Car theft is a major issue in most countries throughout the world, not just India. The bigger issue, though, is that even if you are able to recover your car, it may not be in the same condition in which it was taken. So, be prepared for one of two outcomes: you may not get your car back, or if you do, it may be missing some vital elements such as the audio, side mirrors, rims and tires, license plates, and so on. In India, most individuals in cities park their cars on the streets outside their homes, which is quite dangerous. Due to a lack of parking space, some of them may even park their cars a few kilometers away from their homes. This provides robbers/criminals with an excellent opportunity to steal the car. The number of persons who have been victims of goods theft within their cars is more difficult to estimate because it is frequently underreported, although it is certainly significantly more common than car theft. You can, however, secure your car and the contents inside it from theft by adopting a few simple actions.
Keep the car locked
Locking the doors and closing the windows when you’re not in the car is one of the simplest ways to protect it. Property crimes are frequently opportunity crimes: Open windows and open doors can readily attract criminals or provide opportunities for them to attack fast while keeping a low profile. If would-be burglars can’t immediately obtain access to your vehicle, they’ll generally simply drive away. Steering wheel locks are simple to install and remove, making them ideal for keeping in your car and utilizing on the go. They function by securing the steering wheel, rendering it immobile. Because they are large and prominent, would-be car thieves are less inclined to bother because they know it will be difficult to steal the automobile without calling attention to themselves.
Install GPS tracking device
Install a GPS device to track your vehicle in the event that it goes missing. If you act promptly, you have a considerably better chance of apprehending the thief and retrieving your automobile unharmed. These devices are relatively simple to install yourself — simply plug the tracker into the car’s OBD-II port or outlet, and use a smartphone app to track its location. However, in order to use the GPS functions, you’ll likely need to pay for a data plan or a monthly subscription. Some auto insurance firms also use telematics (devices that follow your driving behavior) in order to provide discounts for safe driving and low mileage. Telematics devices offer virtually the same capabilities as GPS trackers, so if you want to opt into everything at once, check into usage-based auto insurance coverage.
Kill Switches
A kill switch in an automobile is a mechanism that stops the ignition system from working. Kill switches prevent hot wiring, which is a means of tampering with a car’s electrical system in order to run it without a key (a favorite technique of car thieves). Kill switches aren’t suitable for everyone. Installing one makes your automobile more difficult to steal, but it also alters how it runs. You can no longer use the key since the kill switch bypasses the ignition system. Depending on the sort of switch, you’ll have to utilize a remote, button, or smartphone app. This is a deal-breaker for many individuals, but some people who have strong sentimental attachments to their cars would want it that way.
Tire & Rim Locks
Tire locks are already familiar if you’ve ever seen a car “booted” by a parking enforcement officer. Personal anti-theft tire/wheel locks work in the same way. They latch onto the outside of the wheel and close, preventing the wheels from rotating and preventing you from driving away. Because they may be considered cumbersome by some, they are best suited for cars that are frequently stored for extended periods of time in between uses. They’re useful for a variety of vehicles, including trailers, lawnmowers, ATVs, and RVs, because they come in a variety of sizes.
Conclusion
You may be unconcerned about car theft if you believe your insurance will cover it. First and foremost, you should probably double-check your coverage. To receive theft compensation, you must have insurance with comprehensive coverage, which is normally optional (unless you have a car loan). Second, even if your automobile insurance coverage covers theft, you will almost certainly suffer some loss. For example, you may still be responsible for your deductible and the cost of a rental car, not to mention the inconvenience and missed time that comes with not having transportation. Some insurance companies may raise your premium as a result of the theft.
English 