Every 45 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States, according to reporting from the Insurance Information Institute.
What can you do to protect your car from becoming part of this statistic?
Use the following tips to make your car less appealing and more secure. These precautions can prevent crime as well as keep your auto insurance premiums lower.
Lock It Down
When the weather is warm, it can be tempting to leave the windows open while your car is parked. You may even decide to keep the doors unlocked, if you are running a quick errand. Don’t do it. Always keep your windows shut and your doors locked if you’re not in your vehicle. Thieves are faster than you think.
Tuck Them Away
If you have personal property in your car, hide it. Purses and other bags should go in the trunk, where they will not be visible to potential thieves. You don’t want to create a temptation by leaving unattended items in sight.
Light It Up
Make smart choices when parking your car. Look for well-lit areas that are highly trafficked. Try to find the most secure spot in a parking garage, such as near entrances or guard booths, that also offer plenty of light.
Turn Them Off
Let thieves know your vehicle is not a good choice by using anti-theft devices. A steering wheel or gearshift column lock can be an effective way to make your vehicle unappealing to a thief.
If your car is stolen, a tracking device can prove helpful to locate the vehicle. These are included in many newer cars, and they can be purchased to install in older models. These devices may even qualify your vehicle for a discount on your auto insurance.
Is your vehicle fully protected? Contact our office at 720.683.0010 or for additional tips or to find out if a particular anti-theft device would reduce your premiums.