Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

Did you know that in 2024, a vehicle was stolen every 37 seconds in the U.S.?

Ever wonder why summer months bring more than just heat — like a rise in car thefts?

If you’ve ever walked away from your car wondering,  “Did I lock it?”  — this article is for you. Car theft doesn’t just happen in big cities or sketchy neighborhoods. It’s fast, opportunistic, and often avoidable.

Today, we’ll break down  why vehicle theft is on the rise  and exactly  what you can do to reduce your risk  — in three simple but powerful steps.

Thieves don’t take vacations. But car owners often do.

Summer brings:

• More travel and unfamiliar parking locations
• Increased distractions (especially at gas stations or roadside stops)
• Windows left cracked for heat relief

All of this creates  opportunities for theft , especially when combined with simple slip-ups like leaving keys in the ignition “just for a minute.”

This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often it’s ignored.

Even if you’re running into the gas station or dropping off a package, leaving your car running or unlocked — even for a moment — is like sending an open invitation.

Make it a habit to:

• Roll up  all  windows (yes, even that little one you leave cracked)
• Double-check that your  sunroof  is sealed
• Secure your  trunk and glove box , especially if you store valuables or documents inside

Thieves often look for easy access — not necessarily to take the car, but to grab your stuff.

Where you park is half your protection.

• Aim for  well-lit, high-traffic areas
• At home, consider installing motion lights or a camera
• Don’t rely only on alarms;  visibility and deterrents work better

If you’re traveling, avoid long-term lots with little security or monitoring.

At the end of the day, car theft isn’t just a big-city problem — and it’s more common than you think, especially in summer.

By staying mindful of  where you park ,  how you secure your vehicle , and  what small habits you practice daily , you’re reducing your risk by more than half.

Let’s chat.  The Vargas & Vargas team is here to help you feel confident that you’re protected from more than just what’s “under the hood.”