7 Tips for Preventing Keyless Car Theft
Keyless cars appear to be the wave of the future as more people purchase this technology. This technological innovation is sophisticated and classy, thus creating a high demand for such cars.
However, the Ottawa police department has reported that in recent months there has been a spike in the amount of auto-theft reports. Their report highlighted that these thefts appear to target cars with a proximity key that’s used by all keyless cars.
If you are a keyless car owner or considering getting one soon, and are wondering how to prevent auto theft, Oegama, Nicholson & Associates, a car insurance company in Ottawa, has put together seven tips to prevent the theft of your asset.
The Importance of a Car Insurance Plan
The major reason you should get car insurance is that it is difficult to predict the future, and it is impossible to know when or how an unfortunate incident may occur. To prepare for unforeseen circumstances such as auto theft, you need car insurance to protect you.
Car insurance will cover you, as the cost of car repairs or replacing one can be quite pocket-draining. If you are worried about car insurance costs, many insurance policies are well suited for your budget.
At Oegema, Nicholson & Associates, we understand the gut-wrenching feeling of losing a car. We realize that some people pay a fortune for these cars, so we want your asset to be safe for as long as you need it.
Car insurance policies will protect your vehicles if they are stolen by getting you a car of equal worth, depending on your coverage. We advise you to get full car insurance coverage, as it protects you and your vehicle from such unforeseen circumstances.
Tips for Preventing Keyless Car Theft
1. Keep valuables out of sight
One of the reasons keyless cars get stolen to begin with is because valuable items, such as phones, laptops, or tablets, are in the view of passersby. If you are away from your car, ensure that all valuables are hidden.
Another option would be to use tinted windows for your car to prevent thieves from seeing the items within, or even if there are occupants in the vehicle. To know if there are people in the car, they would have to come close by and look inside. This will likely attract other people’s attention, thus discouraging a potential thief.
2. Park the car in a closed garage
Leaving any vehicle in the open is risky. To better prevent becoming a victim of auto theft, it is wise to park your car in a closed garage so thieves cannot access your keyless car using signal-enhancing devices. If your car is left in the open, it will become a target for thieves, especially if you frequently park it in the same spot.
3. Use a car wheel clamp/steering wheel lock
If you cannot find a closed garage, you can use anti-theft car wheel clamps or a steering wheel lock. These devices guarantee that your keyless car remains where you parked it while you are away.
Car wheel clamps and steering wheel locks are fit for any car model, including keyless vehicles. These devices are a great advantage as they are all adjustable and will thus fit any car.
4. Place key fobs in a metal container
Keyless cars use radio signals transmitted between the vehicle and the car fob. However, high-skilled thieves may use a radio signal amplifier to tap the signal from the car fob to the car, thus opening it without the key.
To avoid signal tapping, place your car fobs in metal containers to prevent thieves from getting radio signals from the fob. Also, keep your car fobs away from the front door of your house to stop car thieves from getting their signal.
5. Keep key fobs in a security pouch
A more secure option than placing your key fobs in metal containers is to keep them in security pouches.
With these pouches, the signal from the key fob cannot be transmitted to the car, no matter how close it may be to the vehicle. This is because the security pouch is composed of certain conducting materials that block the signal.
We advise that you always put your key fobs in these security pouches while not in use to prevent theft.
6. Tracking devices
Although this tip may not stop your keyless car from getting stolen, using tracking devices will prove effective in recovering your vehicle after a theft. Tracking devices use powerful radio frequencies that transmit through hard materials like solid concrete, so in the event of your car going missing, it will easily be found by security personnel.
It would be best to place a tracking device in hidden spots in your car so that a thief will not find and destroy it.
7. Do not leave your car running or open
The most obvious way to prevent auto theft is to simply keep your car locked at all times.
Additionally, ensure that you do not leave your engines running as you leave your car. A thief may easily gain access to it and speed off in your vehicle if you leave your car engine running.
Where to Get Car Insurance in Ottawa
Oegema, Nicholson & Associates offers a wide range of car insurance policies in Ottawa to ensure your car is safe from damage. Depending on your coverage, you can replace your car in case of theft.
To learn more about car insurance in Ottawa, call Oegema, Nicholson & Associates at 613-704-7766 or contact us here.
