How to prevent your car getting stolen
In Australia, one car is stolen every 11 minutes. And while car theft dropped a little in 2020 — along with other crime, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic — almost 40,000 cars were still stolen across the country.
So, what can you do to help prevent your car from theft?
Keep your keys safe and out of sight at home
Yes, it's convenient to keep your car keys on a hook, tray or in a bowl near the door, where they're easy to find. But it's also very convenient for thieves. One of the most common ways of committing car theft is people stealing your keys from inside your house. By keeping your keys visible and within reach, your car may become an easy target, even when you're home. This is also called 'sneak theft', so keep your keys out of sight, out of reach and away from doorways.
Lock your windows and doors
Locking up not only applies to your parked car, but also to your home. Since it's not uncommon for car theft to take place while you're home. Make sure you lock up at night, and close curtains and blinds so thieves can't suss out where you keep your keys while you're asleep. Half of all car thefts occur with cars parked at home, in the garage, carport or driveway. So even if you think your car's safe, it's best to keep it locked with the windows closed.
Park your car in a safe place
Although not all of us are lucky enough to have secure parking, if you do, use it. Parking your car in a garage, under a carport, or even in the driveway might be safer – in terms of preventing theft – than parking on the street given the choice. If you do have to park on the street, consider taking some extra security measures.
Increase the security of your car using technology
There are a few extra things you can do to deter thieves from stealing your car. Cars sold in Australia from 2001 have been required to be fitted with immobilisers. But if your car was made before 2001, it likely doesn't have an immobiliser, so you may want to get one fitted. You can also install dash cams that detect motion or impact, and even send alerts to your phone.
Get insured against car theft
Despite all our best efforts, the worst can still happen. If you've been unlucky enough to have your car stolen, it can be reassuring to know you're at least covered by your insurer. With Bingle Comprehensive Car Insurance, we can cover your car – up to its market value – if its stolen or damaged after break-in.
Find out more about our Comprehensive Car Insurance with Bingle and how we can help cover you for the theft of your vehicle.
