WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#geico–Data released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) October’s 2018 Holiday Theft Report indicates that five of the highest vehicle theft days are happening in the next eight weeks. The keyless entry system was introduced in the 1980s; 30 years later, smart keys, proximity keys, and push-button starting vehicles are just as normal as using a key.
“Thefts of those early vehicles were mostly owner error,” GEICO’s Director of SIU Douglas Shiring recalls. “People just left their key in or near the vehicle at the time of the theft. Today the bad guys have a new item in their tool bag, which is eliminating the need for a key altogether.”
Follow these common-sense approaches to protect your vehicle.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving.
- Park it in a well-lit area if possible.
- When parked, never leave your keys in the car.
- Close all the windows and the sunroof.
- Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them or cover all packaging. This avoids temptation.
- Never leave your car running and unattended.
- Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots, and gas stations.
Thieves are reluctant to steal if they know the vehicle can be recovered quickly. Be aware, too, that some newer vehicles come with passive alarms that activate automatically when the key is removed from the ignition.
The bottom line is that it never hurts to be cautious whether you have a keyless entry vehicle or one that opens conventionally. These suggestions from GEICO could help protect you and your property.
Click on the following links to review coverage 24 hours a day by calling (800) 841-3000, or use GEICO’s mobile app anytime day or night. Want more information or need to report a claim, log onto GEICO.com. Visit GEICO More for additional information on theft prevention or what to do after an auto theft.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles. For more than 80 years, the company has worked to make people’s lives better by protecting policyholders against unexpected events. As GEICO has grown, it has delivered money-saving coverage and outstanding customer service to policyholders through its investment in human resources and technology. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. GEICO also provides homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft and term life coverages through non-affiliated insurance companies secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available. GEICO has a national workforce of 40,000 associates. GEICO sales representatives throughout the country are licensed insurance agents who help guide customers through coverage decisions. To make changes, report claims, print insurance cards and/or purchase additional products, policyholders can access their insurance policy here; connect via GEICO Mobile or by phone. Sales and service is also available at GEICO Local Offices. Visit www.geico.com for a quote or to learn more.
Contacts
GEICO Communications
gcorpcomm@geico.com
To view GEICO’s Blog: https://www.geico.com/more/
