Vehicle thefts and break-ins can happen in neighborhoods, shopping centers, parking lots, workplaces, and other locations. Because thieves often look for quick opportunities, a few simple precautions may help make your vehicle a less attractive target.
Steps Drivers Can Take
Lock your vehicle every time you leave it.
Even if you are only stepping away for a few minutes, make locking your doors part of your routine.
Remove valuables from sight.
Take purses, wallets, laptops, phones, electronics, and other valuables with you whenever possible. Even smaller items such as charging cables, sunglasses, or loose change may attract unwanted attention.
Choose a visible parking location.
When possible, park in well-lit areas near building entrances, streetlights, security cameras, or other areas with regular foot traffic.
Consider an anti-theft device.
Steering-wheel locks and other visible theft-deterrent devices may discourage opportunistic thieves.
Use your vehicle’s security features.
Alarms and immobilizer systems can provide an additional deterrent and may make unauthorized vehicle access more difficult.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
If a parking area does not feel comfortable or you notice suspicious activity, consider choosing another location.
Report suspicious activity.
Contact local law enforcement if you observe activity that appears suspicious or potentially criminal.
How Insurance May Respond After a Break-In or Theft
It is also important to understand how your insurance policies may apply if your vehicle is stolen or damaged during a theft or attempted theft.
Comprehensive auto coverage, sometimes called “other than collision” coverage, may provide coverage for certain types of damage to the insured vehicle caused by theft or attempted theft, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and deductible.
Personal belongings that are not permanently attached to the vehicle — such as a laptop, phone, purse, or wallet — may not fall under the vehicle’s comprehensive coverage. Depending on the circumstances and policy terms, homeowners or renters insurance may provide coverage for certain stolen personal belongings.
Because policies vary, customers should review their individual insurance contracts rather than assume a particular loss will be covered.
Review Your Coverage Before You Need It
Preventive habits may help reduce opportunities for vehicle theft, but it is also worthwhile to understand the insurance coverage you currently carry.
Middle Creek Insurance is available to help you review your insurance at your request and discuss available options that address your expressed insurance coverage requirements.
Middle Creek Insurance
9704 Fayetteville Rd
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 524-2149
middlecreekins.com
Coverage descriptions are general in nature. Actual coverage is determined by the applicable insurance policy, including its terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and deductibles.
