How to keep your car safe this Christmas

The Christmas festivities are now in full swing. With these celebrations come more distractions when it comes to keeping your car safe and secure. Longer nights and colder mornings give thieves more opportunities to get their hands on your vehicle. In this post, we’ll look at what you can do to increase car security.

Keep an eye out for anything unusual

Before parking up to deliver your cards or presents, take a moment to scope out your surroundings. Are you parking in a well-lit and populated area? If so, there might be less chance of your car being targeted. Look at your car and if you see any unusual markings, be extra vigilant when parking up and report any suspicious behaviour to the relevant authorities.

Keep valuables out of sight

Remove any valuables that are kept in your car – especially wrapped and expensive presents – and do not leave them on display. If you can’t transfer them immediately into a house, keep them out of sight e.g. keep them stored in the boot with the rack down.

Remove loose change, phones, sat navs, holders and chargers – anything that someone might potentially want to steal – and register any infotainment systems via immobilise.com. Don’t leave any important documents or spare keys in the car.

You should also dispose of your packaging carefully, especially anything that gives away that you’ve splashed out on an expensive present.

Park facing the wall

One of the easiest things you can do to add a little extra security for your vehicle is to park facing the wall. Back up as far as you can, take out anything – including those presents – from the boot before you do so, and remove any other valuables. Remember to lock and unlock the car while taking things out and never, ever leave the keys in the ignition while you’re not in the car.

You could also park in your garage, if you’re lucky enough to have one.

Ensure every window and door is locked

Many thieves are opportunists. If they see the smallest chance to crack open a window or door to gain access to your vehicle, they’re likely to take it. Every time you leave your car, have a walk round and ensure every window is fully wound up and the doors and boot are locked. Don’t just trust your key for the door locks; physically check it.

Do not leave the car unattended

Frosty morning? Want to go back inside and have a hot drink while your car warms up? Do not do this. Under no circumstances, should you leave the car with the engine running while you are not there. Someone could easily just sit in your car and drive off without you even knowing. Don’t take any chances.

Add some anti-theft devices to your car

For extra peace of mind, you could consider installing an anti-theft tracking device.

Other car theft security deterrents include:

• A steering wheel lock
• A key signal blocker
• Window etching
• A GPS tracker
• Wheel clamps

Does car insurance cover theft?

Car theft is unlikely to be covered by your standard motor insurance or a temporary car insurance policy, but as always it’s worth checking your documentation.

Damage to your car, vandalism and theft are all more likely to be covered under a comprehensive policy. Your belongings – and all those presents – are more likely to fall under contents insurance.

Thieves won’t just break into cars at your home or while visiting a friend or family member, they can strike at any time – even in a shopping centre or supermarket car park, despite the CCTV cameras.

It’s important to be extra vigilant, especially at this time of year when people are likely to have expensive presents and gifts in their cars. Keep your keys on you at all times, but bear in mind this doesn’t mean thieves can’t steal your car.