One of the reasons that you pay so much every month for your auto insurance is because of car theft. Car theft is rampant in some areas, and not as common in others, but it affects all of us. If you want to avoid having to make an auto insurance claim for theft, there are some important things you need to do.
A great way to find cheap auto insurance is to simply use the Internet to shop around and compare auto insurance rates online from competing insurance companies. Simply enter your zip code in on this page to get started right now!
Here are some ways you can go about helping to prevent your car from getting stolen:
Realize the Limitations of Manufacturer-Installed Systems
Most experienced car thieves can get around the manufacturer’s anti-theft systems. If you really want to protect your vehicle, you should consider an aftermarket system. These are usually a bit more complex and sophisticated than the ones that the manufacturer installs. Talk to your auto insurance agent, too, because in some cases installing this kind of system will also get you a discount on your auto insurance.
Don’t Underestimate Your Car’s Attractiveness to Thieves
In many cases, older vehicles may actually be more popular objects of theft than newer ones. Older vehicles tend to be stolen for the value of their parts. Newer vehicles are more likely to be stolen because of their popularity. It might surprise you to know that, according to the NICB, the model years most frequently stolen in 2008 were 1995, 1989, 1997 and 1994.
Don’t Make Assumptions About Your Insurance Coverage
Talk to your auto insurance agent or look at your policy closely to see what kinds of coverage you have. Find out if you’re covered for a rental car, for example, and whether there’s a waiting period before you can rent one. In many cases, your policy won’t cover car rental unless you’ve specifically signed up for that type of coverage. The cost is relatively low, so this can be a good investment for many people.
Stick to the Safety Basics
Regardless of what kind of anti-theft systems you’ve installed, there are some common-sense car safety basics you should follow if you really want to avoid having your car stolen. Park only in areas that are well lit. Try not to park near the exit of a parking lot, as that tends to make your vehicle a more likely target. Realize that about a third of vehicle thefts take place at home, so make sure your car is locked, even when it’s sitting in your driveway.
Save Money on Your Auto Insurance!
While you can’t always avoid all of the situations that might lead to auto theft, knowing what they are can help put you on the lookout for situations that might lead to these disasters. Enter your zip code in on this page to get started comparing free auto insurance rates and start saving some money!
