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But the Brakes on Car Theft by Making Yours Tough to Steal

Car theft is almost an epidemic in certain parts of the country.  And just because you have insurance, don't think that car theft doesn't cost you. 

After your house, your car could be the biggest investment you have.  Use a layered approach to security to make it a harder target for thieves.  Start with the No Cost Layer and work your way up.

No Cost Layer

1. Lock it.  No surprise here, half of all stolen vehicles are left unlocked.

2. Take the keys.  Almost 20% of stolen vehicles have the keys in them!

3. Park in the light.  More car thefts happen at night than during the day...imagine that.

4. Park in attended lots.

5. Don't leave your car running -- ever.

6. Completely close your car windows.

7. Hide all your valuables in the trunk.

8. But don't hide a spare key on the car somewhere -- the bad guys know where to look.

9. Don't leave your title in the car.

10. Set your parking break when you park and turn your wheels toward the curb.  This should guard against getting towed away somewhat, but I've seen repo trucks simply drag a vehicle down the street with the locked tires squealing until they can get the car up onto a dolly or a ramp.

11. Lock your garage door and lock your car inside the garage as well.

Low Cost Layer

1. Buy a steering wheel collar

2. Install an audible alarm

3. Put on a steering wheel lock

4. Etch your vehicle identification number on your windows (some communities will help you do this for free)

5. Participate in your community's anti-car theft programs and display the theft deterrent decals.

Some Cost Layer

1. Install a kill switch.

2. Install a disabler on the ignition, starter or fuel system.

High Cost Layer

1. Purchase or subscribe to a tracking system that allows police or a monitoring company to track your vehicle after you've reported it stolen.