How to prevent car theft
From your keys to parking choice, there's more you can be doing to help prevent theft.
The NHTSA reported over 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2022, causing more than $8 billion in losses. Passenger cars accounted for 74% of the thefts. The National Insurance Crime Bureau mentions that after Chevrolet and Ford pickups, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota sedans are the most stolen. And thieves are always on the lookout for an easy target, which may be your entire vehicle or certain parts such as a catalytic converter.
So, what are some simple things you can do to help prevent your car from becoming another statistic?
The basics
- Lock the doors.
- Never leave your vehicle while the engine is running. It doesn't save you much time, and it's an open invitation for thieves to steal your car.
- Take your keys with you. Even a spare key hidden out of sight is a bad idea. The bad guys tend to know all the hiding places.
- Roll up your windows all the way. It's amazing what an experienced car thief can do with a sliver of an opening.
- Secure your car's Wi-Fi hotspot, if it has one. Hackers could use it to access your car's electronic controls. Remember to have secure passwords and keep the software updated.
- Secure your garage. If you park in a garage at home, remember to close the garage door and lock any outside doors. And never leave your keys in the car.
- Hide valuables. Keep your personal belongings out of sight, preferably in the trunk or under a blanket.
Car security systems
- Install an anti-theft device. If you don't already have one, a simple audible car alarm can help make a difference.
- Consider a vehicle recovery system. If your car is stolen, it can be tracked using GPS, transmitter or similar technology.
- Get the VIN etched onto doors or windows. Professional thieves know they'd have to remove the etchings to resell the vehicle. You could also have the VIN etched on the catalytic converter especially if you have a high-profile vehicle like a pickup truck or SUV.
- Consider installing a kill switch. A switch can be placed in a hidden location and be wired to the fuel line, battery or ignition to prevent a car from starting, even with a key.
- Use a steering wheel or tire lock. These security measures, either attached to the steering wheel or tire, can be relatively inexpensive and rely on the driver to install them before leaving the car.
Parking safety
- Park in populated areas. Thieves may be less likely to disturb cars parked on busy, well-lit streets.
- Park smart to help prevent theft via a tow truck. When parking on the street, turn the wheels to the curb and set the emergency brake. When parking a front-wheel drive vehicle in the driveway or parking lot, pull in forward and set the emergency brake. If rear-wheel drive, back in and set the emergency brake.
When buying a new vehicle
- Find out which vehicles are stolen the most. Some vehicles are bigger targets than others.
- Consider paying a little more for an alarm. It costs more upfront, but it might save you money on car insurance and could make the difference whether your car is stolen or not.
- Research other anti-theft devices. Smart keys, electronic tracking devices, hood locks, a visible steering wheel lock — there are plenty of options, some cheap and some more expensive.
Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace a covered vehicle that's stolen or damaged by something other than collision or rolling over. Contact a State Farm® agent if you want to learn about the different coverage options available for cars.
