Understanding Car Theft and How to Guard Against It
Have you ever wondered how frequent car thefts are? Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau reveals that in the initial three quarters of 2022, over 745,000 vehicle thefts occurred in the U.S. [1] [2] When it comes to more perilous situations like carjacking, attackers succeed in about half of all reported cases, as per the U.S. Department of Justice.
Below are some measures to safeguard against car theft and carjacking.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight Think of your car as an extension of your home. Just as you wouldn’t showcase valuables at your window, avoid leaving items like purses, laptops, or keys visible in your car. The National Insurance Crime Bureau mentions that between 2019 and 2022, over 100,000 vehicle thefts occurred because keys were left in the car. [3]
- Opt for Illuminated Parking Spaces Not having a garage isn’t an excuse. Choosing a well-lit parking spot can deter thieves. Etching your vehicle’s identification number on its windows can also discourage theft.
- Secure Your Vehicle Promptly As soon as you enter your car, lock the doors immediately, even before you turn on the ignition or adjust any settings.
- Always Take Your Keys With You Leaving keys in the car, even for a brief moment, presents an opportunity for thieves. Ensure you always carry them with you.
- Remain Vigilant Awareness can be a strong deterrent against carjacking. When at stoplights or in traffic, stay cautious and maintain enough space to maneuver your car if necessary. Brent O’Bryan from AlliedBarton Security Services recommends such vigilance. [4]
- Stay on Familiar Routes Avoid traveling through secluded or unfamiliar areas. If you feel someone is trailing you, don’t lead them to your residence. Also, be wary of parking near larger vehicles like vans where potential attackers could be lurking. [4]
- Equip Your Car with Anti-Theft Measures Alarms can deter thieves, and GPS trackers can help locate your vehicle if stolen. Installing these devices might even qualify you for discounts on insurance.
- Maintain Calm During Emergencies In the unfortunate event of a carjacking, prioritize safety. Stay composed, relinquish your vehicle, and swiftly move away. Afterward, report any details you recall about the suspect to the authorities. [4]
Vehicles Often Targeted by Thieves While one might assume that luxury cars are prime targets, it’s often the commonly owned models like Ford F-series trucks and Honda Civics that are stolen. This is because they blend in and have parts that can be easily sold. In 2022, the HLDI study identified 2019-2021 Dodge Charger models as top targets. [6]
Cars Vulnerable to Catalytic Converter Theft Some vehicles, especially hybrids like the Toyota Prius, are targets due to the valuable metals used in their catalytic converters. Thieves strip these parts and sell them for their metallic value. [7]
Is Car Theft Covered by Insurance? In the event of a theft, your coverage depends on your policy. Comprehensive insurance usually covers car theft, but basic liability insurance does not.