How to Keep Your Rental Car Safe

Load and hide your stuff before reaching your destination. Everything you plan to leave in your rental car should be stowed and hidden before you even leave the rental lot. Pulling into your parking spot and removing items of value lets everyone know where you keep the goods. Unload away from your parking space. Have valuables easily accessible before you get out. Always taking goods from the same place broadcasts to thieves that you're an easy target. Choose your parking space wisely. In airport lots, park within view of exit toll booths, parking offices, or shuttle pickup locations. Always park in well-lit areas. Park trunk-out so thieves can't hide while breaking in. On the street, park under a street lamp near busy areas.

When in doubt, use a parking garage. The internal lighting and crowded nature of garages make them safer than street parking. Always remove or secure valuable items like GPS devices and personal items. Self-park when you can. Most valet lots are safe, but temptation can be too great for some attendants. Assume thieves want to steal your rental car outright. Most thieves will try to steal the car rather than just breaking in, taking all valuables with them. Making your car appear less inviting encourages a potential thief to skip yours.

A neat car is less likely to be burglarized. Messy cars full of stuff appear to be hiding valuables. If a thief only sees upholstery, chances are they'll move on. Check for valuables when you return. If you have suspicions, check right away for filing a police report—one popular tactic is taking cameras from camera bags. Rent wisely: choose cars that aren't easily exposed or broken into, pick generic models that attract less attention, and don't leave your rental contract in the car.