Five Ways Your Car Could Get Stolen (And What To Do)

Posted on Jan 22nd, 01:13 am, under Auto Insurance 101

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a car gets stolen in the United States every 24 seconds. It's an unfortunate truth that no matter how many types of anti-theft devices come out each year, auto theft still remains a thriving industry. 

This is not to say that you shouldn't bother using a car alarm. Besides lowering your insurance premiums, car alarms are still a necessary measure, provided you use them well.

So let's say you've already covered the basics: you've installed anti-theft protection and you're driving a model that doesn't attract thieves' attention. What else is there to do? Here are five of the most common car theft methods thieves employ. Get familiar with them so you can take the necessary precautions:

1. Cutting your steering wheel. If you use a steering wheel lock, car thieves can easily overcome this simply by sawing through the wheel itself. To prevent them from actually taking your car anywhere, it's more effective to use a starter disable switch. Make sure you keep it in a place only you can access.

2. "Accidentally" bumping your car. Car thieves will often bump up against a car to check if it has an alarm. And since car alarms these days are set off by practically anything, people have learned to ignore them when they go off (ironically). Instead of using a motion-sensitive device, use an alarm that pages you as soon as it's activated.

3. Breaking windows. This is one of the most common methods of entry. Alternatively, thieves may also jimmy your lock open. Don't tempt them by keeping your valuables inside your vehicle in plain sight. Always bring them with you, or if you can't, keep them out of sight (in the trunk, for instance). If your car stereo has a removable faceplate, take it with you instead of stowing it in your glove compartment.

4. Deactivating car alarms. Thieves will look for any exposed wiring that they can cut in order to disable your anti-theft alarms. The remedy lies in having your car alarm put in by a professional installer. If you can find a reasonably shady one, so much the better. Retail store employees don't know how to install your alarm in such a way that makes it harder for criminals.

5. Checking your car stickers. It's always a bad idea to display car decals that advertise what kind of alarm you have in your vehicle. This gives thieves a lead on how to disable your alarm. Furthermore, don't put any stickers that display the kind of audio system you've got; you'll only make it a more tempting target for theft. Use a hood lock cable so that they can't access your car battery or alarm mechanism.

Come back next week for more tips on how to counter car theft. Until then, stay smart and stay safe!