How to Prevent Your Car from Being Stolen
Feb 23, 2023
1 min read
Car theft spiked during the pandemic — up by 59% from 2019 to 2022 across 30 major cities, according to the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) — and in some parts of the country, the auto theft trend continues. Here’s how to make your car less desirable to would-be thieves — and potentially save money on car insurance, too.
Park Smart, Every Time
One of the best ways to prevent car theft is to be diligent about how and where you park. No matter the neighborhood, time of day or how quick you’ll be, never leave your vehicle unlocked or running, and park in busy, well-lit areas whenever possible. For newer cars with keyless ignition, keep your keys in your pocket or purse to avoid accidentally leaving them in your car. Stow valuables out of sight (or better yet, leave them at home), to ward off smash-and-grab thefts.
Install a Car Alarm
Most new cars come equipped with a security alarm system, but if you don’t already have one, it can be a worthwhile investment. The visible blinking red light is often enough to deter a thief, and if that doesn’t do it, the blaring horn should scare them off.
Track Your Car
While a tracking system won’t necessarily prevent theft, it can help police recover your vehicle after the fact. These car theft protection devices are especially important if you run a commercial enterprise that owns a fleet of vehicles.
Use a Vehicle Immobilizer System
Thieves can bypass your ignition by "hotwiring" your car, but you can help prevent this by installing a vehicle immobilizer system. This newer technology may incorporate smart keys, kill switches and wireless ignition authentication, and they essentially disable the vehicle so that it isn’t drivable.
Protect Your Catalytic Converter
This relatively obscure car part is easy to access and can garner a good chunk of change, making it a hot target for thieves. And because a traditional car alarm sensor won’t always pick up on an attempted undercarriage theft, some companies are introducing alarms, locks and shields made specifically for catalytic converter protection.
Invest in Comprehensive Coverage
No matter how many precautions you take, car theft can still happen to anyone, anywhere. In addition to collision and liability coverage, comprehensive car insurance is vital to ensure you’re protected against damage.
Connect with a Farm Bureau agent to keep your vehicle protected