How to Prevent Your Vehicle From Being Stolen While Traveling

Auto theft is back on the rise and surprisingly, many don’t know what a vehicle recovery system is. There is an increasing number of ways you can deter potential auto thieves, from high-tech gadgets like a vehicle recovery system to habits that won’t cost you a dime.

We’ll detail different ways to protect your vehicle from theft while traveling, as well as what to do if your vehicle is stolen.

Lock Your Doors

When taking a road trip, the first step in preventing a thief is to keep your doors locked. It’s a good idea to get into the practice of checking your vehicle doors regularly.

Get Out of the Vehicle With Your Keys

If you leave your keys in the ignition, a robber may easily smash a window and drive away. Even if you’re only heading into a shop for a brief errand, leaving your vehicle running is not wise. A burglar may find a running car simple to target, especially if it’s unattended or unsecured.

Don’t Keep a Spare Key in Your Vehicle

When you leave your automobile, you should always take your keys with you. Some people store a backup key in the glove box or beneath the vehicle in case they are locked out, but criminals know where to look for one.

Close the Doors and Windows

Close all your windows. A burglar may reach into your car via an open window and take anything they can reach, or they can unlock the door and get complete access to your vehicle and everything within.

Select Well-Lit Areas to Park

Don’t park in dimly lit locations or areas not easily visible to others if you’ll be gone for a long weekend getaway. Thieves may be discouraged if they know they might easily be spotted if you park beneath a light and in a well-trafficked location.

Install an Audible Alarm and Anti-Theft Device

If your automobile doesn’t already have one, add an audible alarm system and a conspicuous anti-theft device. If someone tries to enter the vehicle when the alarm is on, the audible alarm will make a loud noise, usually scaring the thief away.

There are many different types of car alarms available, but you may need to have one installed by a mechanic or an alarm professional, particularly if it needs to deal with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Visual deterrents such as a steering wheel lock, window etching, or the flashing light of an alarm system may be sufficient to dissuade a vehicle burglar.

If they’re not confident they’ll be able to get away with the automobile discreetly or are afraid of being caught, they might simply avoid it entirely.

Install an Immobilizer System

Robbers may hotwire your car to bypass your ignition, but you can prevent this by installing a vehicle immobilizer system. Smart keys, kill switches, and wireless ignition authentication may be included in immobilizer systems.

They’ll basically disable the car, making it impossible for a criminal to steal it. You may need to have an immobilizer installed in your vehicle by a mechanic or specialist knowledgeable about the vehicle’s wiring and computer systems.

Get a Tracking System

Install a car recovery system, sometimes known as a tracking system, in your vehicle.

If your car or truck is stolen, this tracking device will signal the police or a monitoring agency about its location using Wi-Fi and GPS technology. This may aid the police in locating your vehicle more quickly.

Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle

Leaving a pocketbook, mobile phone, or other valuable items in a highly visible place in your vehicle is one method to lure a burglar. It’s better to leave valuables at home, but if you must bring anything significant with you, make sure it’s hidden.

Place valuables in the trunk before heading anywhere since some criminals scout parking lots for individuals transferring items to their trunks. They’ll break into the trunk after you’ve left the area to take anything you’ve stored away.

Look for Suspicious Behavior

When parking your automobile, be aware of your surroundings. It’s preferable to park someplace else if you’re concerned about the safety of your vehicle or spot someone prowling about the parking lot. Before leaving your automobile alone, double-check that all windows and doors are closed.

What do I do if my car is broken into?

To begin recovering your automobile as fast as possible, try to move calmly and avoid getting too upset or anxious. It’s critical to notify the police and your insurance carrier right after your automobile has been stolen.

If you fail to do so, you may be held liable for any crimes committed while driving your car. To report a stolen car, call the police. Do this before contacting your insurance provider since you’ll need a police report to make a vehicle theft claim.

You’ll need to supply the following information to the police:

Where your car was parked, and when it was last seen.
The vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number, VIN, and year of manufacture.
Car traits that set it apart from others, such as bumper stickers, a distinctive paint job, or damage.
Any in-car security measures, such as a GPS or a dashcam.
As much additional identifying information about your car as possible since this will aid them in locating it.

Once you report your stolen car, call your auto insurance provider. You should do this regardless of your auto insurance policy since a report may protect you if your vehicle is stolen and property is harmed, or someone is injured.

You’ll need to obtain comprehensive coverage to defend against car theft and break-in damage because theft is usually not covered by liability insurance. Liability protects against car damage and personal harm in the event of an accident.

You should report the stolen vehicle to your insurer regardless of the sort of auto insurance you have, whether you have a brand new or pre-owned car.

You’ll need to supply the following information to your insurance carrier:

Description of your car in detail
Where your car was parked, and when it was last seen
A list of the goods in your automobile at the time it was taken
Location of all the car keys
Vehicle registration
Contact information for your finance or leasing firm

Keep in mind that comprehensive coverage often only covers automobile components and factory-installed, permanent features. A car insurance policy may not cover items taken from your automobile, such as a laptop computer or phone.

However, these things may be covered by your renters or homeowners insurance policy. If you have anything taken from your automobile, submit a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance carrier.

Imani Francies writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. She stays up to date on auto-theft systems to help people keep their cars safe and auto coverage rates low.