As summer ramps up and the weather is warm, people tend to spend more time outside. Unfortunately, with temperatures on the rise, so is the incidence of car thefts. Below are some tips to help you protect your car from being broken into:
- Don’t keep valuables in your car – Don’t leave any valuables in your car. Instead, take them with you. Visible belongings dramatically increase the likelihood that a thief will target your vehicle. If there’s something that you need to leave in your car (suitcase, CDs, GPS, sports equipment, etc.), put it in your trunk.
- Lock your doors - Some law enforcement agencies have reported up to a quarter of vehicle thefts occurring from unlocked cars. Locking car doors will deter those who might be looking for an easy target.
- Keep your car tidy - Almost any worthless personal item that's visible from the outside, even an empty shopping bag, can be seen as a valuable or a carrier of valuables. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area on display, consider getting a cover. They help keep shopping bags or other belongings out of sight.
- Get an alarm – They are great at deterring thefts. The noise alone is sometimes enough to scare away a thief and prevent a break-in.
- Completely close windows and sunroofs - It's not just to prevent a thief from reaching in. Open windows will disable the pressure sensor in some car alarms. This leaves the vehicle more vulnerable to break-ins and can potentially give a thief more time before the alarm sounds.
- Park in well-lit areas – In a parking lot, on the street, or near a home’s exterior lighting. The more visible your car is, the more visible a thief will be.
Protecting Your Vehicle And Its Valuables
A common misconception is that your car insurance will cover the cost of stolen items. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will probably cover the cost to repair any damage to your car sustained during the break-in. Typically, this includes broken windows, damaged locks, and dismantled ignition systems.
Comprehensive coverage* doesn't cover belongings inside the car. When you need to replace cell phones, tablets, iPods, laptop computers, purses and wallets, work tools, and any other items stolen, your homeowners or renters insurance will provide that coverage. This means you'll need to file two separate claims to be reimbursed for all losses and damages.
*Only certain carriers offer an endorsement for comprehensive coverage that covers personal property lost in a theft. This endorsement is offered at an additional premium.
What Is Covered By Insurance?
Car Insurance
- Shattered Windows
- Broken Locks
- Stolen Stereo (Stock), GPS (Stock)
- Tampered Ignition
- Cosmetic Damage (Paint, Locks, Carpet)
- Airbags
- Broken Glove Box
- Aftermarket Stereos, GPS System, Custom Wheels
Renters/Home Insurance
- CDs, DVDs
- Laptop Computer
- Sports Equipment
- iPod, iPad, iPhone, or other cell phone
- Clothes, Expensive Sunglasses, Jewelry
- Work Tools
- Purse or Wallet
- Video Systems (Stock)
Whether you’re away from your vehicle for a minute or several hours, it doesn’t matter. It only takes a thief a couple of seconds to smash a window and grab your personal belongings. Make sure you’re doing what you can to protect your car, your valuables, and yourself.
