An insurance policy covers theft with a heavy premium being charged by the company but the trouble of getting the claim amount is just as much when your car is actually stolen. So let insurance be an option when your car gets stolen and concentrate on preventing that from happening. Here are a few tips to protect your car from theft.

• Install an anti-theft device as soon as you buy a car.

• When leaving the car, lock it securely with the windows properly rolled up.

• Wherever possible, park your car in safe enclosures preferably with a security guard around.

• When visiting people, try to utilize garage spaces, if available while leaving the car for a long time.

• When parking the car at your own house, ensure that you lock the garage door firmly and have another alarm set that goes off if somebody forcefully tries to open the door.

• Do not leave valuable belongings like mobile phones, or any other electronic devices in the car.

• The identification number of the vehicle can be engraved on different parts of the vehicle so that reselling becomes difficult.

• Park your car between other cars and where there are a host of cars already parked. This makes driving away in a hurry a difficult task.

• If your car has loads of luggage that can not be carried then cover it with a cloth that spreads smoothly over the surface.

• If allowed by state laws, cover the windows with a dark film that does not give easy visibility inside the car.

• Do not leave spare keys inside or outside the car itself.

• When parking in the dark, choose an area that is well-lit and preferably one that is visible from some window while you are inside the building.

• Always park your car with the wheels turned so that it can not be towed away without releasing the steering wheel lock.

• Use emergency breaks when you park your car so that towing away becomes difficult yet again.

• Do not leave the registration papers in the car. If stolen, these can be used to sell the car without raising suspicion.