Tips to Help Prevent Vehicle Theft

April 3, 2023

Having your car stolen is an upsetting and potentially expensive problem. Help avoid vehicle theft with these simple tips.

A Western Coast insurance expert can help you with buying car insurance.

Vehicle theft prevention tips

There is no guaranteed way to prevent vehicle theft, but you should take these precautions.

Never leave your car running when unattended and always take your keys with you, even if you are only leaving for a few seconds.
Lock the doors and windows when you enter or exit your vehicle.
Buy anti-theft devices like an electric alarm, steering column collar, ignition or fuel kill switch, or steering wheel, hood, and gearshift locks.
Do not leave spare keys in the car or outside your house.
Hide accessories from view.
Do not leave valuables or personal identification in your car.
Do not park in dark parking lots; choose well-lit areas instead.
Do not leave your car papers in the glove box. While this seems like a convenient place to have your documents in case you are pulled over, thieves can use your insurance and registration for identity fraud and as a step towards a burglary. Keep your paperwork in your wallet or a less common hiding spot in your car.

Protecting high-end vehicles from theft

High-end vehicles with push start technology and keyless entry are increasingly at risk of theft. They are usually stolen from driveways overnight in relay and reprogramming thefts. Here are some tips to help protect your vehicle from theft.

Park in a secure garage.
Install a security system with well-placed cameras.
Install a GPS tracker to help recover your car if it is stolen.
Use a steering wheel locking device.
Protect your key fob from cell signals by storing it in a radio frequency shielding pouch when you are not using it.
Devices that lock the onboard diagnostic port can be purchased online. This will block access to where thieves can reprogram the car’s key fob.

Consider comprehensive car insurance

Even when you take all possible precautions, vehicle theft is always a risk. You may want to consider adding comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy. This type of car insurance protects your vehicle from theft and a range of other risks like extreme weather, vandalism, and fire.

Your Western Coast insurance expert will answer any questions you may have about car insurance. Ask about the possibility of an anti-theft device discount.

Be prepared in case of vehicle theft

Take some precautions in case your car does get stolen.

Put a business card down the door panels to help the police identify you as the owner if your car is stolen.
Store information about your car in a safe place. Record its year, make, model, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and serial numbers on equipment. Make a note of any identifying features like scratches or dents.