Gone in 45 Seconds: GEICO Offers Tips to Help Protect Your Car from Theft

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GEICO investigators see it time and time again. You park your car, only
to return later to discover it’s gone. It happens every 45 seconds
according to a recent Insurance Information Institute report.

The FBI says that more than 700,000 cars were stolen in 2015 – that’s
nearly 2,000 vehicles every day – and many of the thefts are due to
driver mistake. With these stark numbers, GEICO offers tips to help
drivers protect their vehicles from theft.

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times – Make sure your car
  doors are locked at all times, even while driving. Close all windows
  and the sunroof when exiting the vehicle. When parked, always remove
  your keys and never leave your car running and unattended.
• Be mindful of where you park – Be particularly cautious about
  where you park, especially at night. Choose an area that is well-lit
  and populated. If available, park in a supervised lot or secured
  garage. It may cost a few extra dollars, but the added protection and
  peace of mind is well worth it.
• Don’t leave items in your vehicle in plain view – Avoid leaving
  valuable items inside your vehicle in plain view. Remove shopping
  bags, electronics, GPS devices and accessories that may entice a
  thief. Store any visible items in the trunk of your car when you are
  away from your vehicle.
• Take advantage of anti-theft technology – Install an anti-theft
  system in your vehicle if it doesn’t have one. Car alarms,
  immobilization technology and tracking devices are a deterrent and
  offer added protection. Thieves are also less likely to steal vehicles
  that have a visible or audible anti-theft presence. Many insurance
  carriers offer discounts for anti-theft systems.
• Don’t leave personal documentation in the car – A big mistake
  car owners make is leaving their personal documents in the car. If a
  thief steals your vehicle, they will have access to personal
  information, which may lead to identity theft. Items such as a
  driver’s license, auto insurance card, vehicle title and registration
  should be kept on your person or stored at another location.
• Always be aware of your surroundings – Observe your
  surroundings at all times while driving. Preplan the route that you’re
  going to take and avoid known high-crime areas, even if the alternate
  route takes longer. If confronted by a car thief, do not resist. A car
  can be replaced.

In the unfortunate event that your car is stolen, immediately call the
police. Once a police report has been filed, contact your insurance
carrier. For more information on auto theft prevention, visit www.geico.com/information/safety/auto/preventing-auto-theft.

Contacts

GEICO Communications
gcorpcomm@geico.com
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