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Did you know that a vehicle is stolen every 27 seconds? Over 1 million vehicles will be stolen just this year. Here are some steps to follow that may keep you car from becoming a statistic.
- Install an anti-theft device
- Never leave your car running or leave the keys in the ignition while it�s running
- Keep your doors locked at all times
- If you have a garage then use it, and keep the garage locked
- Don�t keep packages or valuable in plain sight
- Park in a safe, well-lit, or well-traveled area at night
- Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the windows and other major parts of your car to make reselling difficult on the black market
- When parking on the street, turn your wheels toward the curb instead of leaving them straight. Use your emergency brake and park between two cars if possible. All of these things will make your car more difficult to tow.
- Avoid long-term parking lots
- Remove removable electronics (like detachable face CD players) from your vehicle when it�s unattended
While parking in well-lit areas is a good start, you may want the added security of an anti-theft device installed in your car. There are many different kinds of anti-theft technologies available. The key is finding one that fits your needs and your budget. Here is a list of some that are available.
- car alarms
- steering wheel locks
- immobilizers
- glass sensors
- ignition-kill switches
- fuel-kill switches
- radio receivers/transmitters
Regardless of the kind you choose, you will need to have it installed correctly. Failure to do so could damage the device or even your car�s electrical system. In most cases the best idea is to have your device installed by a professional.
Comprehensive auto insurance covers your vehicle against theft. Your insurance premiums are partly based on your automobile�s likelihood of being stolen. Cars with a high theft rate will cost more money to insure.
At the present time, twelve states require insurance providers to give discounts to customers with anti-theft devices installed in their vehicles. This means your car alarm can save you money in addition to making your car unattractive to thieves. Check with your insurance provider because most, even out of those 12 states, offer a discount for anti-theft devices anyway.
The first thing you should do is contact the police. Here is the information you should have ready for them.
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