No one wants to imagine their vehicle being broken into or stolen, but it happens every day. You can’t prevent all crime, but you can take measures to protect yourself.
Here’s what you need to know.
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle
Theft is often a crime of opportunity. Most criminals want to get what they came for and get away quickly. Without taking proper precautions you may leave yourself open for that opportunity. Here’s what you can do:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Find out what kind of area you’re driving into before you go, especially if you need to stop for errands. Avoid those areas at night and avoid them completely whenever possible.
- Always turn off your vehicle when you exit the vehicle; never leave it running when you’re not in it.
- Close your windows, lock your doors, and take your keys with you when you park.
- Never leave your title in your vehicle. If it is stolen, you don’t want to make it easy for the thief to convince a police officer that the car really belongs to them.
- Avoid keeping valuables in your vehicle. If you must, store them out of sight to help remove the temptation for a broken window and quick smash and grab.
- Park in well-lit areas and as close to building entrances as possible, especially when out at night.
- At home, if possible, park in your garage and keep the garage door closed, especially at night, but also during the day.
- Keep your car locked even when in your own driveway. Thefts can and do happen even in the safest neighborhoods.
- Install an anti-theft device. Not only will this help you recover your vehicle if it is stolen but it may help prevent the theft in the first place.
- When possible, calibrate your vehicle’s alarm to go off when it senses a vibration. This can be extremely helpful if the thief isn’t stealing your entire vehicle but a part of it (like a catalytic converter).
- Have your VIN etched into your window. This makes it harder and more expensive for a thief to unload for cash later because a VIN can be traced back to the owner.
Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance Coverage
Despite all your best efforts, your vehicle may be stolen or broken into. To help you fully recover from the loss, make sure you have the right kind of auto insurance. Comprehensive insurance helps replace or repair your vehicle for damage not caused by collision. It covers specific perils:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Falling objects
- Damage from animals
- Natural disasters
- Civil disturbances
Comprehensive coverage does not include payment for medical costs, but you can count on it to help repair or replace your vehicle. You’ll have a deductible that must be met first and a policy limit that cannot be exceeded, unless you have an umbrella policy, too. As with all insurance, it’s important to purchase as much as you can afford in order to have the most protection possible.
Curious about discounts for adding an anti-theft device to your vehicle? Ready to make sure you have the most protection possible with comprehensive coverage? Contact Charlotte Insurance today for a free quote and answers to all your auto insurance questions.