Most of us never give our car or truck a second thought. We depend on them to get us where we need to go — and we always expect them to be right where we left them. But thieves can shatter that expectation. If your vehicle suddenly disappeared, would you know what to do?

By better understanding the problem — and possible strategies to prevent it, you may be able to protect yourself. And, should the worst occur, you might be better prepared to deal with an incident. Let's take a closer look.

How common is vehicle theft?

More than a million drivers each year fall victim to this crime — and that number is on the rise.¹

Vehicle theft is a big business, attracting both common thieves and organized crime rings.² In 2023, a motor vehicle was stolen every 31 seconds in the United States. Remarkably, more than 1 million cars were stolen last year, a 25% increase over prior years.³

Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that you can take to reduce the chances that you'll experience vehicle theft.

What are some tips that can help prevent vehicle theft?

Experienced thieves can steal any vehicle, but you can make it harder for them by using these five tips.

1. Lock your doors, close your windows

Motor vehicle theft is often a crime of opportunity.⁴ For instance, a large percentage of vehicles stolen in San Antonio⁵ were left unlocked, making them easy targets for theft. Locked doors and closed windows are a barrier to access, limiting opportunity for your vehicle to be targeted.

2. Remove your key from the ignition and take all keys and fobs out of the vehicle

Leaving keys or key fobs visible gives car thieves easy access to your car or truck. Yet in the midst of running errands, it's easy to make a mistake and forget to take them with you. That’s why the National Insurance Crime Bureau advises drivers to take all keys or fobs with them when exiting the vehicle.⁶

3. Park in well-lit areas

Parking your vehicle in a well-lit, highly trafficked area may deter thieves. If you can, keep exterior lights on at your home. Darkness offers thieves cover to work unnoticed, even in your own driveway.

4. Install and maintain an alarm system

Alarm systems can have both an audible and a visual component, such as a horn alarm and flashing lights. These devices bring attention, which makes it harder for thieves attempting to steal or enter a car or truck. Other visible anti-theft devices such as steering-wheel locks may also deter thieves.

5. Don’t leave valuables in your car or trunk

Having valuables in plain sight can make your vehicle a target. For this reason, it is often recommended that you take valuables with you when you leave your car.⁷ If you are in a situation where you do need to hide something of value in your trunk, do so before you arrive at your destination since thieves may stake out parking lots, watching for people who move items into hiding.⁸ As soon as you leave the vehicle, they may break into the trunk.

Are there times of year when a vehicle may be more vulnerable to theft?

Vehicle theft increases in the summer, spiking in July. That’s when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) holds its anti-theft campaign — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month — to call attention to the problem. But you should remain vigilant year-round, since “warm-up thefts”⁹ can be common in winter months.

Which vehicles are most attractive to thieves — and why?

Nearly three-quarters of all motor vehicles stolen are passenger cars. Each year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau releases its most stolen vehicles report.¹⁰ For 2023, the top five stolen vehicles included the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Kia Soul.

What should you do if your vehicle is stolen?

Should you become a victim of vehicle theft, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides a good outline of steps to take.¹¹ Naturally, you should immediately contact the police to file a report. When you meet with the officer, you'll need to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which may help law enforcement locate your car.

Unsure where to locate the VIN of a missing vehicle?

Review your insurance policy or loan documentation. If you cannot locate the VIN easily, consider reaching out directly to your insurance company or the financial lender who provided your car loan. They likely will have it on file for easy retrieval.

After meeting with law enforcement, you'll want to report the theft or burglary to your insurance provider. Reporting a theft immediately can protect you if the thief uses your automobile to cause harm to others while in possession of it. For claims support, you’ll need to contact your insurance carrier directly using contact information on your vehicle policy or website.

» Tip: Although no one anticipates vehicle theft, consider storing essential information such as the VIN, your license plate number and your insurance carrier's customer support number on your phone for easy reference. Own more than one vehicle? Store all of the relevant info in a single file and share it with drivers in your household.

The takeaway

Although vehicle thefts are on the rise, taking a few simple precautions might make your vehicle a less desirable target for thieves.

And, remember: when it comes to protecting your vehicle with auto insurance, RBFCU Insurance Agency can provide you with a review of your current policy, or you can request an online quote today.*