Every 32 seconds, a vehicle is stolen somewhere in the United States. Automotive theft is big business. More than a million vehicles were stolen last year, along with untold numbers of auto stereos, batteries, tires, wheels, and valuables left in vehicle trunks. Even whole engines disappear in what is still referred to as "the midnight auto sale."

If your vehicle is next on the list, it's going to set you back a bundle, regardless of whether the entire vehicle or just some part of it vanishes one dark night. What can you do to protect your vehicle and everything in it from the sticky fingers of your local vehicle thief?

For starters, never leave your keys in your vehicle. Don't leave the doors unlocked either, or the windows rolled down even a crack. Contrary to what you may think, most car thieves are amateurs. They're not interested in a vehicle that might be even the slightest bit difficult to steal. There are plenty of vehicles around that present no problem at all. 80% of all the vehicles stolen last year were unlocked; 40% had the keys in the ignition. So if you lock the vehicle and keep the windows rolled up tight, most amateurs won't bother you. They'll simply keep looking for another vehicle that's easier to steal.

Besides never leaving the keys in the vehicle and rolling the windows up tight, there are a couple of other simple things you can do to protect your vehicle and all its parts. One of the simplest things you can do on older vehicles is replace the standard interior door lock knob with the tapered kind. They're almost impossible to pull up with a coat hanger and will deter most amateurs. Many vehicles these days don't have different locks for the ignition, doors, and trunk, if your vehicle doesn't, it's a good idea to have them installed. That way, a thief who gets your door key won't have your ignition key. On the subject of keys, if you keep a spare key for your vehicle (and you should), keep it in your wallet, not in the vehicle or under the hood. If a professional thief is interested in stealing your vehicle, he'll know where to find the key, so don't hide it on the vehicle somewhere.

Locking gas caps, hood locks, and wheel locks are cheap insurance. Locking gas caps are easy to install, and the only sure way to keep that expensive gas in your tank where it belongs and to keep other things from finding their way into your tank. They can be forced open, of course, but most thieves aren't about to take the time.

If you have custom wheels, either factory-installed or aftermarket items, wheel locks are the best thing you can do for them. Simply take the old lug nuts off, and screw the new ones on. Custom wheels are high on car thieves "most wanted" list, but generally, the sight of wheel locks will deter the average thief.

Most late model vehicles are equipped with an interior hood release, for earlier models hood locks are recommended. Hood locks are an excellent way to keep what's under the hood where it's supposed to be. There are two basic types of hood locks, one uses a strap or length of heavy chain and limits the distance the hood can be opened until the lock is released. The other type is just like a trunk lock with a key, and requires that you cut a hole in the hood to install the locks (usually one on each side of the hood).

Auto theft coverage is usually included with the Comprehensive portion of your policy, as is the theft of components or contents. You may find that the insurer has specifically exempted some items (such as Cellular Phones) unless they are installed in the dash or are factory equipment. Check your individual policy for fine print, such as:

• Is there a deductible for contents or for the vehicle itself? The higher the deductible (the amount you pay), the lower the premium.
• Does the policy cover cell phones, stereos, and CD players if not installed in the dash or as factory equipment?
• Does the policy cover items stolen along with the vehicle, or only from the vehicle?
• If your vehicle or contents of the vehicle are stolen, be prepared to provide the police with a list of what was stolen, along with any identifying marks.

Continue to page 2 of Anti-theft systems

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