Page 11 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2022

INSURANCE NEWS
Crime Prevention Starts with You
It is safe to say our most expensive possessions as adults are our home and our vehicles. Thinking about any of our prized possessions, the No. 1 way to start
to prevent crime is to, very simply, lock your doors. This applies whether you are referring to your home or your vehicle. While it may sound like a no-brainer, this is one of the biggest reasons why homes and vehicles are being burglarized and personal property inside is being stolen so easily. Here are some new and more advanced ways we can help protect break-ins from happening in the first place: Never leave your car running and unattended. It might seem innocent to start your car to heat it up in the winter or to quickly run into a convenience store to grab something while the car is running, but it could be a huge mistake. Close all the windows (including the sunroof), keep your key or key fob in your pocket and keep bags or personal items tucked under something to avoid being seen.
Use an anti-theft/radio-frequency identification blocking bag. With most cars that are 2015 or newer, there is no longer an ignition key, rather a push-button start with a fob. This also unlocks your door. The fob sends out a radio signal to the car to unlock the door or start the engine. Thieves can then use a wireless transmitter to capture that signal. The point is: thieves don’t need your fob to steal or break into your vehicle. The best way to protect yourself from a stolen signal is to put your fob in an RFID blocking bag or cage. This is a protective shield against electromagnetic frequencies coming from external environments. They are relatively inexpensive when compared to the peace of mind of
Shutterstock: Sensay
protecting your vehicle. You can find these anti-theft cases small enough to store just your fob or credit cards, or big enough to store your smart device. Who knew? Make sure you have proper and functional locks in place. While some of these preventative measures can be applied to protecting your home, checking to ensure you have locks on all the possible points of entry is critical. While most thieves use the front door to just walk into a home, more than half of burglaries happen from first-floor windows and back doors. Before leaving your home, consider making a checklist to remind yourself to do things like leaving a light on, turning off appliances and locking up.
Get a warning device. Today, you don’t have to have
a sophisticated home security system that has monthly fees attached to it. As long as you have wireless internet, there are options with door and window sensors. The greatest part of this system is you receive mobile alerts when a sensor is triggered to your cell phone. You can invest in a doorbell camera. If you do go in the direction of a security system, there might be other benefits like abnormal water level detection and automatic emergency response representatives.
Whether going to work for the day or on a longer vacation, following these basic suggestions can help with peace of mind. For more suggestions on how to protect your home or auto, contact a AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agent. We can help make sure you’ve got the best package to meet your needs and make sure you’re not missing out on any discounts on your insurance policies. Call 518-649-1717 or visit AAA.com/Insurance.
Eman Badr is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and Manager of AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agency.
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