Know How to Protect Yourself on Halloween, the Worst Night of the Year for Vehicle Vandalism
knowing these Common sense tips can save you from filing a vehicle insurance claim not just on Halloween but on any day
Halloween is less than three weeks away, and with it comes the highest-risk night of the year for vehicle vandalism. Data from insurance industry reports shows that compared to an average day, you are nearly twice as likely to become a victim of car damage on October 31. Thieves and vandals take advantage of the darkness, costumes, and holiday distractions to strike quickly and quietly. While you cannot eliminate the risk entirely, you can reduce your chances by being proactive in the days before and during Halloween.
Traveling to a Party
On Halloween, think ahead about where you will park, especially if you will be out late. If you are heading to a new neighborhood, ask the host or a friend about safe parking options before you go. Plan to arrive early since the best, most visible spots will fill up fast. Prioritize open, well-lit areas where your car will be in public view.
Heading Downtown
In busy downtown areas, the safest bet is a parking deck with good lighting or a controlled access lot with an attendant on duty. The presence of staff and surveillance cameras discourages most vandals and thieves, who tend to avoid situations with potential witnesses or recorded footage.
Get a Ride
If you really want to protect your vehicle on Halloween, consider not driving it at all. Use a rideshare service, taxi, public transit, or catch a ride with a friend. While it may cost a little more up front, it can save you from the hassle and expense of repairs, and it lets you enjoy the night without worrying about parking or driving home after a few drinks.
Use Your Garage if You Have One
If you have a garage, clear it out and use it to store your vehicle, even if it means moving seasonal storage elsewhere. Parking inside eliminates the opportunity for vandals to target your car in the first place. If space is tight, consider making temporary arrangements with a neighbor to share garage space.
If You Don't Have a Garage
Park as close to your home as possible, but also evaluate the lighting and surroundings. Avoid parking next to tall shrubs, fences, or dark alleys where someone could hide. In some cases, a slightly farther but better-lit location is safer than the closest spot available.
Brighten Up Your Home, Yard and Street
Light is one of the most effective deterrents against vandalism. Turn on porch lights, floodlights, and pathway lights to make your property as visible as possible. If streetlights near your home are out, report them now to your municipality or power company so they can be fixed before Halloween night. The more lit your area is, the less appealing it becomes to would-be criminals.
Don't Attract People to Your Car
Never leave valuables visible inside your vehicle, especially on Halloween when masks and costumes make it easier for thieves to conceal their identity. Avoid leaving bags, electronics, or tools in plain sight, even if they are empty or worthless, they can tempt a smash-and-grab. An empty-looking vehicle is a less appealing target.
Use Your Car's Alarm
If your vehicle has an alarm system, activate it every time you park. While car alarms may not scare off every thief, the sudden noise can startle a vandal and draw unwanted attention to their actions. Remember that most alarms only arm when you lock the car with the key fob.
Common Sense: Lock Up
Lock your doors and secure your windows every time, even if the car is in your driveway. Many vandals strike only when an opportunity is convenient, an unlocked vehicle is an open invitation. If you have a truck with locking toolboxes, secure them as well.
These Tips Apply All Year
Vehicle theft and vandalism can happen any night of the year. Using these precautions beyond Halloween will help you protect your investment and reduce the chances of needing to file an insurance claim.