Four Keys To Preventing Car Theft
Vehicle theft in the U.S. is on the rise slightly, according to the FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report, January - June 2017. And while the number of auto thefts this year is nowhere near as high as it was in the 1990s, motorists can reduce their chances of falling victim to car thieves by using antitheft devices and a little common sense.
Antitheft options are becoming more and more sophisticated, but so are car thieves. Car owners need to take multiple steps to protect their vehicles. For most of us, our cars are one of our most significant investments – and something we depend on.
Keep these four steps in mind to prevent the theft of your vehicle:
AWARENESS
- Park in a well-lit area
- Lock the doors and close the windows
- Remove spare keys from inside the vehicle
- Move valuables and other items out of view
DETERRENCE
- Steering wheel locks
- Brake pedal locks
- Theft-deterrent decals
- Audible alarm systems
IMMOBILIZATION
- Smart keys
- Fuse cut-offs
- Kill switches
- Starter or fuel-pump disablers
- Wireless ignition authentication systems
TRACKING
Some systems employ telematics, which combines GPS and wireless technologies, to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer. Auto liability insurance is required in all 50 states, but coverage against theft — the comprehensive coverage — is optional. For more information, call your local AAA insurance agent, visit your local AAA branch office or click AAA.com/Insurance.