Top 11 Ways to Avoid Having your Car Abducted

A few car safety tips for those who don't want to lose their rides this summer...or ever for that matter :) Some of these almost sound like they could be jokes or on David Letterman's top 10 list of ways to not get your car stolen, but hey...I'm just putting it out there for all to hear! :) Please excuse my comments...I coudn't resist.

Here they are:

1) Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving. Close all windows and sunroofs, no matter how hot it is. ( Ha...NO KIDDING!)
2) Never leave your keys in the car. (Even when you are driving?? But how will the car go??)
3) If possible, park in busy, well-lit areas. Thieves prefer to work in the dark. Leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned toward the curb or some other obstruction, so thieves won't be able to tow it easily.
4) Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.
5) Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn't have one. A mechanism that locks onto the steering wheel can be a very visible sign that you've taken steps to protect your vehicle. Ignition cut-off systems prevent a car from being started. Some new cars come with passive alarms that activate automatically when the key is removed from the ignition. One system emits a signal that can be tracked by the police. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles that can be tracked and recovered quickly. Many insurers offer discounts for these types of systems.
6) Beware of the "bump-and-rob" technique. Carjackers bump your car from the rear, then steal it when you get out to look for damage. When stopped at a traffic light, leave room to maneuver around the vehicle ahead if you need to. If another car bumps yours and you feel threatened, drive to a populated area. If you have a cell phone, call the police for assistance. (Call the Police...no way...who'da thunkit?)
7) Do not leave registration or title in the car. Too often a car thief is pulled over and gets away from the police because he or she can produce the auto registration. If multiple drivers use the vehicle, the best suggestion would be to hide the registration in a secret location that only the owners know. (Note to self...when going to the grocery store, get Hayden, diaper bag, purse, keys, cell, grocery list, debit card....finger foods for H. oh...and registration...sheesh.. I'll try to remember.)
8) Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations. (For some reason I picture a Jackie Chan-like figure, in all black, jumping out and running to the rear of the car and checking both ways for "bad guys" before dashing to the store.)
9) Know where you're going. Avoid known high-crime areas even if the alternate route takes a little longer. (aw...c'mon...but the high-crime areas are so cool!!) Do you think they have a sign that says **Attention: HIGH CRIME AREA AHEAD>>> Take Mommy Detour IMMEDIATELY!!!)
10) If confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. Cars can be replaced; you can't. (ok..I won't but I'll grab my registration while I'm not resisting :)
11) Have your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on each of the windows. Car thieves want to get off cheap. They don't want to go to the expense of replacing all the glass. (Uh..no thanks...that would be hilarious looking.)

If..for some reason these do not pan out for you like they say they should...get car insurance now. Car Insurance Companies