One surefire way to have a road trip ruined this summer is for the main mode of transportation — the vehicle — to be stolen.

July marks Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, a reminder for motorists to guard against someone speeding off with their car or pickup truck. More than 850,000 vehicles were stolen nationwide in 2024, highlighting the importance of taking steps to avoid becoming a statistic this year, according to AAA-The Auto Club Group, https://www.acg.aaa.com/.

Michigan accounted for 21,600 of those stolen vehicle reports in 2024, according to Michigan Incident Crime Reporting.

AAA urges that drivers lock their vehicles, stow away any valuables that are inside and park in well-lit areas. In addition, anti-theft devices and technology can dramatically reduce the risk of theft, AAA advised in a news release.

“It only takes a few seconds for a thief to steal a car that’s been left vulnerable,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Simple precautions — like removing spare keys, locking the doors and installing visible deterrents — can make your vehicle a much less attractive target.”

“Vehicle theft is all too common, and even more so during the summer months, making it important for consumers to take preventative actions to protect their vehicles from theft,” Anita Fox, director of the the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, said in a joint news release with Michigan State Police.

Their tips for discouraging thieves include:

Awareness

– Park in well-lit areas;

– Lock doors and close all windows;

– Keep all personal items and valuables out of sight;

– Never leave spare keys inside the vehicle;

— Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running; and

— Subscribe to your vehicle manufacturer’s communications, emergency services and remote diagnostics systems.

Deterrence

– Use steering wheel or brake pedal locks;

– Apply theft deterrent decals; and

– Install audible alarm systems.

Immobilization

– Enable smart key functions;

– Consider fuse cut-offs or kill switches;

– Add fuel pump or starter disablers; and

– Use wireless ignition authentication.

Tracking

Some systems employ telematics, which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Fox noted that some of these steps may qualify the motorist for insurance discounts. “Talk to your insurance company or agent to make sure you are getting the discounts for which you qualify,” she said.

According to MSP and DIFS, those who do fall victim to vehicle theft should:

— Immediately contact local law enforcement. A copy of the police report will be needed for the insurance company to proceed with a claim.

— Contact the insurance provider to file a claim within 24 hours of the theft.

— If the vehicle is located before law enforcement finds it, immediately contact police and the insurance company.

For more information about vehicle theft prevention or to discuss auto insurance questions, call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday or go online to https://www.michigan.gov/difs.