Car Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping

Auto · Originally published November 19, 2015 · Updated November 2026

From Battlefield Road and Glenstone in Springfield to Range Line Road in Joplin, holiday shopping season packs parking lots with hurried drivers and cars full of packages. That combination leads to fender benders, break-ins and the occasional stolen car. Here's how to keep your trip merry.

Drive and park defensively

Parking lots are full of people backing out, walking between cars and looking at their phones.

• Slow down in lots and watch for pedestrians, especially children and shoppers carrying bags.
• Skip the hunt for the closest spot. Parking a little farther out often means less traffic and fewer door dings.
• Pull through, or back into, a space when it's safe to do so, so you can drive out forward with a better view.
• Back out slowly and use your mirrors and backup camera, but don't rely on them alone.
• Shop during off-peak hours if you can. Weekday mornings are usually calmer.

Protect your packages

Thieves know what holiday shoppers carry.

• Keep purchases out of sight. Put them in the trunk or under a cover, not on the seats.
• Stash bags before you arrive at your next stop. Someone watching the lot may notice you loading the trunk and then walking away.
• Take valuables with you, including purses, laptops and phones.
• Make extra trips home if you're buying a lot, rather than leaving a car full of gifts in a lot all afternoon.

Protect your car

• Always lock your doors and close the windows, even for a quick stop.
• Never leave the car running unattended, even to warm it up on a cold morning. An idling car with the keys inside is an easy target.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas, near entrances or light poles.
• Don't leave spare keys or your garage door opener visible in the car.

Protect yourself

• Have your keys ready before you reach your car.
• Look around and inside the car before getting in.
• Stay off your phone while walking through the lot.
• Ask store security for an escort if you feel uneasy, especially after dark.

Which insurance covers what

Holiday claims often involve more than one policy, which surprises a lot of people.

• Gifts stolen from your car are generally covered by your homeowners or renters policy as personal property, subject to that policy's deductible, not by your auto policy. See what renters insurance covers for more.
• A broken window or damaged lock from a break-in is generally handled under the comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
• A stolen car is covered under comprehensive if you carry it.
• Backing into another car is a liability claim for their damage and a collision claim for yours, if you carry collision.
• A hit-and-run in a parking lot generally falls under collision for your own repairs.

If you rent and don't have renters insurance yet, it's worth a look. Many people bundle renters and auto with the same company. Learn more about renters insurance or our home insurance options.

Talk to a local agent

Want to make sure your car and your packages are both protected this season? Call us at 417.865.4800 or visit our auto insurance page.

Common questions

Does car insurance cover items stolen from my car?

Usually not. Personal belongings stolen from a car are generally covered by homeowners or renters insurance, while the auto policy's comprehensive coverage handles damage to the car itself.

Who pays if someone hits my parked car and drives off?

If you can't identify the other driver, your collision coverage generally pays for repairs, minus your deductible. Report it to police and your insurer promptly.

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