Regardless of what kind of car you drive, it is, sadly, a target for criminals. That’s part of the reason why it’s best to have full insurance and the phone number for smart car accident attorneys. With that said, there’s a lot you can and should do to protect your car and its contents from falling victim to criminals. Here are three tips to help.
Get a dashcam
Scams involving fake accidents are probably as old as time. They’re certainly nothing new in the world of motoring. Dashcams are a great way to protect yourself against them. Check the law where you are but, in general, it’s perfectly legal to use a properly-mounted dashcam to record video. It is, however, sometimes illegal to record in-car audio without consent.
You can use your cell as a dashcam. This is sometimes useful if you have to drive an unfamiliar vehicle for a while, for example, a hire or loan car. In general, however, it’s better to invest in a proper dashcam. Even high-quality ones are very affordable and, if nothing else, they’ll save the battery on your cell.
Know what to do if you have an accident
Assume that you’re going to have an accident and be prepared for it. Keep safety equipment in your car. At a minimum, have a decent first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and an emergency hammer. Make sure you know how to use it properly.
Also, make sure you understand both the law and your insurer’s policy in the event you have an accident. Laws vary hugely by state and they can also be updated. You, therefore, need to make a point of checking them periodically (and every time you travel to an unfamiliar location). This may sound tedious but really it’s just a matter of a quick internet search.
Park safely
If you’re lucky enough to have a parking space at home, then make the most of it. If it’s a garage, then make sure that the door and lock are always kept up to the highest, modern standards. If you have an outdoor parking space, then consider protecting it with a smart bollard. Ideally, have a camera on it, although again, watch the law here.
Even at home, it’s best to use an immobilizer (or two if you have a shift stick). You might also want to think about using a wheel clamp, at least if you’re leaving your car unattended for a long period, for example overnight.
When parking away from home, it’s generally worth paying for parking if you have the option to do so. A little money can buy you a lot of security. If you can’t, then try to park somewhere busy with plenty of lighting. This will also improve your safety walking to and from your car.
Wherever you park, try to take valuables out of your car. If, however, you must leave them behind, keep them out of sight. Ideally, put them in the trunk. If you have to leave them on the back seat, put them in regular bags so they look like basic shopping. Consider adding to the disguise by putting some groceries on top of them.
(Cover Image: Pexels)