Car theft prevention tips: how to protect your car

With around 60 cars being stolen in South Africa per day, protecting your vehicle from being broken into, hijacked or stolen is a reality we can’t ignore. But by adopting simple habits and using practical tools, you can significantly lower the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

We explore some easy car theft prevention tips.

Unfortunately, car theft is here to stay in our country. Car theft prevention starts with becoming aware and taking proactive measures to minimise the chance of a break-in.

Furthermore, reliable car insurance can help protect you financially in the unfortunate event that your car does end up getting stolen.

Small changes in your daily routine can make a massive difference to you and your car’s safety.

Make it a habit never to leave your valuables in sight. Instead, keep your handbag, laptop or shopping bags in the boot and your phone in the cubbyhole while you’re driving.

Criminals often break car windows to steal your things when you stop at a traffic light, stop street, or park on the street.

Choose well-lit areas to park your car at night, like under a streetlight or near the entrance of a building, to prevent criminals from hiding in the shadows. This will also make it easier for others to see when a thief is trying to break into your car.

Don’t tempt thieves by leaving your car running or unlocked, even if it’s only for a couple of seconds. You might think you’re only popping into the shop quickly and want to keep your aircon running, but that can be long enough for someone to steal your vehicle.

Ensure that no one can grab your keys from your pocket or bag when you’re distracted. Keep your keys out of sight and immediately lock your car once you’re inside.

Always check that your car is locked before walking away. Remote car jamming is very common, especially in parking lots, so try the handle before you walk away instead of simply trusting that the remote locked it.

You can buy a range of anti-theft devices to add an extra layer of security. Here are some that can help protect you and that might even lower your car insurance policy.

Always check with your car insurance provider which anti-theft devices you can implement to lower your policy with them.

These locks immobilise the steering column and gearbox, making it nearly impossible for a thief to drive away.

Loud alarm systems that draw attention to any unauthorised access to your vehicle are designed to deter a car thief.

These add an extra layer of protection by preventing the engine from starting without the correct key or code.

Providing real-time location information, GPS trackers increase the chances of recovering your vehicle a lot faster if it’s stolen. If you have one in your car, your car insurance premium will more than likely be lower than someone without a tracker in their car.

You can also combine different devices to create a multi-tiered defence system, making it even more difficult for potential thieves to bypass your car’s security measures.

Criminals constantly evolve their tactics, so you should stay ahead by remaining informed and proactive.

Modern motor vehicles with internet connectivity pose new risks, especially models with keyless entry systems. The Insurance Crime Bureau warns of a new “relay attack” device that not only allows someone to jam the signal of your key but also clones it so they can start the car and even drive it away.

By swapping the licence plate number and changing the vehicle identification number (VIN), the thief can steal and resell your car before you even realise it’s stolen.

You can take simple precautions to protect yourself from new car theft methods. For example, there are signal-blocking pouches to keep your key fob from being cloned or jammed and keep your car’s security software updated to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Having good quality car insurance is essential for extra financial protection should your car get stolen. Make sure that you understand whether your policy offers cover for vehicle theft and what you need to benefit or claim.

With customisable insurance options tailored to your needs, Prime helps to safeguard your car and budget. Fill in this online form for a quote and find out more about the type of car insurance Prime can offer you

This article provides general information on car theft prevention tips and tools. However, there may be other information not included in this article. Therefore, always do your own research and talk to your car insurance provider about the best theft prevention tips and tools.

Remember to buy car insurance with much thought and only through a certified financial services provider.

Reach out to us today to learn more about getting affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T&Cs apply.