Eleven Easy Steps to Protect Your Auto from Thieves

When it comes to protecting my car, I admit that I have some bad habits. Luckily, my car has never been stolen, but I am going to make an effort to change my ways. I also know that many of my readers live in metropolitan areas and that's why I'm posting the follow eleven tips recommended by Nancy Pierce, regional vice president of GEICO's San Diego location:

1) Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving.
2) Never leave your keys in the car.
3) If possible, park in busy, well-lit areas. Thieves prefer to work in the dark. Leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned toward the curb or some other obstruction, so thieves won't be able to tow it easily.
4) Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.
5) Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn't have one. A mechanism that locks onto the steering wheel can be a very visible sign that you've taken steps to protect your vehicle. Ignition cut-off systems prevent a car from being started. Some new cars come with passive alarms that activate automatically when the key is removed from the ignition. One system emits a signal that can be tracked by the police. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles that can be tracked and recovered quickly. Many insurers offer discounts for these types of systems.
6) Beware of the "bump-and-rob" technique. Carjackers bump your car from the rear, then steal it when you get out to look for damage. When stopped at a traffic light, leave room to maneuver around the vehicle ahead if you need to. If another car bumps yours and you feel threatened, drive to a populated area. If you have a cell phone, call the police for assistance.
7) Do not leave registration or title in the car. Too often a car thief is pulled over and gets away from the police because he or she can produce the auto registration. If multiple drivers use the vehicle, the best suggestion would be to hide the registration in a secret location that only the owners know.
8) Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations.
9) Know where you're going. Avoid known high-crime areas even if the alternate route takes a little longer.
10) If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. Cars can be replaced; you can't.
11) Have your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on each of the windows.

While I never leave my keys in the car, I am guilty of driving with my doors unlocked, storing my registration in the glove box, and leaving CDs and loose change in plain view. Visit CarInsurance.com for more information about protecting your auto and lowering your insurance rates with free auto insurance quotes. There are some useful articles in the Learning Center, such as "Which Car Should You Own to Keep Your Rates Affordable," and "Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance?"