Even More Ways Your Car Could Get Stole

Posted on Jan 31st, 10:29 pm, under Auto Insurance 101

We talked about the various sneaky methods that car thieves have at their disposal before. So you can protect yourself against theft, we take a look at some more commonly used tactics: 

1. Getting your back-up set of keys that you hid in your car. Many owners leave a second set of car keys in a magnetic box attached to their vehicle's underside. Obviously, this is a bad idea; thieves are familiar with all the usual hiding places.

2. Obtaining your personal information from your car's registration, title, or any documents with your home address on them. When you leave your vehicle, always bring your registration and insurance papers with you, and don't leave any personal information inside.

3. Getting your vehicle's specific information and have a replacement key made by the car manufacturer. The most common countermeasure for this is getting vehicle identification number (VIN) etching on your windows and windshield. However, this doesn't deter most thieves from stealing your car, so don't rely solely on this tactic. Drop your business card into your door frame through the window slot to identify your vehicle as yours, in case it gets stolen.

4. Stealing unattended, running cars while owners are dropping off the kids, using the ATM, etc. No matter how quick you think your errand will be, never leave your keys in the ignition. You want to make it as tough as possible to steal your car, so why would you give them a golden opportunity by leaving it unlocked and running? 

5. Waiting outside grocery parking lots, movie theaters, and sporting events, looking for the best car to steal. These areas are prime "hunting grounds" for car thieves, since they offer a large variety of potential targets with minimal security. As much as possible, park your car only in areas with security measures or parking attendants. If you can't do so, park as close as possible near the entrance to increase the chances that there will be a witness in case of car theft. Don't park in the far-off, dark corners of the lot, that only works to the thieves' advantage.

It can't be stressed enough: more often than not, car theft is a crime of opportunity. Of course, if a thief is really bent on stealing your car in particular, he'll do whatever it takes no matter how many deterrents you put in his way. But if you can make it really inconvenient or risky for him to steal your car, this will hopefully discourage him from going through with the theft. 

Anti-theft measures such as car alarms are a good first step, but your precautions shouldn't end there. Use the above tips to make it as difficult as possible for thieves to take your property. A proactive approach to security is always the best way to deal with thieves.