Tips to protect your high-value auto from damage and theft

Sophisticated cars with high-tech features can be more expensive to repair since the sensors and cameras tend to be located in the bumpers, front grill area, and side mirrors — Minor accidents are most likely to damage cars in specific areas.¹ 

Nationwide® Private Client Risk Solutions recommends the following simple and low-cost measures to help prevent damage to your vehicle: 

• Have your car checked regularly by an expert mechanic, ideally at the dealership where you purchased your vehicle, as they are familiar with your car model’s specific high-tech features
• Update your vehicle operating system right away if your manufacturer updates the software for your car
• Use covered parking lots when possible, especially if you live in parts of the country with hail and freezing weather
• Whenever possible, park in an area where other cars are not directly adjacent to your vehicle to avoid dents and scratches
• You can remote start your locked vehicle with many new models, so be sure not to leave your vehicle unlocked and unattended.
• Find out if your car includes a tracking device to help locate it if stolen, and consider installing one if it does not
• Many new cars are equipped with a valet feature that you can utilize to:
  • Lock out the vehicle navigation system, including blocking your address book
  • Limit the vehicle’s speed
  • Disable the audio system
  • Disable the garage door feature
  • Disable the interior trunk opening switch
  • Lock the glove box and other storage areas

Thieves may target high-tech, high-value cars, expecting valuables to be left inside, in addition to protecting your vehicle.

According to AOL Autos, $1.25 billion in personal items and accessories are stolen from vehicles in about 1.85 million thefts each year.² While there’s no foolproof way to completely deter these types of thieves, putting in a little extra effort on your part can significantly enhance the protection of your car and valuables.

• Park where there’s plenty of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• If you’ll be away from your car after dark, park in a well-lit area or near a lamppost. 
• Choose a lot with an attendant over one without.
• Always lock your vehicle and roll up windows when you park, even when inside your home’s garage. Even if you have no valuables inside, a thief could steal your garage opener, or personal information from an unlocked glove box such as your vehicle registration, toll pass or even steal your vehicle.
• Keep your valuables out of sight. It’s best not to leave anything visible inside your car, even if you perceive it as having little or no value. 
• While your trunk is better than the passenger compartment for shopping bags, backpacks, laptops, and other valuables, an experienced thief will often stake out a parking lot and watch you transfer your things there. Before you even get to where you’ll be leaving your car unattended, move your valuables to the trunk or wherever they’re out of sight if you must leave them in your vehicle.
• Lock your glove box to help protect the personal information on your vehicle registration card. 
• Do not store your home address in your vehicle’s GPS system if a thief steals your car, as it will prevent them from easily locating your home and using the garage door opener to gain entry

If you have any questions, please contact your agent or Nationwide Private Client Risk Solutions professional. For more information on how you can help prevent losses, visit nationwide.com/solutionseries. 

We offer this information to help you make decisions that can mitigate your risk. While we cannot address every possible scenario or guarantee these tips will work for you, our goal is to support your efforts to protect yourself and your family.

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