Four Commonsense Ways to Prevent Vehicle Theft
In 2024, 850,708 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States. While rates are down 17% from the previous year, that is still a staggering number of thefts that impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals through loss of personal property and rising insurance rates.
Despite this potentially alarming statistic, you can take easy, yet high-impact steps to prevent a criminal from riding away with your car, motorcycle, or boat.
NICB is proud to partner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) in July for National Vehicle Theft Awareness Month to raise consumer awareness on the real dangers of auto theft and carjacking. NICB and NHTSA recommend this layered approach to prevent vehicle theft.
While you’re in your vehicle
- Park in well-lit areas. If you’re parking at night, look for a well-lit parking lot or a spot near a streetlight. Increased visibility deters thieves.
- Roll up your windows. A window open a crack could be all a thief needs to enter your vehicle. Limit areas of access by making sure your windows are rolled up before you exit your vehicle.
Once you exit your vehicle
- Lock your doors when you park. While it can feel like a hassle to dig for your keys, especially when you’re running into a store for a moment, never skip locking your car doors. Some criminals walk through parking lots testing handles to choose which vehicle they take.
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended. An empty vehicle with the engine running is practically an invitation to opportunistic criminals. Always turn off your vehicle when you exit.
- Always take your keys with you. Just as a running vehicle is an invitation, leaving your keys in your car encourages thieves to act. 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.
For an additional layer of protection
Consider using anti-theft technology. All of the above tips are simple and effective ways to protect your vehicles, but for extra peace of mind, consider utilizing anti-theft technology such as a steering wheel lock, audible alarm, or aftermarket GPS tracking like AirTags. These items deter thieves from targeting your car, and if they do take it, ultimately make it easier to find.
Report stolen vehicles immediately
Sometimes, thieves are persistent. If your car is stolen despite your best prevention efforts, knowing how to properly report a theft will increase the likelihood of recovery.
If your car, motorcycle, or watercraft has been taken or broken into, immediately report the crime to your local police department, then your insurance company. For both reports, be prepared to provide important vehicle information such as make/model, color, license plate, and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
According to NICB data, 34% of reported stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement also provides a record to show to your insurer.
Helpful resources on Vehicle Theft from NICB:
Make sure you’re not purchasing vehicle that has be identified by an NICB member company as stolen or flood damaged. Reference NICB’s VINCheck.
If you have information about a crime, contact your local police. Information regarding insurance fraud should also be reported to NICB with our Online Report Fraud Form.