Protecting Your Car or Truck from Theft
A vehicle is a significant investment, and as with other expensive purchases, you should take steps to protect it from theft. This blog post discusses some of the ways you can keep your vehicle and its contents secure.
The Rising Concern of Car Theft
Did you know that Americans have an average of 1.8 vehicles per household? With so many cars on the nation’s streets, it’s not surprising that car theft is a thriving criminal activity. To put the situation into perspective, consider the fact that approximately two cars are stolen every minute in the United States, and the trend has only increased in recent years.
Why It's Important to Secure Your Car
It’s no secret that cars are expensive. As of 2021, the mean cost of a brand-new car was $47,000, which most of us know is no small chunk of change. This higher cost means securing your car is more important than ever. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying another hefty down payment as well as a high monthly car payment on a new vehicle. Similarly, if valuables like a laptop or phone are stolen from your car, the financial loss is even greater.
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Understanding Car Theft: The Basics
There’s a reason that car theft is so prevalent. Criminals have found ways to steal cars quickly and effectively, often in a matter of just minutes. Educating yourself on common practices employed by car thieves can help you keep your assets safe.
Image Credit: NICB
The Most Commonly Stolen Car Models
The most targeted car models vary by state. However, in 2019, Ford pickups were the number one vehicle stolen nationally. Honda Civics and Chevrolet pickup trucks were also high on the list.
The Methods Used by Car Thieves
Car thieves are smart, and they’ve found methods that work. One strategy is simply checking for unlocked doors. Approximately 40% of car thefts occur when a driver leaves the door unlocked and the keys inside the car.
Smashing a window is another fast way for criminals to gain access to a car and its contents. Furthermore, some thieves don’t break in to steal. Instead, they strip the car of its rims, tires, and catalytic converters.
The Role of Technology in Car Theft and Security
As with other products, technology has changed the vehicle industry. Sometimes, this technology provides security benefits to car owners, but technology can also come at a disadvantage.
How Technological Advances Have Made Cars Vulnerable
Certain technology has made breaking into cars even more enticing than before. For example, expensive GPS and DVD systems can easily be stolen and then resold for quick cash.
The Importance of Technology in Car Theft Prevention
On the other hand, advanced technology can deter criminals. Car alarms are commonly installed security systems while GPS-aided technology like OnStar can help track a stolen car. Passcodes entered on a keypad are another example of technology that can protect cars from criminals.
Basic Preventative Measures
Following a few basic security steps can keep your car and its belongings safe.
Secure Parking: Why It Matters
Generally, leave your car in parking decks when possible. They’re more secure than parking lots. Decks have limited entry points and additional security staff, which make them less appealing to thieves. Vehicles parked in city lots are six times more likely to get broken into than ones parked in decks. Park in well-lit areas monitored by security guards.
The Practice of Locking Doors and Windows
Locking your door is the easiest step you can take to deter thieves. An unlocked door is essentially an open invitation to the contents of your car. Get into the habit of double-checking that your doors are locked. Close all windows, including the sunroof, when you walk away from your car.
Keeping Valuables Out of Sight
Criminals want a high reward for the risk and are more likely to break into a car they’re certain contains valuables. Hide purses, electronics, jewelry, and other valuables out of sight. Put them under the seat or store them in the glove compartment or trunk.
Best Anti-Theft Devices for Cars
Some security devices are more popular than others. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. Let’s look at some specific styles that car owners can consider.
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Steering Wheel Locks: An Old but Reliable Solution
A steering wheel lock has two major advantages. The first is the fact that it keeps your steering wheel from moving, which creates a significant barrier to car thefts. The second reason investing in a steering wheel lock is a good idea is that it is immediately visible from outside the car. This lets thieves know your car isn’t a great target.
Immobilizers: A Technological Solution
A more advanced anti-theft device for your car is an immobilizer. This unique form of protection requires a certain key to be present in the vehicle for the engine to start. Another key won’t work.
GPS Trackers: Tracking Your Vehicle Anywhere, Anytime
As we mentioned earlier, GPS trackers are a great tool for discouraging car theft. In the event your car is stolen, law enforcement can determine your vehicle’s current location.
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Car Alarms: A Noise that Deters
Most new cars are sold with car alarms. These alarms are loud signals that alert the community if someone is entering your vehicle. The sound draws attention to the person and thus can deter theft.
Electronic Tracking Devices: High-Tech Protection
If you’re interested in equipping your car with an electronic tracking device, there are several options available. Some tracking devices are plugged directly into your car while others are professionally installed via a hardwired system.
OBD Port Locks: Protecting Your Car's Brain
OBD stands for “On Board Diagnostics.” An OBD port is essentially the brain of the computer and helps provide diagnostic information for your car. Thieves tamper with this port to gain access to your digital key information. OBD port locks can keep the device protected.
Anti-Theft Decals: Deterrence through Deception
Perhaps the most affordable way of securing your vehicle, an anti-theft decal can let thieves know that your car is protected by a security system, even when it isn’t. Of course, you don’t want to rely solely on a decal, but it doesn’t hurt to use this strategy to give criminals pause before targeting your vehicle.
