Preventing Vehicle Theft
According to an initial study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were there were 873,080 auto thefts in the U.S. in 2020 —a 9.2% increase from 2019.
Auto theft can occur no matter where you live.
A vehicle is a large investment.
Here are 9 things you can do to protect your investment from theft:
- Always lock your vehicle, even when driving.
- Take the key when parking. Do not leave spare keys in or on your vehicle.
- Close all windows and the sunroof when parked.
- Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Park in well-lit areas, if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle (including the trunk), especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Install an audible alarm system and visible anti-theft device, if not included when you purchased your vehicle.
- Consider installing a tracking or vehicle recovery system.
- Be alert! Stay aware of your surroundings. If you do not feel comfortable or see someone loitering around the area, park elsewhere.
If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately.
They will want to know the following information:
- Vehicle’s year, make, model, and color
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen to file a claim.
If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist.
Do not put yourself in harm’s way to protect your vehicle. It can be replaced; you cannot.
For more information or to learn more about auto insurance, contact IBA.