One of the worst moments in any car owner’s life is the moment they step out of their home or place of employment only to discover an empty parking spot where their car used to be. There’s a sense of violation (coupled with a healthy dose of horror) that comes from realizing your car has been stolen right out from under your nose-and the unpleasant realization that you’re going to have to tell your auto insurance company about it.

- Many people claim that the biggest shock is to their sense of security.

If your policy contains comprehensive coverage for your car, you’re protected from the financial issues of having your car stolen. Your insurance company should replace it for you in full. And since auto theft is usually considered to be way up there on the list of things you don’t have any control over your car insurance rates shouldn’t go up at all.

-That good news seems a bit flaky, considering all the stuff people cram into their cars nowadays. However, it IS better than losing that same stuff in an accident that could seriously hurt you.

The downside is that while they’re processing your claim and your payment you’re going to be without a car.

All things considered, the feeling of horror and violation that goes with the idea of your car being stolen far outweighs any benefits of having it replaced by whichever of the nationwide auto insurance companies you happen to be working with. (Most of today’s major auto insurance companies now operate on a national rather than local basis.) With that in mind, it’s a good idea to do everything you can to keep your car safe, sound and parked in the same place you left it!

When you first bought your auto insurance policy you undoubtedly filled out a questionnaire about your car’s safety features-things like anti-lock brakes, seat belts, and your car alarm. These kind of built in security features can go a long way toward keeping your car safe when it’s out in public (along with knocking at least 10% off of your auto insurance!). If you’re looking for a way to make sure your car stays put you may want to consider investing in one of the following:

-Look at these things. They’re very important, and can help you avoid becoming a victim of car theft.

1)      A car alarm.

2)      A GPS tracking locator that makes it easy to follow your car when anxious thieves decide it needs to be liberated for its own good.

3)      A fuel switch that makes it impossible for the criminal element to get your car started in the first place. Or even if they do, it should take them long enough to find the security switch that you can catch them before they take off.

4)      The Club. Yes, it’s old school, but it works!

- Also, keep in mind, none of this will help if it’s not used properly!

Along with the extra security equipment there are some basic guidelines you want to keep in mind when you’re out and about. Always lock your car when you walk away from it, even if it’s just for a minute. Never leave your keys on the front seat-or even worse, in the ignition! Try not to leave expensive equipment out where it’s readily obvious such as computers and PDAs.

No one WANTS to have their car stolen, but auto theft is a fact of life for every driver-no matter where you live. You can take many precautions to reduce the risk. It’s also good to know that your auto insurance company is going to help you replace your investment if a thief does happen to strike. Do you really want to have to wait around until they decide to cut you a check? In this case an ounce of prevention is worth about $5-10,000 of cure.

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