Top tips for Auto Theft Prevention Month | PEMCO

Did you know July is Auto Theft Prevention Month? That means this month is a great time to review tips and strategies for protecting your car—and its parts—from potential thieves.  

Auto thefts and car part thefts have been on the rise across the United States since the pandemic and economic changes began in 2020. And, over the last four years, they’ve continued to climb. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2023 was another record-breaking year for vehicle theft. More than one million vehicles were reported stolen. The NICB also reports that Washington state is ranked fourth in the nation for auto theft, with 43,160 cars reported stolen in 2023. 
 
So, what can you do? Our experts weigh in some of the common factors and behaviors that make cars more vulnerable to theft, and some of the ways to make your vehicle less prone to theft. 

Make your car a harder target for thieves

1. Don’t be a “puffer.” Leaving your car running and unattended in the driveway or on the street as it warms up is an invitation for thieves to hop in and drive away. This practice, known as “puffing,” is not only risky but also illegal in both Washington and Oregon. Thieves often patrol neighborhoods looking for the telltale signs of exhaust coming from idle cars, especially on cold mornings. (Remember this during the winter!) 

2. Park inside a locked garage. If you have a garage, use it for your car rather than storage. A locked garage can deter thieves from breaking into your car or stealing parts like catalytic converters, tires, or batteries. 

3. Take keys and fobs out of your car and lock up. Whether your car has a keyed or keyless ignition, leaving your keys or fob in the car is a sure way to lose it. Keyless ignitions make it easier for drivers to forget their fobs in the car, so always double-check before you leave your vehicle. 

4. Park in well-lighted, busy areas. Visibility and potential witnesses can discourage thieves from targeting your car. If possible, park near security cameras or other surveillance devices that can capture any suspicious activity. 

5. Clean out your car. Anything left in your car can tempt thieves to break in and see what they can find. Even items that may not be worth *a lot* to you, like coats, packages, or spare change, can attract unwanted attention. A thief who breaks in to get those items may end up taking the whole car as well. 

6. Consider taking your garage-door opener, registration, and proof of insurance out of your car. These items can give thieves access to your personal information and your home. Your registration and proof of insurance have your home address printed on them, and your garage-door opener can let thieves into your house. The law requires that you have these documents with you when you drive, not that you leave them in your car. Treat them like your driver’s license and keep them with you, but don’t leave them in your car. 

7. Use a steering wheel lock. Devices like The Club can make your car harder to steal by locking the steering wheel in place. They may not stop the most determined thieves, but they can slow them down and make them look for an easier target. Steering wheel locks are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. 

8. Add a GPS tracker to your car that connects to your smartphone. A GPS tracker can help you locate your car if it is stolen and alert the police to its whereabouts. The faster the police can recover your car, the less likely it is that it will be stripped for parts or used for other crimes. Never try to confront car thieves on your own. 

9. Consider shields and VIN engraving for catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are one of the most sought-after car parts by thieves, as they can fetch hundreds of dollars on resale. They’re also easy to remove with a simple saw. To protect your catalytic converter, you can install an aftermarket shield that covers it and makes it harder to access. You can also engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) on it, which makes it harder to sell and easier to trace.  

How to recover your car faster if it is stolen 

1. Report the crime to the police. If you witness the theft, call 9-1-1 immediately. If not, you can use a non-emergency phone number or report the theft online. Make sure you have your VIN, license plate number, and a description of your car ready. Keep a copy of your crime report, especially the number, so you can use it for your insurance claim. 

2. If you subscribe to a manufacturer-based subscription service like OnStar, notify the service as soon as possible so they can work with the police to find your car. 

3. Report the theft to your insurance. If you’re insured by PEMCO, theft may be covered if you’ve selected Comprehensive coverage. If you’re unsure of the coverages you currently have, you can check your account by logging into self-service at pemco.com. You can also speak with an agent at 1-800-GO-PEMCO. 

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of having your car stolen or broken into, and increase the chances of recovering it if it does happen. Remember, prevention is always better than trying to deal with it after it’s already stolen. 
 
Stay safe and keep your car secure this Auto Theft Prevention Month (and beyond!)