4 Commonsense Ways to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Vehicle thefts are more common than you may think. The NICB has seen a steady rise in theft rates since 2019, and last year, more than 1 million vehicles were reported stolen. Here’s the good news - there are easy yet high-impact ways to prevent a criminal from riding away with your car, motorcycle, or boat.

NICB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) Recommend these 4 Tips for Preventing Vehicle Theft:

1. Don’t leave keys in your vehicle – especially while it’s running. This might seem obvious, but this commonsense tip makes a huge difference in preventing theft. Even if you’re picking up a quick coffee or running back inside your house for something, it only takes moments for thieves to jump in and drive off with your car.
2. Park in well-lit areas. If you’re parking at night, look for a well-lit parking lot or a spot near a streetlight. Increasing visibility deters thieves.
3. Keep valuables out of sight and in a secure area, like your glovebox or trunk. Hide purses, electronics, and packages in your parked vehicle. If a criminal sees an item of value through your window, they are more likely to break in.
4. Close windows and lock your doors when you park – even in your garage. If you’re in a rush or have your hands full – the last thing you may want to do is dig for your keys to lock your car. Even if it seems like a hassle, never skip locking up. Closing your windows and locking your doors is the easiest way to prevent auto theft.

Report Stolen Vehicles Immediately

If your car is stolen despite your best prevention efforts, know how to properly report a theft to increase the likelihood of getting it back. 

If your car, motorcycle, or watercraft has been taken or broken into, immediately report the theft to your local police department, then, report it to your insurance company. For both reports, be prepared to provide important vehicle information such as make/model, color, license plate, and vehicle VIN number.

According to NICB data, 34 percent of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45 percent are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement also provides a record to show to your insurer.

NICB is proud to partner with the NHTSA during July for National Vehicle Theft Awareness Month to raise consumer awareness on the real dangers of auto theft and carjacking.

Helpful resources on Vehicle Theft from NICB:

Make sure you’re not purchasing a stolen or flood damaged vehicle with NICB’s VINCheck.

After you’ve reported a theft to police and your insurer, report fraud to NICB with our Online Report Fraud Form.