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Top 10 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft | Back to Automobile Insurance

Every 27 seconds, another vehicle is stolen. More than 1 million motor vehicles will be stolen this year. Is it just a matter of time before you become a victim of auto theft? Not necessarily, if you follow these 10 auto theft prevention tips:

1. Install an antitheft device
2. Never leave your car running or leave the keys in the ignition when it is unattended
3. Keep your car door locked at all times
4. If you have a garage, park your car inside and lock the garage door
5. Don't store packages or valuables in plain sight
6. Park your car in a safe, well-lit, or well-traveled area at night
7. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the windows and major parts of your car to make your car harder to resell on the black market
8. When you park on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb, use the emergency brake, and try to park between other cars (this will make it harder for a thief to tow it)
9. Avoid parking your car in a long-term parking lot
10. Take out any removable electronic devices (e.g. CD player) when you leave your car

Antitheft devices:
Although common sense tactics such as locking your car or leaving it in a well-lit area can certainly prevent auto theft, you may want to buy some peace of mind by purchasing an antitheft device. Many types are available, so it's easy to find one that fits your budget and your needs. Some of the more common antitheft devices include:

• Car alarms
• Steering wheel locks
• Immobilizers
• Glass sensors
• Ignition-kill switches
• Fuel-kill switches
• Radio receivers/transmitters

Whatever type of antitheft device you choose, you'll want to make sure that it is installed properly. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the device or even your car's electrical system. It may be wise to enlist the services of an alarm installation professional to do the work for you.

Auto insurance discounts:
The comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy covers theft. And since insurance premiums are based, in part, on a car's likelihood of being stolen, cars that have a high theft rate usually cost more to insure.

Fortunately, in addition to making your car less attractive to thieves, antitheft devices can also help you to save money on your auto insurance. Currently, 12 states require insurance companies to give discounts to car owners who install antitheft devices. However, even if you live in a state where antitheft discounts aren't required, your insurer will probably offer them anyway. Typically, insurer discounts are higher for automatic antitheft devices (e.g. passive-setting alarms).

But if your car is stolen…
Contact the police first, and give them the following information:

• Year, make, model, and color of your car
• Your license plate number
• VIN
• Approximate time when the car was stolen
• Location where the car was parked
• Names of eye witnesses, if any

Next, inform your auto insurance company that your car was stolen. Be sure to have your policy identification number on hand. Although the claim process varies depending on the state in which you live, insurance companies usually have up to 30 days to settle a stolen vehicle claim.

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