Do you know that 810,000 automobiles have been stolen in 2020? That’s over $7 billion price of automobiles taken from their house owners every year. And the pandemic has solely made it worse.

When the COVID pandemic began, automobile theft elevated by over 11%, which means a further 80,000 automobiles have been stolen from their house owners from 2019 to 2020.
One widespread motion is responsible for a lot of stolen automobiles. You might have even performed it earlier than. Learn on to search out out what it is best to cease doing to guard your automobile from thieves.

What’s “Puffing”?

In response to the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB), “puffing” is a time period used to explain operating automobiles left unattended. The puffs of steam launched from the exhaust point out the automobile is operating, which makes it straightforward for thieves to find automobiles to steal.

Because the climate turns colder, extra individuals are beginning their automobiles to heat up whereas they wait inside their properties. The motion appears harmless sufficient, however it may well result in frustration and anger, and price you a substantial amount of cash for those who aren’t cautious.

Towards the Regulation

Whereas stealing a automobile is in opposition to the regulation, many states have made it unlawful to go away a automobile operating unattended. The thought is to cease making automobiles straightforward targets for thieves.

Sadly, for those who depart your operating automobile unlocked and unattended and it’s stolen, your insurance coverage might not cowl the price of the stolen automobile. Some insurance coverage firms reject stolen automobile claims when the automobile proprietor leaves the keys in an unlocked automobile with the automobile operating.

The NICB recommends automobile house owners test with their insurance coverage brokers to ensure they’ve enough auto protection and decide what’s and isn’t coated.

The nice information is that expertise now permits drivers to begin their automobiles remotely and maintain the doorways locked. Many more moderen automobiles embody this function straight from the producers. In case you have an older automobile, you might be able to have a distant starter put in.

Locking your automobile whereas it’s operating is one solution to maintain your automobile secure. Let’s study extra methods to keep away from being focused by thieves.

Disguise Your Valuables

Hold valuables hidden from thieves, which can deter them from stealing your automobile. This generally is a terrific solution to get criminals to maneuver on shortly.

If you’re parking your automobile anyplace, be sure to maintain something of worth tucked into the middle console or glove field. Higher but, maintain costly gadgets locked away in your trunk the place criminals received’t see them. This may maintain the possibilities of theft low.

Bear in mind Your Keys

Know the place your keys are always when driving or parking. For those who neglect them whereas procuring and depart them in your seat, you’re inviting bother. Many thieves know tips on how to unlock home windows, and a few will break home windows to get to your keys.

As soon as the thief obtains your keys, say goodbye to your automobile. This additionally goes for automobiles parked in your driveway. All the time be sure you take your keys with you.

Lock Your Doorways

This tip ought to be pretty apparent, however individuals nonetheless neglect this important security measure. All the time lock your doorways when parking your automobile, even in your driveway. For those who dwell in a suburban or city space, unlocked automobiles are straightforward prey for criminals.

Additionally, maintain your storage door opener out of sight or take it inside with you. If a prison breaks into your automobile and steals the storage door opener, they then have entry to your home the place they will steal much more gadgets.

Watch The place You Park

A secure driver at all times pays consideration to the place he’s parking. As a common rule, you’ll wish to keep away from parking on darkish streets that aren’t busy with individuals. A thief can simply work to steal your automobile on a secluded road, however he might not get away if there are individuals round.

Keep Protected with DriveSafe On-line

Whether or not you’re driving on the street or parked in your driveway, it’s essential to comply with guidelines and pointers to remain secure.

Be part of 500,000 drivers who use a DriveSafe On-line defensive driving course to obtain an auto insurance coverage low cost or to dismiss a site visitors ticket. Choose I’M READY to lock in your low value now. You may start the course every time your schedule permits.