To much of the delight of car owners across the country, the number of car thefts has been on a steady decline for a few years now. According to the NICB, car theft declined for the second year in a row. In 2025, thefts dropped 23%, adding to 2024’s 17% decline. Nevertheless, drivers should always be mindful and cautious of car theft. Nearly 660,000 cars were reported stolen last year, costing policy holders on average an additional $100 per month on their insurance premium. To help keep your vehicle safe, here are five simple tips for preventing car theft:
Car thieves prefer operating under the cover of darkness where they can work unnoticed. Park directly beneath streetlights or near brightly lit building entrances. In parking garages, choose spots near security cameras to maximize visibility.
Leaving even a tiny crack makes it dramatically easier for someone to reach in with tools, pop the door locks, or grab items inside. Get into the habit of doing a quick visual check around the cabin before exiting, ensuring both manual and power windows, as well as sunroofs, are rolled up completely.
Quick thefts happen in seconds. Leaving keys inside an idling vehicle creates an effortless opportunity for thieves. It is always better to be safe than sorry, even when you are just running into a convenience store or warming up your car on a winter day. Shut the car off and lock it.
Many vehicle thefts and break-ins occur right outside the owner’s home or during brief errands because doors were left unlocked. Leaving doors unlocked makes a thief’s job so much easier. You will never regret locking your car doors too much, but leaving them unlocked, even just one time, could lead to disaster.
Visual deterrents signal to prospective thieves that stealing your car will take extra time and effort, usually prompting them to move on to an easier target. Install a bright, heavy-duty steering wheel lock or wheel clamp every time you park in public or high-risk locations. Pair this with anti-theft window decals or blinking alarm LEDs for an extra layer of deterrence.
Although car thefts have been on the decline, it is still important to practice these five tips to help keep your vehicle safe from theft.
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