With the theft of vehicles on the rise, it’s good to know what precautions you can take to prevent auto theft and what to do if it happens to you. Washington State ranks third in the nation for auto theft.1 From 2019 to 2022, the stolen vehicle rate in Washington increased by 31%.1 Here are some tips to help lessen the risk of your vehicle being stolen:
- Always lock your car doors
- Remove keys from the vehicle /Do not leave a spare near the vehicle
- Do not leave the running vehicle unattended
- Keep the windows closed
- Park in a secure location (well-lit/visible areas in public)
- Install an audible alarm system, vehicle immobilizer system, and/or tracking system
- Don’t leave valuables in the car
If your vehicle does get stolen, make sure you contact police immediately to report the theft. Next, you will want to contact Enduris to report the theft. Enduris will assign a claims analyst to assist you with your loss.
A growing issue of recovered stolen vehicles in today’s world is contamination from meth and fentanyl. Historically, auto theft often resulted in parts being sold off, but recently, an increasing number of vehicles are being used by thieves for joyriding or as temporary shelter. This is leading to more cases where these cars are found with dangerous substances left behind, like fentanyl, xylazine, and methamphetamine. This poses a significant risk for the car owners and insurance companies responsible for releasing those vehicles back to their owners. If your stolen vehicle is recovered, it is highly recommended that you do not drive it. Instead, get the vehicle towed to a safe location where it can be inspected. Enduris auto policy covers towing due to a covered loss, which includes theft of a scheduled auto on the policy. Remember to lock up, stay safe, and call us if you have any questions or need to report something.
Cassie Sneddon, Claims Analyst
References: Washington ranked third in the nation for car thefts last year