If you've ever suffered the misfortune of having your car stolen or broken into, you'll be all too aware that car theft can be a big problem in New Zealand.

No matter who you are, if you drive a vehicle then it’s at risk of being broken into. The best way to prevent potentially losing several thousands of dollars’ worth of property is to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your vehicle is safe and secure at all times.

The facts

Stealing a complete modern vehicle is actually becoming a lot more challenging than it was in the past. Manufacturers have introduced a range of safety devices to keep our cars safe beyond a standard car alarm or immobilizer. These include transponder keys, intuitive locking and starting systems, as well as voice and sight-activated controls.

These changes in technologies have led to positive results in combating theft but, despite advancements in technology, a car is stolen every 23 minutes in New Zealand according to 2020 NZ Police data analysed by global comparison website Finder.

How to protect your vehicle

In reality, some of the more effective deterrents are also the most basic.

Here are seven simple ways to protect your car:

• Anti-theft devices which slow down or foil thieves - The more time a criminal spends attempting to steal a vehicle increases the likelihood of discovery and apprehension.

• Keep the car locked - Your car’s door locks are the first and often the most vital theft deterrent system that your vehicle has. Breaking into a locked vehicle requires time and know-how and, as such, many thieves prefer to simply move on until they can find something more accessible.

• Keep all of your windows completely closed when the car is unattended - Much like unlocked doors, open windows (even when only opened a small amount) provide thieves with an easy point of access to the inside of your vehicle.

• Never leave your keys inside of your car - If there’s one thing more attractive to a car thief than an unlocked door, it’s a vehicle with the keys already inside. Once a criminal gets a hold of a car’s ignition key, there’s really not much else that can be done to prevent the criminal from escaping with the car.

• Keep your hand brake engaged when parked - Some thieves prefer to tow a vehicle away rather than break into it and attempting to drive it away - this is often the case with newer cars. An engaged handbrake makes towing much more difficult.

• Park in busier, well-lit areas - The last thing a thief wants when attempting to break into a car is to raise attention. No matter where you’ve parked, before you open the door, look around and ensure there is plenty of street lighting and nobody appearing suspicious and peering into parked unattended vehicles.

Get insured

If you’re insured, it’s important to make sure you have the right amount of cover for your car in the event of theft. If you’ve underinsured your car, will you be able to find the additional money to replace it for a similar model?

It’s also worth considering things like agreed vs market value, your excess, and Comprehensive vs Third Party Fire and Theft policies. Remember, your car won’t be covered for theft under a Third Party only policy. Be sure to check your policies and if you’re unsure of anything, never hesitate to contact your insurer.

It’s not just about the loss of money and property that proves to be a pain. The time and hassle of police reports, filing claims and replacing your lost vehicle can equally be annoying. By taking care and being a bit cautious, you can reduce the chances of being targeted.

Visit aa.co.nz/insurance for more information.