Protect Yourself Against Auto Theft

Every 30 seconds a vehicle is stolen in the U.S. Although auto theft rates have declined in recent years, car theft remains a common crime.

Keep the following in mind when looking at your Oklahoma auto insurance coverage:

• Auto theft is covered under the comprehensive section of an auto insurance policy. Theft coverage applies to the loss of the vehicle as well as parts of the car, such as air bags. 
• Comprehensive coverage, which is not mandatory, also pays for fire, vandalism, and weather-related damage, including damage from flooding and earthquakes.
• Rates for comprehensive insurance are affected by the risk of loss, meaning the likelihood that an insured car will be stolen or damaged, and also the car’s value at the time of the loss.

While there has been a steep decline in auto theft in previous years, I would like to offer the following tips to help you prevent vehicle burglary and theft:

• Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed.  Even if you park your vehicle in a garage, this simple measure is added security. 
• Never leave belongings out in the open in your car as they could tempt thieves.
• Never leave your keys in your vehicle or leave your vehicle running any time you are not in it.
• Keep your vehicle in secure, well-lit areas. When possible, park in a locked garage. Also, consider installing a motion-activated floodlight that illuminates the place where your car is parked.
• Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices. If your vehicle wasn’t equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.
• Remove spare keys from vehicle. Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle. Remove keys from under floor mats, etc.

Follow the tips mentioned above to help prevent your day from becoming a statistic.