Warming Up Your Vehicle? An Open Invitation to Thieves

Are you making your vehicle a target for theft? 

With the weather getting colder, many drivers warm up their vehicles before hitting the road. Waiting in the comfort of one’s home with the heat blasting in the car may seem like a good idea, but, you might be putting your car at risk. In fact, leaving a vehicle unattended as it warms up is illegal in certain states and municipalities.  

But the danger stretches past a ticket or a fine. During the winter, thieves are on the lookout for vehicles warming up. They watch for the puffs of steam that vehicles emit as they warm up, and with the key already in the ignition, they hop in and drive off. 

In 2023, NICB identified 84,267 vehicles that were stolen with the key or fob inside the vehicle. 

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reminds consumers about the dangers of leaving a vehicle unlocked with the keys or fob still inside and urges you to keep yourself safe. 

Tips to prevent auto theft this winter: 

• Lock the vehicle, set the alarm, and remove all keys/fobs 
• Do not leave the garage door opener in the vehicle 
• Do not leave vehicle registration or other papers with personal information in the car. Keep a photo of your registration on your cell phone. 
• Never leave your car unlocked and running to warm it up.  

If you’re committed to warming up your car, consider a remote starter that allow car owners to start the engine with the vehicle safely locked without having a key or fob in the car.  

Note: insurance may not cover the cost of warm-up theft, because owners could be considered negligent for leaving the vehicle running. Contact your insurance company to learn the specifics of your coverage.  

When a vehicle is warming up, it only takes a moment for an opportunistic thief to steal it.