10 Tips on How to Prevent Car Theft

By the Mercury Team

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over 1 million vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in 2023, with California accounting for the highest number of stolen vehicles (208,688). This eye-opening stat shows just how important it is to protect your car from theft. Taking the right precautions can save you from the stress and hassle of losing your vehicle. In this blog, we’ll go over 10 simple and effective tips to help keep your car safe and out of the hands of thieves.

How to Prevent Your Car from Being Stolen with Basic Precautions

Let’s look at some basic precautions you can take to help deter car thieves:

1. Never Leave Your Car Running Unattended

It may seem convenient to leave your car running while you dash into a store or warm it up on a cold morning. But killing the engine is one of the easiest ways to prevent car theft. Thieves often target unattended vehicles that are left running, especially in public places. Even if you think you’ll be gone for just a moment, that’s all it takes for someone to drive off with your car. Always turn off the engine, lock the doors, and take your keys with you.

2. Keep Keys Secure

Leaving your keys in the car or ignition, even in a “secure” spot like a locked garage, is a mistake that could cost you your vehicle. Thieves know to check common places like hide-a-key boxes, under floor mats, and in glove compartments. Even when parked at home, it’s important to always remove your keys and keep them in a secure spot inside. Don’t assume a locked garage or a hidden key will be enough to deter a determined thief. When it comes to stopping car theft, taking your keys with you is one of the easiest, most effective ways to do it.

Car Theft Prevention and Securing Your Vehicle

Everyday habits like locking your car, hiding valuables, and choosing smart parking spots can help reduce the risk of getting your vehicle stolen.

3. Always Close Windows and Lock the Car

It’s easy to think your car is safe when it’s parked in your driveway or garage, but leaving windows open or forgetting to lock your vehicle can make it an easy target for thieves. Even when parked at home, always close the windows and lock the doors. A locked car is far less likely to attract a thief, and taking a few extra seconds to secure it can prevent a lot of hassle down the road.

4. Hide Valuables

Leaving valuables in plain sight is like inviting thieves to take a closer look at your car. Items like bags, electronics, or even spare change can tempt someone to break in. To protect your belongings and your vehicle, keep any valuables out of sight — preferably in the trunk or glove compartment. Better yet, take them with you whenever possible.

5. Park Smart

Whenever possible, choose well-lit, high-traffic areas where potential thieves are less likely to take the risk. Parking near security cameras or in monitored lots adds an extra layer of protection. Avoid isolated spots, especially at night, as these areas make it easier for thieves to break in unnoticed.

Best Ways to Prevent Car Theft with Advanced Security Measures

Here are some security measures you can take to help prevent car theft:

6. Use Mechanical Locks

One of the simplest yet effective ways to boost your car’s security is by using mechanical locks like steering wheel or brake pedal locks. These visible deterrents make it clear that your vehicle won’t be an easy steal. Even if a thief manages to break into your car, these vehicle anti-theft devices make it much harder to drive off with it.

7. Consider a Security/Tracking System

Installing a security or tracking system like LoJack, Teletrac, or OnStar adds another layer of protection. These systems make it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle and can help law enforcement track and recover it quickly if it’s ever taken. Many of these systems come with features like remote monitoring, GPS tracking, and alerts that help keep your car secure wherever you park.

8. Etch the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on Windows

Etching your vehicle’s VIN on the windows is a smart, inexpensive deterrent. Thieves are less likely to target a car with a VIN etched on it, as it makes the vehicle harder to resell or strip for parts.

How to Protect Your Car from Theft by Safeguarding Personal Information

When it comes to protecting personal information, consider some of these car theft prevention tips.

Don’t Leave Personal Documents in the Car

Leaving personal identification documents in your car — e.g., registration, auto insurance card, or any other sensitive paperwork — can pose a serious risk. Thieves can use these documents to impersonate you or even attempt to sell your car. Always take your important papers with you or store them securely to protect your identity and prevent further complications if your car is stolen.

Be Cautious with Valet Services

When handing your car over to a valet, attendant, or mechanic, it’s best to leave only the ignition key. Keeping other keys, like house or office keys, with you reduces the risk of theft. Additionally, don’t leave anything personal or valuable in your vehicle, and always double-check that your car’s security features are activated before parting with it.

Conclusion

Preventing car theft means being proactive, and these tips can help you stay one step ahead. However, if you’re a victim of auto theft, and Mercury's your insurer, here are some tips that may help expedite the process of filing a claim:

• Contact Mercury immediately to report your loss. Call Mercury's Claims Hotline at 1-800-503-3724
• Prepare to file your claim by having your policy number in hand.
• Remember to provide claims adjusters with alternate (mobile) contact phone numbers.
• Offer photos of your car to your claims adjuster if these are available.
• Contact the police. They’lll advise if they need to respond.

If you're looking for an insurance company that offers reliable coverage, consider Mercury. We provide cheap auto insurance, excellent customer service, and auto insurance discounts to help you save even more. 

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