To avoid being a victim of car theft, you probably follow a certain set of rules. Lock your car doors. Never leave your purse unattended in the seat. Don't display money or valuables in your dash. Always put the shopping bags in the trunk. But, what about your car registration?
Whether you've been a car owner for quite some time or you're a newbie driver, you probably keep your registration card in the worst possible place: your glove box. It's true-your registration should not be kept in your car. Here's why.
Why Shouldn't I Leave My Registration In the Car?
Car registrations contain some important personal information about you and your vehicle. While many petty car thieves are just looking to make some quick cash, others may have more sinister motives. Leaving your car's title, registration, or insurance information in the glove box could put you at risk for identity theft-a far more complicated problem than losing $20 in cash.
Even if nothing comes of your stolen registration card (i.e. the thief takes it and discards it), you still have to go through the hassle of replacing it. All in all, don't leave anything in your Subaru that will cause an extra headache if stolen.
Need your registration in case you get pulled over or have an accident? No worries. Simply take photos of your title, registration, and insurance information and store them on your smartphone. You could also make copies of your documents and white out any secure information-a police officer will be able to call-in and confirm the rest.
What Are Car Thieves Really After?
Car thieves are often criminals of opportunity. If you don't leave your doors unlocked, chances are they'll steer clear. However, you can't be too safe. To deter criminals and break-ins, don't leave anything of value unattended. Car thieves are usually after the following items:
- Money (credit cards, debit cards, and cash)
- iPhones and other smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Guns
- Jewelry
- Shopping bags
Keep these items out of sight, if possible. When you leave your car unattended, always lock the doors and check them twice.
Suburb Service: Subaru Maintenance & Repair Near Seattle
Need maintenance or repair on your Subaru near Seattle? We love Subaru customers-it's why we've chosen to specialize in Subaru-only car repair, maintenance, and more. We've treated Seattle's Subaru customers to excellent service for so many years-and we can't wait to treat you too. Whether you need to make a regular maintenance appointments, schedule a repair service, or want to discuss installing a security system, contact us. Call Suburb Service today at (206) 705-8695 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with us. Show your Subaru some love.