10 Tips to Prevent Your Car from Being Stolen

According to the Insurance Information Institute, 810,400 vehicles were reported stolen in 2020 alone - the highest number of stolen vehicles in the past 10 years. Statistics on auto theft report that a car is stolen every 40.9 seconds in the United States.

With car theft being so staggeringly common not only in the U.S., but also across the world, it is important for car owners to be vigilant and to be prepared for anything. 

How to Prevent Your Car from Being Stolen

Here are 10 tips from Tile for how you and your family can prevent your cars from becoming a statistic in the U.S.

1) Always Lock Your Car Doors

One of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle is to just lock it. Even if you are just running into your corner store for lunch or heating your car in your driveway you are putting your vehicle at risk of being stolen.

2) Take Your Car Keys With You

Many people feel comfortable leaving their keys in the car at home or in places they feel are safe. This is a misguided sense of security - leaving your keys in your car always presents the risk that it will be stolen. To avoid this, simply keep your keys on your person.

3) Use a Bluetooth Car Tracker

In the event that your car does disappear, having a Bluetooth Tile tracker hidden in your car can help you keep in the know about where your car is. If the thief takes your car, the Tile community will keep you connected to your vehicle to help the authorities pin down where your car winds up.

A car tracker is also extremely useful for always knowing where you parked your car - something many of us struggle with in large parking lots or cities.

4) Install a Car Alarm System

Your car is likely to attract thieves for many reasons - but one easy way to deter them after attracting them is to set off a loud and bright alarm when your vehicle is touched or breached. Drawing attention to the crime in action is an easy way to get a potential car thief to leave your vehicle alone.

5) Keep Your Car Windows Closed

Leaving your car windows down can attract a number of unsavory people. Whether they intend to steal your car or pick off your valuables, leaving your windows down can be seen as an invitation to thieves. Remember that most crimes are crimes of opportunity - the fewer opportunities you present, the less likely you will wind up a victim.

6) Don’t Leave Valuable Items in Your Car

Similar to the recommendation above, don’t leave anything in your car that may draw attention to the potential car thief. This can include leaving a smartphone, a laptop, a designer bag, skis, bikes, and more in plain sight. Don’t advertise your vehicle for theft - take what matters with you.

In a situation where you do have your valuables stolen, be sure to have a Tile tracker attached to what matters most - that way you can keep track of where they are and know how to get them back.

7) Park Your Car in Well-Lit and Populated Areas

Parking your car in areas that will guarantee an audience for the crime will easily deter thieves from choosing your vehicle. Park where your car can both easily and frequently be seen by others to avoid becoming an easy target.

8) Use a Steering Wheel, Tire, and/or Brake Lock

You can’t always prevent thieves from getting into your car, but you can prevent them from taking it anywhere. Installing locks on the wheel, tire, and/or brakes will ensure that the thief cannot take your car for a joyride across town.

9) Install a Remote Car Starter

For those who live in bitter cold or scorching hot climates, starting your car to get climate control started is a must. While some may feel safe leaving their keys in the car while it heats up or cools down, this is not a good solution. If your car does not already have a keyless start, consider installing a remote car starter. This allows your car to start, but 1) you can lock the doors, and 2) the car cannot be driven away.

10) Install a Kill Switch

In the event that your car does get broken despite your best efforts, installing a kill switch can save you. This device is hidden in your car and if you have it activated, then no one can turn on or use your car until it is deactivated. This is a great way to prevent theft as a last resort.

What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen

If, after everything else, your car does wind up stolen, there are several steps you can take.

• Contact the police

• Call your insurance company

• Reach out to your lender and/or financial institutions 

• Be prepared that your car may not be returned to you

• If your car is returned to you, get it fully inspected as soon as possible

How to Report a Stolen Car

As soon as you find out your car has been stolen, it is pertinent that you report the crime. Reporting a stolen vehicle is as simple as calling your local emergency line. Be sure to have the following information on hand:

• The car’s license plate number

• The make, model, year and color of the car

• The car’s VIN

All of the above information is a great way to make identifying and finding your car easier on authorities. Be sure to have this information written down and/or memorized in case of an emergency.

Does Insurance Cover Stolen Cars?

The answer here is that it depends. If you do not have comprehensive coverage within your insurance, then you are not covered for car theft. However if you do then you are covered for the theft or any damage done to your car in a theft attempt. You will be paid in cash value for your car and/or damages.

Find Your Car, 24/7, with Tile Car Trackers

Car theft can be entirely preventable if you take the right precautions. If your car does wind up in the wrong hands, stay covered with Tile trackers. Tile car trackers, such as the Tile Sticker, Pro, Slim, and Mate, are great for tracking your car even if it does get stolen. Order a Tile tracker today to stay protected.