How to prevent car theft of your (rental) car?
Car theft is something that nobody wants to experience. Unfortunately, it does happen in the Netherlands so 30 times a day. Fortunately, there are good ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of car theft. Read these five tips and discover what you can do to make it as difficult as possible for car thieves.
Tip 1: Park the hire car in smart locations
Where is the best place to rent a car parking If you want to prevent car theft? Initially, a garage is the best option. Thieves prefer cars that are easy to take, such as cars parked on the street. If they first have to get through security or have to consider cameras, that is a great deterrent. This can work in both public and private garages.
If you don't have access to a garage, park your car as far back on the driveway as possible. This makes it less attractive for car thieves to have to walk across private property to get to the car. Additionally, using alarm systems, dogs, and good lighting can help protect your car.
Tip 2: Storing of the car keys
Another good tip to Car theft to prevent is to keep your rental car keys safe. This means that you should out of sight must be kept separate from your house keys. Thieves can break into your house to steal your car keys.
Additionally Never leave a spare key in the car, as thieves will always look for it and then drive away. Always lock the rental car completely, no matter how short you are away. And never leave the engine running, even if you're only going inside for a very short time.
Tip 3: An empty car is less attractive
Another way to prevent car theft is to make the rental car as unattractive as possible to steal. A car with valuables inside is a sought-after car for thieves. Therefore, always take your belongings with you when you leave the car. This includes laptops, mobile phones, GPS systems, and so on. You can also leave the glove compartment open to show that there is nothing valuable to be had.
Finally, two general tips that will increase the safety of your (rental) car.
Tip 4: Use electronics to prevent car theft
Nowadays, there are many different electronic options to prevent you from becoming a victim of car theft. For example, you can choose to have an alarm system fitted in your car. This will go off as soon as someone tries to break in and will deter thieves.
There are also vehicle tracking systems that can track the car using a GPS system if it has been stolen. This makes it easier to locate the vehicle again. In addition, there are also mechanical security devices for, for example, the gear mechanism or ones that can lock the steering wheel.
Tip 5: Handling Documents
When purchasing a car, you receive a number of onboard documents that are essential in preventing car theft. Initially, it is sensible to make a copy of all documents and keep them with the original invoice and a photograph of the car.
Should the car be stolen, you can prove you are the rightful owner and it makes it easier to track down the car. It is important that you never leave the documents in the car. If a thief steals your car, you immediately hand over the papers with which he/she can pose as the owner.
Would you like to know more about which cars you can hire from us? Here's a current overview of our available rental cars.
More tips about the car hire, Driving in winter, Saving money on holiday, frugal fuel consumption, and the the prevention of theft You read here.
Read more tips about Safe driving.
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