Auto Moto Show

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 7 /PRNewswire/ — Purchasing a vehicle is a big decision. Next to your home, your vehicle is most likely the second most expensive investment you’ll make, so it’s important to safeguard it from potential thieves. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), there is an average of 1.2 million motor vehicle thefts each year, making vehicle theft the nation’s number one property crime.
“The good news is that there are a few tips you can follow and devices you can have installed to keep your vehicle from becoming a target,” said Mark Russell, vice-president and chief administrative officer at Grange Insurance and chairman of the board for the NICB. “Driving a vehicle with anti-theft devices not only deters thieves but can also help reduce your overall insurance premiums.”
Before purchasing a vehicle, specifically one that is used, Russell advises researching the vehicle’s history as most stolen vehicles are sold to unsuspecting consumers. To assist consumers in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, the NICB manages VINCheck(SM), a database that contains a list of vehicles that have been reported stolen but not recovered. To perform a search in the database, consumers need to provide a vehicle identification number (VIN), which can be found on a metal plate in the engine compartment or etched onto the vehicle’s windows or lamps. For more information about VINCheck(SM) or to perform a vehicle search, please visit .
“A significant number of vehicles are stolen each year because people unwittingly make it easy for thieves,” said Robert M. Bryant, president and chief executive officer of the NICB. “The easiest and most cost-effective protection against vehicle theft is to simply lock your car and take your keys. Beyond that, the additional safeguards below will deliver more security and peace of mind.”
According to the NICB, the most sought-after vehicle by auto thieves is the Honda Civic, and the Midwest city with the highest number of auto thefts is Detroit. Despite what type of car you drive or where you live, you’ll want to protect your vehicle from being stolen. Grange Insurance suggests the following tips to safeguard your vehicle:
Safeguarding your vehicle
— Common Sense
An unlocked vehicle with the key in the ignition is an open invitation
to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. It is
always best to lock your car even if you are only parked for a brief
period of time.

— Warning Device
Having a visible or audible device that alerts thieves that your
vehicle is protected is another good way to ensure that your car
remains where you left it. Popular devices include audible alarms,
steering column collars, brake or wheel locks, tire deflators, theft
deterrent decals, window etching and laminated glass.

— Immobilizing Devices
Another good method is having a device that prevents thieves from
bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some of these
electronic gadgets have computer chips in the ignition keys. Others
inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden
button or switch is activated. Recommended devices include smart keys,
fuse cut-offs, kill switches and starter, ignition and fuel disablers.

— Tracking Device - OnStar
A tracking system emits a signal to your local police station or
monitoring station once the vehicle has been reported stolen. Tracking
devices, such as OnStar, are very effective in helping authorities
recover stolen vehicles.

In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, Grange recommends taking the following action:
— Contact your local police department as soon as possible.
— Make sure you have your vehicle information available. This includes
year, make, model, color, license plate number, approximate time of
theft, location of theft and if there are any eyewitnesses.
— Contact your insurance company. To help expedite your claim, make sure
to have your policy number and details of the incident ready to give to
your auto insurance agent.

“Just like your home, your vehicle is an important and expensive asset to protect,” said Russell. “Taking the steps to proactively protect your vehicle can greatly minimize your chances of becoming an auto theft victim.”
Grange Mutual Casualty Group, based in Columbus, Ohio, is a $1 billion insurance services provider. Through its network of independent agents, Grange offers auto, home, life, business and farm insurance protection through Grange Insurance and Integrity Insurance. The company serves policyholders in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. For more information, visit .
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