A car is stolen every 28 seconds in America. It’s a scenario that you see on TV, one that you think couldn’t happen to you—but it’s more likely than you think. You should always take precaution with your car, even in your own neighborhood, where 33 percent of cars of stolen. How can you protect your beloved vehicle? Try these tips to prevent car theft.
· Never leave your car unlocked or running while unattended.
· Keep your windows closed, even during summertime.
· If you must leave valuables, such as a purse or an iPod, in your car, keep them out of plain sight. Store them in the glove box, trunk or under a seat.
· Park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic. Thieves typically avoid areas with high visibility.
· Etching your VIN into the windows can deter thieves who sell cars to chop shops. They look for cars with as many reusable parts as possible.
· Never mark your keys with your name and address to prevent home theft.
· Avoid leaving spare keys under or near your car. Getting locked out of your car is much less of a hassle than having your car stolen.
· Install an alarm system and make it known with stickers on your windows to deter thieves.
· Prevent hotwiring by installing a vehicle immobilizer system, such as a fuel cutoff or smart key.
· Install a GPS tracking system to aid in the recovery of your car if it is stolen.
Car thieves are generally organized and efficient. Experienced carjackers can steal a vehicle in a matter of seconds. If your car does get stolen, immediately alert the police and your insurance provider.
Comprehensive coverage can help with carjacking situations. Call Peachstate Insurance at 877-997-2478 for more information on Georgia auto insurance.