In recent years, there has been a rise in car theft. One reason is the increasing demand for cars amid supply chain challenges. As the price of cars continues to rise, more people are turning to stealing cars to make money. Another reason is the ease with which cars can be stolen. With modern technology, it's easier than ever to break into a car.
How to prevent vehicle theft
There are steps you can take to make it harder for a thief to steal your vehicle, or to locate it if they succeed.
- Always lock your car. This one seems basic, but it’s the first step to securing your vehicle. Be sure to lock up even if you’re just leaving the vehicle for a few minutes.
- Park in a safe area. If you have access to a garage or other secure location, park there. If not, park in a well-lit area where your vehicle is easily visible to others. Avoid parking in dark and/or secluded areas where thieves can go unnoticed.
- Install a car alarm. A high-quality alarm system that is difficult to bypass can alert you and others in the area if someone tries to break into or tamper with your vehicle.
- Use a steering wheel lock. These locks fit over your steering wheel, making it impossible for someone to drive your car without first removing the lock. Steering wheel locks are relatively inexpensive and can be a great investment in preventing car theft.
- Store your keys wisely. Keep them away from your front door, where they’re easy for thieves to find and potentially in-range for being copied. Car thieves increasingly use technology that can copy the signal from electronic keys and amplify it so it reaches the vehicle. For extra security, store your keys in a metal box. This will prevent the signals thieves use to copy keys from reaching them.
- Install a GPS tracker. This will help you locate your car if it is stolen and can provide valuable information to law enforcement.
More insurance providers offering free anti-theft systems
Due to the rise in car thefts, insurance providers are increasingly offering free anti-theft system installation for customers with vehicles at a higher risk of theft. NFP is proactively contacting customers whose vehicles qualify for these devices.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen
Despite your best efforts, sometimes bad things happen. If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to the police and then report the loss to your insurance provider.
If you have a GPS tracker or personal video surveillance, provide it to the police to aid in the investigation. You can also contact your vehicle manufacturer to see if they can help locate the vehicle.
Looking for more information about car insurance? We can help. Contact us for a quote, or speak to an NFP specialist by calling 1.844.811.1118.