Vehicles are stolen all the time and can be at risk for theft at any time. It’s important to make sure yours is less susceptible to theft.
Park Safely – The best bet is to keep your vehicle in a locked garage. But for some people, this may not be an option. If you have to keep your vehicle parked outside, start by parking it in your driveway.
If your vehicle is front-wheel drive, park front end first, and if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway. This makes it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle. If you have to park in the street, park in a well-lit, highly trafficked area, but make sure you’re following the posted rules.
Turning your wheels towards the curb, using your emergency brake, and parking in between other vehicles can also make it harder for your vehicle to be towed away. When leaving your vehicle, always roll up all your windows and lock the doors, even if you are just leaving it for a few minutes. Also, try to avoid leaving your vehicle unattended for an extended period of time, but if you have to, make sure you park in an attended, well-lit lot.
Theft Deterrents – While locking your vehicle or leaving it in a well-lit area can certainly help prevent auto theft, you may want increase your peace of mind by purchasing an anti-theft device. Many different types are available, and it’s easy to find one that fits your budget and needs.
Some of the more common anti-theft devices include:
- Electronic security systems
- Steering wheel and column locks
- Ignition kill switches
- Fuel kill switches
- Locks for the floor board, gear shift, tires/wheels or hood
- Vehicle tracking systems
Whatever type of anti-theft device you choose, make sure that it is installed properly. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the device or your vehicle. Hire an alarm installation professional to do the work for you. Also, consider etching the vehicle information number (VIN) into different parts on the vehicle, as this makes it easier to trace stolen automobiles/parts. Common Sense To protect your automobile from theft, always use common sense.
Don’t leave the car running unattended with the keys in the ignition. Don’t hide a spare set of ignition keys in the glove box, or within close proximity to the vehicle. Don’t leave personal identification documents like titles or credit cards in your vehicle. Don’t keep valuables in plain sight in your vehicle.
If you park using a valet, or leave your keys with an attendant, make sure you only leave the key to the vehicle. Foremost has been in the insurance business since 1952. Not only can you trust safety information from Foremost, but you can trust our broad insurance policies that give you the coverage you want.
Contact your local Lock Insurance agent or producer today for a policy that gives you more! Choose Foremost Check out our other insurance programs at lockinsurance.com for Auto, Home, Manufactured Home, Specialty Homeowners including Landlord, Vacant and Rental Properties, Motorcycle, Off-Road Vehicle, Motor Home, Travel Trailer, Boat, Personal Watercraft and Collectible Auto. Insurance provided by a member of the Farmers Insurance Group®, that includes the Foremost Insurance Group and the Bristol West Insurance Group. 9000158 01/09 If Your Vehicle Is Stolen Unfortunately vehicles are stolen all the time in this country. If you become the victim of auto theft, contact the police first.
Make sure you know as much of the following information as possible:
- Year, make, model and color of your vehicle
- License plate number
- VIN
- Approximate time of the theft
- Location where the vehicle was parked
- Names of eye witnesses (if there are any)
Next, inform your insurance company that your vehicle was stolen. Have your policy number on hand when you call.
Insure your investment – In addition to being confident that you are doing what you can to protect your vehicle, it’s important that you have the right insurance. Not all automobiles are the same and neither are all automobile policies. You need an insurance policy that offers the coverages that are important to you when you’re behind the wheel.
Here’s what a Foremost Auto policy can offer you:
- Security and Peace of Mind. Foremost has been in business since 1952 and has a long, solid history of providing superior coverage and value to our customers.
- Coverage Essentials. A Foremost policy provides the coverage you want for your vehicle and the drivers, including medical payments and permissive users.
- Additional Coverages. A Foremost policy recognizes that every driver is different and offers additional coverages, like loan or lease coverage and rental reimbursement, so you can tailor your policy to fit your lifestyle.
- Choice of Payment Plans and Deductibles.
