Tips to prevent having your car stolen

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. In the U.S., a vehicle is stolen every 45 seconds and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California ranks No. 1 as the state in which cars are most likely to be stolen. July and August are the months when most cars are stolen.

It may seem to be common sense, but some of the best ways to keep your car safe are things most people forget to do. Here’s some simple tips from the NHTSA:

When you leave your car, make sure to lock and close all of your windows Never leave your car running if you’re not in it. Always make sure to park in well-lit areas. Make sure to hide your valuable items out of plain sight.

The No. 1 car to be stolen is the Honda Accord, followed by the Honda Civic.

The NHTSA gives the following advice if your car is stolen:

Contact the police and file a stolen vehicle report. Be sure to file an insurance report within 24 hours of the theft. If you find your car before authorities do, make sure you notify them and your insurance company.

Unfortunately nearly 42 percent of stolen vehicles are never recovered. That is why a little extra effort on your part will pay off in the long run.