How To Prevent Theft of Your Classic Car

Theft is a prevalent danger that’s often on car owners’ minds. This threat is even more significant for classic car owners. Classic cars are often more valuable and are typically easier targets for thieves as they often don’t have the modern anti-theft systems and technologies that modern cars do. Below, we offer strategies for car owners to prevent classic car theft and give them peace of mind.

First, Get Insurance

The first thing you should do before employing any other anti-theft strategies is to get classic car insurance. You can have all the anti-theft devices and security in place, but if all else fails, you want to ensure you’ll be made whole again by the insurance company, even if you cannot replace your prized collector car.

Classic car insurance is different from typical car insurance because we all know that classic cars are different and are used differently. Classic car value is also not an exact science like other, everyday cars, so you’ll likely have to have an independent appraiser evaluate the car and determine the car’s value for yourself and the insurance provider.

If Shipping, Use Only a Qualified Shipper

One of the ways that thieves will target valuable collector cars is when they’re in transit, as they’re much more vulnerable on the road than when they’re securely stored in a locked garage. First, you’ll want to call your insurance provider and confirm your classic car is covered while in transit, and you should also ask for a referral about shipping your vehicle.

You’ll want to trust your prized possession with only a qualified, experienced shipper who knows what they’re doing. Always select a shipper that uses covered transport vehicles so your classic car isn’t on display for every potential thief to see. Also, confirm the shipper has quality anti-theft devices and security measures like high-quality locks, security cameras, and more.

Install a Tracker

While it may not prevent theft, one of the best strategies for recovering your vehicle is installing a tracking device. Many aftermarket classic car tracking devices are available that allow owners to activate when their vehicle has been stolen and will show the vehicle’s location to the owner and law enforcement.

Other trackers are operational using GPS, so car owners can check on their cars through their phones to confirm their location and safety. There are even tracking devices that will alert the owner if there’s an unauthorized access attempt. To be extra certain of your vehicle’s location, you can install multiple devices as backups in case thieves find a tracker and destroy it.

Install a Kill Switch

Another common tool for preventing classic car theft is installing a kill switch or battery disconnect. The most common method of installing a kill switch on a valuable car is installing a battery disconnect. A battery disconnect allows drivers to connect and disconnect the battery whenever they’re not using it, so any potential thief who tries to start the vehicle will find the engine dead.

Just make sure that the mechanic installing the battery disconnect knows what they’re doing; otherwise, it can cause numerous problems with the electrical system. Some kill switches also cut the ignition or the power to the fuel pump and limit how far it can be driven.

Utilize Theft Protection Devices

Typically, the best solutions are the simplest ones, and that’s also true with protecting your classic car. If you’ve got an older car without an alarm, installing one immediately is wise, as it’s still a great tool for deterring thieves from messing with your car. Also, if your classic car has old and unreliable locks, you’ll want to quickly add more secure locking mechanisms.

A steering wheel lock is also a good idea to immobilize the steering wheel and will naturally ward off many car thieves when they glimpse the device through the window. Or some classic car owners find a way to remove the steering wheel entirely when not using it!

Get an Alarm Sticker

Sometimes, the best security device is a simple sticker! Once you’ve installed an alarm, let any would-be thieves know that your car is geared and ready to thwart them with a simple sticker that states the vehicle is equipped with an alarm.

Many thieves assume that older cars won’t have an alarm, so a simple sticker will make them think twice about breaking the lock. If you’ve got a tracking device on the car, include a sticker of that to let criminals know you won’t give up even if they manage to get the vehicle.

Invest in Secure Storage

Where you keep your classic car is almost as important as any anti-theft device or system you install. Many classic car owners will store their vehicle for months or years at a time, making them prime targets for thieves who know the car is sitting unattended for long periods.

If you keep your vehicle in your garage, always ensure it’s locked and covered so anyone peeking through garage windows won’t see it. If you’re keeping it in a storage unit, ensure the facility has quality security measures like cameras and a gated entrance.

Always Park in a Secure Location

The best opportunity for a would-be thief to steal a car is when the vehicle is parked publicly on the street or in an unattended parking lot. If you ever must park in public, always opt for a secure parking location, even if it’s more expensive.

A secure parking garage is typically the best option because they’ll have a gated entrance and security cameras. When parking in a garage, always park in well-lit areas and close to elevators or stairs where there are typically more cameras.

Check on Your Car Frequently

Finally, checking on your vehicle regularly is the best way to prevent theft of your classic car. Especially if you’ve parked the vehicle in public, it’s wise to check on it every half hour or more often to ensure it’s there.

If you’re storing it long-term in a unit, you should still confirm that the vehicle is safe and secure with weekly visits. A GPS tracker and security cameras for storage are good ideas, so you can always keep tabs on the vehicle.

Where To Find Classic Cars in Florida, USA

If you’re looking for classic cars online in the USA, considering Ideal Classic Cars’ wide selection. Browse our inventory here or visit our Venice, Florida, showroom to get an up-close look at our gorgeous vehicles!