of how reporting a theft works.
When you try to make a claim, you will need to provide proof of the theft. If you report it immediately and have taken all of the necessary steps to protect your car, such as locking it and parking it in a secure spot, you will be more likely to get your claim approved.
If you leave your vehicle unattended regularly in unsafe areas without locking your vehicle, you may not be able to make a successful claim if someone steals it. In this case, your insurance company won't cover the theft as you didn't take all of the necessary steps to protect your vehicle.
It's important to shop around before purchasing comprehensive insurance, especially if you have spent a lot of money to add things to your car. Some policies cover the cost of paint jobs, rims, and other customizations, so make sure to read the fine print when you're looking for a policy.
Being aware of the possibility of car theft and taking steps to prevent it is the best way to keep your vehicle safe and secure. By following the tips outlined above, you will be able to reduce your risk of car theft and minimize the chance of becoming a victim.
