Break the Bad Habit of Leaving Keys in Your Car

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), vehicle thefts in the U.S. increased by 11% from 2020 to 2021. Approximately 10% of those vehicles were stolen because the driver left the keys or fobs inside the car.

States and municipalities across the country have launched the Lock It or Lose It campaign to counter the increase of vehicle thefts. The campaign also stresses that a stolen car can lead to a more serious crime. A car thief may steal your vehicle and drive it to commit robbery, a violent crime, or even murder.

Owners of higher-end vehicles should know that cars less than five-years old with a sticker price of $50,000 or more are frequent targets. While these vehicles may be equipped with robust safety features, the technology is rendered useless when the vehicle is left unlocked with the keys inside.

How can you prevent becoming a victim of car theft?

• Always lock your vehicle, and take your keys/fobs with you
• Park in well–lit areas, ideally with security cameras
• Never leave an idling vehicle unattended
• Avoid starting your car to warm it up and going back inside your house

Prevent a troublesome experience by keeping your keys with you and locking your vehicle. It’s a good habit that will help keep your car safe.

If you are the victim of a car theft, immediately contact local police. You also need to call an NJM representative at 1-800-232-6600, and inform your financing or leasing provider, if applicable.

For more information about driver safety, visit safetycenter.njm.com.

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.