Protect Your Car From Vandals on
Halloween Night
Halloween is a time for costumes, candy
and fun for all ages. Unfortunately, Halloween is also a popular night for
vandalism. In fact, some reports indicate
that car vandalism spikes by 81 percent on All Hallows’ Eve. This year, take
simple steps to deter vandals, keep your vehicle safe
and avoid having to file a vandalism claim.
Park Smart
Where you park your vehicle directly
influences the chances of it being vandalized. If possible, park your car in a
garage and lock both the vehicle and the garage. If your garage is detached
from your home,
install a light between the house and the garage.
If you don’t have a garage, consider
installing motion lights that will alert you should someone come
near your vehicle.
When out in public, avoid parking next to
large objects that can act as a shield for vandals to hide behind. Choose open
(and, if possible, well lit) areas whenever leaving your vehicle.
Always Lock Your Vehicle
This one seems obvious but it is worth
mentioning! Always lock your car no matter how long you’re intending on leaving
it, even when it’s parked at home. This is one of the simplest steps you can
take in protecting your vehicle and avoid having items stolen out of it.
Eliminate Temptation
Remove all electronics and valuable items
from your car to reduce the chance of them being stolen. Electronic devices
such as phones or laptops and even clothing can tempt
thieves to break into your vehicle.
Remove these items from your car or hide them beneath your seat to give
thieves and vandals one less reason to target your vehicle.
Drive Carefully
Be extra cautious when driving on
Halloween and look out for trick-or-treaters. Driving slowly and
carefully can also help you keep an eye out for any trouble (such as a group of
teenagers throwing eggs at passing cars) and change your route to avoid it.
Activate Your Car Alarm
Car alarms are incredibly loud and are
meant to deter a vandal from inflicting damage to your vehicle. If you do not
have the extra cash to invest in a car alarm system, consider a fake
alarm. Having a blinking red light on your dashboard may be enough to deter
most thieves and vandals. You might also consider buying a security system
decal to hang in your window.
Install a Steering Wheel Locking Device
While this won’t keep people from
vandalizing your vehicle, it will prevent theft, and the two often go
hand-in-hand.
Practice Common Sense
If something doesn’t feel quite right,
then it probably isn’t. Avoid parking in high-crime areas and don’t leave your
car unattended for long periods of time on Halloween night.
Protect Your Car with an Auto Insurance Policy
The best way to protect your car in any
situation is with an auto insurance
policy. Make sure your policy is covering everything you need
it to! Click on the button below to find an agent near you to review your
current policy and make sure it’s everything you need it to be.
