How Likely Is It For Your Car To Be Stolen?
If you've ever been in a sketchy looking area then you know the feeling. The constant worry in the back of your mind while you're running your errands. The extra carefulness you take when you press the lock button three times. The feeling of never wanting to be too far from your car. Is there a way to alleviate the stress? An extra coating of safety?
A major cause of this thievery is people's false sense of security, especially in the summer. Thieves take advantage of your laid-back vacation mood and watch for every opportunity no matter how insignificant you think it is. They use even the smallest spaces from leaving your window cracked or sneak in when you leave the car door unlocked sitting in your driveway.
The feeling we talked about at the beginning can actually be quite a big help, it makes you more aware and less apt to forget to lock your doors or leave your keys in the car. But there are a few small easy steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe.
1.) Make sure your garage door is fully closed (or if you don't have a garage, make sure all your doors are locked even when at home)
2.) Keep your car in good shape
3.) Don't park in the dark, stay in sight when in sketchy neighborhoods
4.) Get your vehicle ID number put into your windows to ward off thieves aiming to strip your car for part. Check your local police station because a number of them offer this for free.
If your car does get stolen, according to Avante insurance agency, you should take these steps: "Call the police and have your title, registration, mileage at the time of the theft, and a complete description of the vehicle and what was inside (any personal property) ready. You’ll also want to give the police a list of all those who had keys and access to the car. Next, call your insurance company and report the theft immediately to get your claim started."
Resources:
“Top 10 Spots For Stolen Cars.” GEICO More, GEICO insurance, 27 July 2017, www.geico.com/more/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/where-in-america-is-your-car-most-likely-to-get-stolen/.
“When Your Car is Most Likely to Be Stolen.” Avante, Avante Insurance Agency, 28 June 2016, www.avanteinsurance.com/car-likely-stolen/.