How Rick Steves Protects Rental Cars From Theft While Traveling

Travel guru Rick Steves has some excellent advice on how to theft-proof your rental car, and it all starts with blending in. According to Steves on his website, one key to protecting your rental car and the stuff inside is to make the car look local — that means don't leave tourist brochures or maps strewn about where someone can see them and pin you as a tourist. Steves even suggests putting a local newspaper in clear view to complete the disguise.

You can also prevent thieves from busting your windows by leaving the glove compartment open to signal that there's nothing worth stealing inside. Steves mentions that police often suggest leaving the car unlocked at night to avoid broken windows. But one of the best ways to protect yourself from theft is to not leave anything of value at all in the car. If you must leave behind certain valuables (for example, a camera or your cell phone), make sure they are out of sight or in the trunk.

Tourists should also be aware of their surroundings when driving. Check for broken glass in the parking lot before parking — if you spot any, that lot could be a hotspot for theft. Parking in a busy, well-lit area or even near a police or fire station may be safest. If you're new to the car rental counter, be sure to read our guide to renting a car for the first time.

If your belongings are stolen while traveling, the first step is to file a police report. This goes for individual items or if your rental car is stolen. If your wallet was taken, be sure to contact your bank and credit card companies to freeze your cards. For nicked passports, contact your local embassy for help. Changing your passwords is also wise if your electronics (laptop, phone, tablet) are taken, as thieves could get into your accounts using your devices.

If you're wondering if you need rental car insurance, you may want to consider it if you don't already have coverage through your personal insurance or a credit card to protect your rental. Typically, rental car insurance will cover you if the rental becomes damaged or the car is stolen. Some policies might even cover your belongings if they are stolen out of the car.

Before you even hit the road in a rental car, it's wise to photograph its condition to avoid disputes over damages (ahem, broken windows) if they do arise. You might also consider using a steering wheel lock for extra protection (like this Tevlaphee anti-theft car device) — although it's old school, it could be a deterrent to any opportunistic car thieves. If your rental gets broken into or stolen outright, be sure to document the damage and make a list of items that were stolen. Then, you'll need to contact the car company with the police report for more help.