Holiday Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips to Reduce Insurance Claims

During the holiday shopping season, there is a notable increase in vehicle break-ins targeting unattended holiday gifts and valuables left in cars. Insurance provider Mercury Insurance highlights preventive measures to protect personal vehicles and belongings from theft, emphasizing that visible packages inside vehicles often attract quick opportunistic thefts known as "smash-and-grab." Key recommendations include placing gifts in the trunk or concealed compartments, locking doors and windows, parking in well-lit and monitored areas, avoiding visible items in the vehicle even briefly, and staying aware of one’s surroundings when parking or retrieving items. Mercury Insurance underscores that while these precautions significantly mitigate theft risks, reviewing auto and personal property insurance coverage before the holiday season is prudent preparation for any unexpected losses. Mercury Insurance operates in multiple states offering a range of insurance products including personal auto, homeowners, renters, business auto, and cyber protection. The advice is grounded on law enforcement and national crime prevention best practices, reflecting common patterns in seasonal theft risks and the resulting insurance claims. Industry professionals can consider these insights to better advise policyholders on risk management during high-theft periods and evaluate the adequacy of coverage related to holiday-related claims. This advisory aligns with broader insurance concerns about crime-related claims spikes and the need for proactive policyholder engagement on security practices and coverage review.