-
How to protect your car from being broken into or stolen
Ever had your car stolen or broken into? I hope not. But it is more common than you think. Why and who would do that? Someone who needs money or teenagers, who usually do it for fun or to “test their skills”, are the ones who are drown to your auto and its belongings.
Working in insurance business we’ve seen all kids of cases and have heard all kinds of stories. You will be surprised, how many people admit it was “kind of” their fault. How is that? Leaving a window open, car unlocked – any of these rings a bell?
It is almost impossible to completely escape the chance of having your car broken into or stolen, unless it sits in your garage all the time. But, there are some ways to minimize these risks:
- Lock your doors and windows! Do not keep a spare car key in the vehicle – somebody with “experience” would find it in seconds;
- Have an anti-theft device or alarm system in your auto. Buy one, if your car did not come equipped with it. Alarm (or, at least the blinking light) may scare a thief;
- It is helpful to have tinted windows, which makes it difficult for a thief to see what is inside;
- Do not leave your car keys in the ignition – it’s like saying “hey, take my car for a ride”! If you are coming from a small town, where everybody knows each other – it is time to adopt some big city habits;
- Do not leave your laptop in the car, even for a few minutes, while getting a coffee (my personal mistake). The same goes for any other valuables, like iPod, any cameras, cell phones and so on. Try not to have any of that in the vehicle and lock your Gucci bags in the trunk, so they are not asking a stranger to be stolen;
- Do not leave your title and registration in the glove compartment, unless you want to help a thief to sell your car. Keep your SSN, credit cards and passport with you;
- Park in a brightly lit place, secure parking garage or at a public place;
- It is a good idea to etch your VIN and registration numbers onto the windows and headlights – to make it easier for police to identify if a thief will change the color of your vehicle;
- Install a tracker in your car – to find it faster in case it is stolen.
-
Another very important aspect is to have proper car insurance coverage, which comes very helpful at times like these. Make sure to buy comprehensive insurance – that’s the one that will cover your loses in case of theft or vandalism. Some of the methods of protection mentioned above will also help you pay smaller premiums.
|
Car Insurance Articles
