Having your car stolen or broken into invokes a lot of feelings, none of which are good.You feel violated, you feel angry, and you may even feel sad.While it would be nice if you could put a protective bubble around yourself and belongings, you can’t.

But you can educate yourself and your family on how to help prevent auto thefts.These four tips are a good starting point.   Tips You Can Follow to Prevent Auto Theft  According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours by using “layered protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.LAYER 1: ALWAYS USE COMMON SENSE Lock your doorsRemove your keys from the ignitionClose your windows completelyPark in well-lit areas LAYER 2: USE A VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE DEVICE Audible alarmsSteering column collarsSteering wheel/brake pedal lockBrake locksWheel locksTheft-deterrent decalsIdentification markers in or on vehicleWindow etchingMicro Dot markingLAYER 3: INSTALL A VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER Smart keysFuse cut-offsKill switchesStarter, ignition and fuel disablersWireless, ignition authentication LAYER 4: INVEST IN A TRACKING SYSTEM Put your vehicle on the radar screen by installing a tracking system that emits a signal to the police or monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen.

Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle.If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked by computer.The Last Line of Defense, A Comprehensive Auto Policy  An auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage can step in to help protect you if you are the unfortunate victim of car theft.

Comprehensive insurance is the part of your auto insurance that pays you in the case of car theft or damage from a break-in, even if your car is recovered.Comprehensive auto insurance also protects you from damage to your car from other non-collision events as well.Things like flooding, a falling tree limb or vandalism.

You may also want to add rental reimbursement coverage to your policy.This coverage will reimburse your rental car fees back (up to your limits) while your claim is processed.  Keep in mind comprehensive insurance must be added.If it isn’t, you won’t receive any compensation related to car theft.

Are You Protected? We are your neighbors, so we understand the risks you face on a personal level.We face them, too.More than neighbors, though, our team likes to think of our customers like family.

When you need something, you are our top priority.You’ll have our undivided attention.If you have any other questions or concerns about your Connecticut auto insurance coverage, do not hesitate to contact one of our insurance experts.

We would be more than happy to go over your auto insurance coverage with you or provide you with a free quote.Visit our website or call us at 860-684-5270!