Unfortunately, car theft is now a very common issue. If someone is determined enough to steal your car, they will. However, there are anti-theft measures you can take to prevent this, improve car security and save yourself a lot of stress and money.
What are The Most Common Things Stolen from Cars?
The most common items stolen from cars are valuables such as electronics. If you leave your phone, cash, keys, or anything else of value on display in your vehicle, a thief will not hesitate to try and gain access. Understanding how to protect your car from and knowing what resources are available to you is vital for the security of your car.
Here are some of the best ways to protect your car from theft:
- Remove All Valuables from Your Vehicle
Thieves will be on the lookout for any items left in plain sight, so always make sure you aren’t leaving anything valuable on display. Even portable electrical items, such as a Sat Nav could provide temptation, so make sure to take them with you when leaving your car.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas
It is important to consider where you are parking your car, parking somewhere secure and well-lit will help to deter thieves. If you have access to a garage, make sure to use it and consider installing a car alarm, or camera for peace of mind. This is especially important at night, which is when the majority of car thefts take place.
- Remember to Lock Your Car
After a long day of work or travel, it’s very easy to forget to lock your car, and this is how many people fall victim to car theft. Remember to lock your car after every journey and always keep your keys out of site. With keyless entry becoming more popular, keeping your keys in a safe place can prevent thieves from getting hold of them.
- Consider Anti-Theft Measures
Consider investing in anti-theft measures such as a steering wheel lock or anti-tamper screws to improve car security and keep your car parts safe.
Are Vehicle Trackers Worth It?
Installing a tracking device is one of the most reliable ways of protecting your car from theft. They can be very pricey, but these devices will lower your insurance premiums and could save you a huge amount of stress if someone were to steal your vehicle. Despite their price, installing a tracking device in your car is a huge car security investment. It will save you a lot of time and money in the event of a car theft.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Fortunately, the majority of car insurance companies will cover you if your car were to be stolen or broken into. Some insurance policies will even cover you for any possessions stolen from your car, although it is not advisable to be leaving valuables in your car at all.
Car Damage: What to Do?
If someone has attempted to break into your car, you may find that it has been damaged. This could include dents, scratches, and broken windows. However, another issue to be aware of is vandalism. Unfortunately, vandalism is a constant threat and can happen anywhere at any time. You may find that someone has keyed your car whilst you’re out and about, which is never a pleasant experience.
Professional Car Dent Repair
Thankfully, there are vehicle repair services that can help you with this. The time it will take to repair will depend on the extent of the damage, but an expert at ChipsAway is only one click away! If you would like to explore this topic further, you can check out our blog ‘Car Keyed Repair 101’.