Steps That Can Help You Avoid Having Your Car Stolen
Apr 26, 2009 Auto Insurance
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Car theft has been a problem in the United States since cars were invented. A car or other vehicle is stolen in the United States every 28.8 seconds according to 2008 data from the FBI. The chances of your car being stolen in the U.S. are 1 in 210 according to data from federal agencies and the Insurance Information Institute. The odds vary geographically. The Northeast has the lowest incidence of vehicle thefts, about 9.8 percent, and the Midwest 18.2 percent. The South and West have the highest percentage of vehicle thefts, about 36 percent each. Your chances of having your car stolen are highest in urban areas.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported in 2007 that fewer than 60 percent of car theft victims ever got their vehicles back. Many of those vehicles were returned with body damage and expensive parts stripped off, requiring extensive repairs and body shop work. Law enforcement officials stress the need to call the police immediately if your car is stolen, but the recovery numbers are dismal. The best way to deal with car theft is to take these steps to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
* Lock your vehicle and don’t leave it running. Your car’s door locks are the cheapest, easiest deterrent against car thieves. Don’t leave sunroofs or windows open, even on the hottest days. Leaving your car running while you’re not around is an open invitation for theft. Law enforcement officials stress that many cars are stolen on a whim for joyriding purposes because the owner made it easy for the thief.
* Parking is an issue, both at home and away. At home, use your garage and lock it up, especially night. On-street parking can be a haven for thieves, especially in high-crime areas, so choose spots with good lighting and a good flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
* Avoid tempting thieves. Leaving an extra key somewhere in the vehicle or attached to the frame is asking to get your car stolen, because crooks know where to look. Your registration and insurance papers are another factor that can make a thief’s job that much easier–not only can he grab your car, but he can steal your identity. Instead, make copies of the papers and hand out a set to each person in your family that drives. Finally, don’t leave your valuables in your car while it’s parked. Many insurance companies have stopped paying claims for items like cell phones and music players that were stolen from vehicles, and they’re too great a temptation for thieves.
* Invest in anti-theft technology. These items aren’t foolproof, but they can make a car thief pass up your vehicle for an easier target.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, the basic “Club” type of steering wheel lock gets good reviews by law enforcement officials and provides a visual deterrent to theft. Brake pedal locks can accomplish the same thing.
Car alarm systems have sensors that trigger attention-getting devices like sirens, the cars horn, and flashing the headlights when a thief tries to break into the car. Sensors range from basic switches that trigger when a car door is opened, to glass-breaking detectors for thieves who use the smash-and-grab approach, motion sensors, sensors that detect changes in air pressure, and tilt detectors to deter crooks who bring a tow truck with them when they go out stealing vehicles.
Some vehicle security systems work by locking out the ignition, fuel, or electrical systems until you touch a hidden switch or insert an electronically coded ignition key. Although a car thief may still steal components or tow your vehicle away, these systems deter the most common scenario of breaking in and hotwiring.
Tracking devices can use either the cars onboard GPS system or radiofrequency technology to track your cars whereabouts after its stolen and increase your chances of getting it back. Some insurance companies offer their customers discounts on tracking devices as well as a premium discount for using these technologies.
Car thieves love the Cadillac Escalade, the Hummer, and other big, luxurious SUVs because they can be resold for so much money. The 2005 and newer Dodge Charger is another favorite of crooks. If you’re shopping for a new car, keep in mind that a small car is one-eighth as likely to be stolen as an SUV. The all-time least popular vehicle with car thieves is the Volvo S70.
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