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Auto Theft Prevention Tips

In New Jersey, one motor vehicle is stolen every 15 minutes. To help prevent your car from becoming a statistic, the Insurance Council of New Jersey has compiled the following list of precautions based on suggestions from the National Crime Insurance Bureau.

Remove your keys. Never leave your keys in the car and don't leave the engine running, even for brief stops. Nearly 20 percent of all vehicles stolen still have the key in the ignition.
Lock it up. Always lock all car doors and make sure that the windows are fully closed. If you have a garage, use it and lock it. The more difficult you make it to get into your car, the less likely that it will be stolen.
Protect your car's contents. Never leave expensive items where they will be visible to passersby. Wallets, purses, and shopping bags left in plain sight invite theft. Discourage stereo equipment theft by purchasing removable or hidden radio/tape decks. Place all valuables in the trunk.
Park Smart. Park in busy, well-lit areas whenever possible. Try to park near the front door of the store or building you are entering. Thieves will avoid stealing a car in an area where they may be detected. When parking in a commercial lot or garage, leave only the ignition key with the attendant. Protect your home or office from being burglarized by retaining all your other keys.
Make your vehicle easy to identify and recover. Etch your vehicle identification number (VIN) onto car windows and underneath the hood. Your car's VIN is embossed on a metal plate located between the dashboard and the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN is also written on the manufacturer's certification sticker on the driver's door.
Activate alarm systems. Several types of alarms are available that sound a warning if someone breaks into the car. Active alarm systems must be turned on by the driver, while passive alarms switch on automatically when you remove the ignition key or lock the doors.
Install antitheft devices. There are a number of devices to choose from:
- Ignition cutoff switches, which prevent the car from starting unless the switch is tripped
- Fuel cutoff devices, which close the fuel line
- Steering wheel locks, which prevent the wheel from turning
- Hood locks, which prevent thieves from hot-wiring the car
- Tracking devices, which are installed in an unidentified location in a car and allow police to track the radio signal the device emits.
Prevent illegal towing. When parking, use your emergency brake, and turn the steering wheel sharply to the left or right. This action locks the steering column and makes it difficult for professional thieves to tow the car away. Also, try to park in the middle of a block, since cars positioned at the end of the block are easy targets for thieves with tow trucks.
Keep important documents safe. Never leave your car registration or title in your glove compartment. If left in the car, thieves can use these documents to sell your car, or to impersonate you if they are challenged by the police. Keep a copy of your car's vehicle identification number and license plate number, your insurance identification card number, and your vehicle registration number with you at all times. If your car does get stolen, you will need this information when filling out police and insurance reports.
Participate in the Combat Auto Theft (CAT) Programs. Automobile owners who choose to participate in CAT are given a decal to adhere to their car window. These drivers have told the police that their car is not normally driven during the early morning hours. The sticker permits police to stop the car if it is being operated between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. and allows officers to request the driver's license, motor vehicle registration card and insurance identification card. By law, CAT programs must be made available in every municipality in the state. Find out about it in your town.

Following these simple steps can help you greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft. However, if your car is stolen, report it to the police and to your insurance company immediately.

All insurance companies in New Jersey offer 5 percent to 20 percent discounts on comprehensive coverage to policyholders whose cars are equipped with passive or active alarm systems.