Innovative Car Security Technologies
Some methods of protecting your car from theft go above and beyond traditional systems.
Stealth-black Air Force Challenger 'Vapor' featuers a biometric access to open the vertical doors - Master Sgt. Scott Reed, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Biometric Vehicle Access: Beyond Traditional Keys
We’re all familiar with using keys to access our car. But what about using your fingerprint? A couple of years ago, Hyundai released a car that can be started using just the driver’s fingerprint. Many car manufacturers have also created apps to remotely start your car. Phones can be set up to recognize the user’s fingerprint or face, providing an extra layer of security.
Smart Cameras: Surveillance for Your Car
Major companies like Ring have developed smart cameras you can use to monitor your car. These cameras can be attached to your dashboard and alert you if the device senses motion when your car is parked. You can view the footage remotely on a phone or computer.
Vehicle Telematics: Monitoring and Controlling Your Car Remotely
Data collected by a car’s technology features is called telematics, and it can offer security benefits. Telematics uses GPS to determine a vehicle’s location. It can also record the speed the vehicle is traveling, a feature that can aid law enforcement’s recovery of the car.
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Vehicle Insurance: An Essential Protection
Choosing a comprehensive car insurance policy is one of the best measures you can take to protect yourself against vehicle theft. Do your research and understand exactly which situations are covered before you commit to a plan.
Understanding Comprehensive Car Insurance
Your insurance coverage depends on your specific policy. Typically, comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle if it’s stolen, but you’ll still need to go through the claims process and alert law enforcement. Your insurance company will have you fill out paperwork, including reporting any items that were in your car.
The Role of Insurance in Car Theft Recovery
If you equip your car with certain anti-theft tools, your car insurance may give you a discount on your monthly premium. Speak with your insurance representative to determine whether you qualify. Law enforcement is responsible for locating your vehicle, so keep your insurance company up to date on the outcome.
Legal Measures Against Car Theft
A car owner who has had their car stolen should alert local law enforcement immediately. Around 57% of stolen vehicles are found in just one day, while nearly 80% are found in the first week. If you report the theft in a timely manner, your odds of recovering the vehicle are great.
Laws and Penalties for Car Theft
People who steal cars typically face misdemeanors or felonies on their record. If convicted, they may spend up to three years in prison for the crime. Even stealing a car that is valued at a relatively low amount can result in a felony. In fact, more than three-quarters of cars stolen are worth less than $25,000.
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Reporting a Stolen Car: What You Need to Know
After your car is stolen, you need to inform the police as quickly as possible. Gather necessary documents like the title to your car, a description of the car including its license plate number, and, if necessary, the contact number for the company you’re leasing the car from.
You’ll then need to contact your car insurance company. You may also need to contact your homeowners or renters’ insurance company to seek additional coverage for any valuables that were in your vehicle at the time of the theft.
Summary: Recap on Keeping Your Car Safe
Vehicle theft is all too common, and this crime happens in virtually every community across the nation. More than one million cars were stolen in the U.S. last year, which means your vehicle is at risk. Investing in security measures can reduce the likelihood of your car or truck becoming a target.
Review of Key Anti-Theft Devices and Practices
Locking your car and closing its windows each time you leave the vehicle is by far the easiest way to protect it from theft. Keep valuables out of sight and invest in devices such as locks for your steering wheel and OBD port. Consider having a GPS tracker professionally installed to monitor your car if it is stolen.
The Importance of Constant Vigilance
Never let your guard down when it comes to securing your vehicle. If you’re forgetful by nature, you can invest in long-term solutions like a security camera at your home so that you’re notified if someone tampers with your vehicle. This constant surveillance makes it easy to remain vigilant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about car theft and preventing it.
What should I do immediately after my car has been stolen?
If you discover your car has been stolen, call the police immediately. With timely reporting, your car stands a good chance of being recovered. Afterward, you’ll need to contact your car insurance company and possibly your homeowners or renters’ insurance company.
Can thieves overcome modern anti-theft devices?
No anti-theft device is 100% effective. However, car thefts are often crimes of opportunity, which means the more barriers you have in place, the less likely it is for your car to be stolen.
How often should I update or upgrade my anti-theft devices?
The longer certain security devices have been around, the more ways criminals find to circumvent them. Thankfully, technology is constantly changing. Stay informed about the most recent security trends in your area so you can respond accordingly. For example, if there’s been a recent spike in catalytic converter thefts in your community, you may wish to invest in a catalytic converter protector.
What if I can't afford some of the advanced anti-theft devices?
Shop around for the most affordable products. Even if you’re on a very low budget, you can place a cheap anti-theft decal on your vehicle. This budget-friendly option might make a potential thief reconsider breaking into your car.
Does my car model affect the chances of it being stolen?
Yes. Certain car models are targeted more often than others. Consult this resource from the National Insurance Crime Bureau to determine which cars are most at risk in your state.
Sources:
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