In control by tombothetominator
Just as important as safety in your home, is safety in your car. The following is part one of a three part series on car safety.
Did you know that your actions in and around you car could be catching the attention of car thieves? It’s true! Many motorists simply don’t stop to realize that some of their actions, both behind the wheel and away from their vehicles, are attracting car thieves.
Although you aren’t a car thief, you have to begin thinking like one; otherwise, you could become the next victim of a car thief. It’s up to us to protect our safety and our family’s safety, as well as our property; therefore, it is important to understand that the things you are doing (or not doing) could be putting you at risk for being robbed.
Here is our pick of the top four things you may be doing to attract a car thief:
1. Leave your belongings in plain view in the car – Simply leaving your purse or your shopping bags on the front seat of the car may be all a car thief has to see to begin looking at your car as a possible target. Remember to remove any and all bags and personal items that could attract a car thief from the interior of your car and lock them safely in your trunk. Many women, in particular, will leave their purse in the car because they are simply going to “run into the store for a moment.” But remember: it only takes a moment for a car thief to make you a victim!
2. Leave the car unlocked or the car alarm disabled – Many car owners leave their cars unlocked and their alarms disabled because they let their guard down in familiar places. Car thieves don’t need a reason to steal your car from your local shopping mall or even the driveway of your home, so get in the habit of always locking and disabling the alarm of your vehicle to prevent a car thief from striking.
3. Leave expensive electronics in plain view – Many of us use expensive electronics on a daily basis, and many times these electronics end up in our vehicles. From cell phones and laptops to GPS systems, there are a number of things that will immediately attract a car thief. As with any other personal belongings, remove all electronic devices from your vehicle, or at the very least, lock them in the trunk of your car.
4. Leave your car running and unattended – Many times we let our guard down throughout the day because we get caught up in our daily routines. Running into the house to get your wallet and leaving your car running could become the perfect opportunity for a car thief. Leaving your car unattended and running while you head inside the gas station to pay for your gas could be the moment a car thief has been waiting for. In short, always turn off your car and remove the keys when you walk away!
The theft of our vehicle could cost us more than just stress and frustration: it can cost us in terms of car insurance. Expect to pay your car insurance deductible if your car is stolen, and expect to pay for at least part of your rental car expenses (check your policy for car rental reimbursement). In addition, a large claim like the loss of a car could end up sending your auto insurance rates through the roof, no matter what car insurance company you contact. Therefore, it is always best to do whatever is needed to prevent the theft of your vehicle.