Auto Insurance Quickguide: Vandalism, Car Theft and Your Auto Insurance Rates

Improve Your Auto Insurance Rate with Car Theft and Vandalism Prevention Measures

As an auto driver, vandalism and car theft are probably one of the most frustrating and irritating experiences you can have. What makes things even worse is that if your car is stolen or vandalized, your auto insurance rate will be affected by something that was seemingly outside of your control. In fact, if there is a high incidence of auto theft in the area where you live, it can seriously affect your car insurance rate, especially if you do nothing about it. While some car theft and vandalism is unavoidable, there are several things you can do to help prevent it from happening to you.

As an incentive, many insurance providers offer a discounted car insurance rate to those who install anti-theft devices in their cars. There are many different types of devices and a fairly wide range of costs associated with them, so, choose the device or combination of devices that fit your budget and have a good reputation. In doing so, you’ll not only be better protecting yourself and your property, but you’ll also be positively impacting your auto insurance rate.

The following tips will help you gain some control, help prevent vandalism and car theft, increase your own personal safety, and help keep your car insurance rate lower than it might be if you did nothing.

There are Four Main Types of Anti Theft Devices:

1. Mechanical devices or immobilizers are locking devices that require removal before being able to drive your car. There are several types of these devices for different parts of your car. A more popular one is the steering wheel lock, “The Club™” as you’ve probably seen on TV commercials. Other devices act as locks for your gearshift, transmission, tires, brakes and pedals, and/or your hood and trunk. These are generally fairly consistent devices that discourage car thieves right away because they tend to be highly visible. You have to be a pretty determined car thief to overcome the better devices. Your car insurance rate could only be positively impacted by the installation of one of these devices, but they can also be quite inconvenient.
2. Electrical/Electronic devices or immobilizers, often called “kill switches” are security systems that require that you have a small electronic device or key to start the vehicle’s engine. These usually fit on your keychain. If the engine is not legitimately activated (by use of the device), the immobilizer shuts off or disconnects a part of the electrical system, usually the starter, ignition, or fuel system. When the immobilizer is activated, it is near impossible for thieves to bypass the disconnected parts. These are probably the best anti-theft devices out there on the market today, but they can be expensive. If you can afford it, you may consider getting one of these gadgets to not only help you lower your auto insurance rate, but also for the peace of mind it can provide.
3. Vehicle alarms are good because the noise level draws attention and is usually enough to frighten away car thieves. However, these devices do not prevent your car from being driven away (even with the alarm on!). Also, alarms can be extremely annoying when they go off accidentally. Make sure you get a good quality alarm if you decide to go this route. Some systems are even recommended by insurance providers and will likely have a positive impact on your auto insurance rate.
4. Vehicle Trackers are also a great way to protect your automobile. You may think that they are only useful “after the fact,” but actually, more sophisticated car thieves are often deterred by something as simple as “etching” your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into your windows and major parts of your car. Thieves quickly realize that it will be much more difficult to re-sell, because the car’s parts are traceable. You could also sign up with a vehicle tracking company. If your car is stolen, the tracking company will be able to locate your car through a unique tracking code. Tracking systems are usually enabled by radio receivers and transmitters, and now, often through Global Position Systems (GPS). It is probably best to advertise that your car has one of these devices installed, otherwise, the benefit may only “be after the fact.” Ask your car insurance provider what kind of an impact this kind of device will have on your rates.

Other Ways to Prevent Car Theft, Increase Your Safety and Keep Your Rates Low:

Keep your car uncluttered. Don’t have electronic devices, valuables, laptops, backpacks or purses, packages, or anything at all important inside your car and on display. Avoid tempting vandals and thieves with inviting items in full view. If you are consistently careless about this, your auto insurance rate will likely suffer one day.

Always take your keys with you. Even if you are just dashing into the house to grab something, turn your car off and take your keys with you. Don’t leave your car running when going to the corner store, warming up the car in the winter, stopping at gas stations, or when going to the bank machine (bad for the environment too). Don’t leave a set of spare keys inside the car; experienced car thieves (i.e. car insurance rate increasers) know where to look for them.

Roll up all your windows and lock your doors. You can always air out your car later, if you are worried about your car getting stuffy. It’s better to have a stuffy car than no car at all and a higher auto insurance rate later. This rule of course, doesn’t’ apply when you have children or animals in the car. Lock your doors and close your windows when your car is in your driveway, parked on the street, in the parking lot at work, and even if you go for a quick run to the corner store for some milk. When driving, be cautious about traveling through non-major and dimly lit streets, but, if you have to, make sure you keep your eyes open and your doors locked.

Parking. Park your car in your own private locked garage if you can, rather than on the sidewalk or even in the driveway. If you have more than one car, consider keeping the more valuable one in the garage. Make sure to park in well-lit areas. If you know that you will not be returning to your car until later at night, it’s worthwhile to consider parking in a safer parking lot.

When you approach your car at night, always have your keys ready, and if possible, carry a flashlight with you. Before you enter your car, make sure to take a look: in the backseat, around the car, and once you're inside, lock the doors. Be wary if your car is parked between large vehicles, like vans or SUVs, to avoid being ambushed. It’s better to spend the money on parking at an attended lot than to park in a deserted street where there are no passerby’s, attendants, or witnesses. Remember, besides your auto insurance rate, or even your car, it’s ultimately your safety that should be your first priority.

Consider the type of car you buy. If the make and model of car that you’re considering for purchase has a bad history of car theft, then it’s very likely that your auto insurance rate will be significantly higher than it would be with a car that has a lower auto theft rating. Consider your choice from this perspective.

But, the Best Way to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate . . .

Is to get multiple quotes. Check your rates through kanetix car insurance shopping, where you can get multiple quotes from multiple car insurance providers and choose the best policy for your needs.

Don’t be a victim of high auto insurance rates, and don’t be a victim of car theft if you can avoid it. You’d be surprised at how often practically the same auto insurance coverage is available from two different auto insurance companies for two very different prices. While you’re here, get your free quotes, and also consider what you can do to lower your risk of car theft and vandalism which affects all of our car insurance rates.


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