How to help prevent car theft

According to the National insurance Crime Bureau, there were over 659,000 cars stolen in 2025. That translates into about one car stolen every 48 seconds. While this crime is too common, car theft is not inevitable. Follow these tips to aid in car theft prevention and boost your car safety.

Remember the basics

While high-tech crime affects your auto security, many thefts are low-tech. Don't neglect the obvious.

• Lock the doors. Build the habit of locking your car doors every time you leave your vehicle, even if you’re only stepping away for a moment.
• Never leave your vehicle while the engine is running. It doesn't save you much time, and it's an open invitation for thieves to steal your car.
• Take your keys with you. Leaving a car key or a key fob inside the car may make it easy for someone to drive the car away.
• Roll your windows all the way up. It's amazing what an experienced car thief can do with a sliver of an opening.
• Hide valuables. Keep your personal belongings out of sight, preferably in the trunk or under a blanket.

Watch your keys

Keyless car theft, otherwise known as relay theft, is a more high-tech crime your car may be vulnerable to. Thieves might intercept and replicate the signals from your key fob and utilize a device to copy fob codes. Armed with that code, they could open the car doors and even drive off. Store your keys in an inexpensive key fob pouch, which uses protective material to block the wireless signal.

Invest in car security systems

• Install an anti-theft device. If you don't already have one, a simple audible car alarm can help make a difference.
• Get the VIN etched onto doors or windows. Professional thieves know they'd have to remove the etchings to resell the vehicle. You could also have the VIN etched on high value and frequently stolen parts such as the catalytic converter, especially if you have a high-profile vehicle like a pickup truck or SUV.
• Consider installing a kill switch. A switch can be placed in a hidden location and be wired to the fuel line, battery or ignition to prevent a car from starting, even with a key.
• Use a steering wheel or tire lock. These security measures, either attached to the steering wheel or tire, can be relatively inexpensive and rely on the driver to install them before leaving the car.

Contact your insurance agent to see whether any anti-theft devices equal savings on car insurance.

Secure your Wi-Fi

If your car has a Wi-Fi hotspot, hackers may be able to use it to access your car's electronic controls. Follow the same strong security practices you do for your other devices: Choose a difficult-to-guess password and keep your software up to date.

Choose your parking wisely

Park in well lit, populated areas and a garage if you can. If you park in a garage at home, remember to close the garage door and lock any outside doors. If you park outside your home, remove the garage door opener from your vehicle. Keep the doors from your garage to your home locked regardless of where you park.

Track your car

Vehicle tracking systems are widely available, and some drivers may track their cars' locations with smartphones and mobile apps. Even a simple window sticker announcing the use of a tracking system may deter potential thieves.

Exercise common sense, and you can help to increase the likelihood that your car will be exactly where you left it. If your car is stolen, report as soon as possible and be ready with information such as your car’s make, model and color, license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace a covered vehicle that’s stolen or damaged.

You can get an auto insurance quote now, or give us a few details and a State Farm® agent will reach out to you.