These simple steps can help protect your valuables and your vehicle
As much as we’d like to think our cars won’t be broken into or stolen, it can happen. Maybe you parked in a dark area or left your vehicle while it was charging, or you simply forgot to shut the garage door. And, before you knew it, your car window was smashed, or worse, the car was gone.
With the right preparation, it’s possible to help prevent your car from being broken into or stolen. And if your car is stolen, the right services can help you get it back quicker and safer.
1. Don’t leave valuables in your car
Leaving valuables in your car — especially when they’re visible — can be an invitation to have your car broken into. Plan ahead so you don’t have to leave your computer, jewelry or anything else valuable behind in your car.
Although it might seem like your locking glove box is a good place to leave valuables, it can be quickly broken into. But if you must leave valuables in your car, make sure they’re out of view. If they send a Bluetooth®
2. Lock your car
Locking your car is the first defense against someone breaking into it. Make sure your car can’t be easily unlocked by taking your keys with you — and don’t ever leave them in your car.
If you’re ever unsure if you locked your car, you can use the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC, or myCadillac mobile app
3. Park in a well-lit and secure area
Try to avoid parking your car in dark areas where someone can easily break into your car without anyone noticing. Finding a well-lit area to park can help deter thieves. If you can’t find a well-lit area, find somewhere that’s secure. Either one can help keep your car from being an easy target for thieves. Even better, of course, is a well-lit area that is also secure.
4. Use a tracking service
If your car is stolen — or someone tries to steal your car — a tracking service can be essential to an efficient recovery.
“It typically takes much longer to recover a vehicle without a tracking system versus one that includes GPS tracking,” says Mark Friedlander, the director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. “When a vehicle is not able to be tracked via GPS, it takes good old-fashioned police work to find the vehicle.”
OnStar offers Stolen Vehicle Assistance
“While a GPS tracking system cannot necessarily prevent a stolen vehicle from being damaged,” Friedlander adds, “it may lessen the chance of sustaining damage by helping law enforcement recover the vehicle quickly after a theft has occurred.”
