Auto Thefts Surge Post-Pandemic

Almost everything B.C. (that’s, ahem, before covid) was less stressful, we just didn’t realize it until now. We’re certainly entering new norms in many aspects, and it looks like car ownership should be added to your list of what’s changed. Sadly, auto thefts have increased due to soaring prices for new and used vehicles around the country. According to a recent CNBC article, the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates vehicle thefts have increased by 9% since the pandemic began—the highest percentage increase in over a decade. Combine job losses, wage reductions, stress from the pandemic, and price hikes for cars and you have a perfect auto-theft storm.

This information certainly isn’t intended to frighten you, but rather to inform you about what you can do to help prevent a car theft from happening to you. Here are some tips the NICB shared with CNBC to help thwart car thieves:

• Remove your keys from your car when you park or anytime you exit the vehicle. This may seem obvious, but a lot of us get into the habit of leaving our keys in the car, especially if you have a fob. Even if you’re running into a store or the house quickly, grab those keys and take them with you.
• Get a GPS tracker that can help authorities to find your vehicle if it gets stolen. Most newer cars already have these, but if yours doesn’t, it may be a good investment (in more ways than one).
• Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and try to find parking in a well-lit area or somewhere that’s not secluded. If you’re in a dark, empty parking garage, try to get close to the elevator or the most well-lit portion of the garage.
• If you can install a car alarm, this will be a great deterrent. If you live or work in a higher-risk area, a kill switch that can stop your vehicle may also be worth the investment.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car or anything that will draw a thief to your car. This can include your garage door opener. If you go to the gym and like to leave your purse on the passenger seat, it’s time to rethink that habit.
• Take a snapshot of your car registration and keep it on your phone rather than inside your vehicle.

Even if you take all of these precautions, getting your vehicle stolen can still be an unfortunate possibility. The very best thing you can do is to get comprehensive insurance to ensure you’re completely protected. That added peace of mind is priceless in today’s world of stress and uncertainty. Keep in mind, you must opt for comprehensive auto insurance to get theft coverage. Don’t worry, it’s more affordable than you might think. At Four Seasons Insurance Agency, we offer insurance for just about everything. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is available to answer any questions you have. Home, life, motorcycle, event, auto insurance, and more is at your fingertips.