Authorities Warn Against Storing These 10 Items in Your Glove Box
The glove compartment often seems like the perfect place to store essentials for your car. However, certain items stored there may leave you vulnerable to theft, fraud, or damage, especially if your car is burglarized. Here are 10 things you should never keep in your glove compartment, based on expert advice.
1. Personal Information
Any documents containing personal information, such as your home address, should be stored elsewhere. Identity thieves can easily misuse this data to create fake accounts or access your home.
2. Vehicle Registration and Title
Although you may need your vehicle registration when pulled over, keeping the original in your glove compartment isn't safe. Thieves can use it to impersonate you or sell the car. A photocopy in your wallet or digital storage on your phone is a safer option.
3. Receipts
Receipts often contain sensitive details like your name, address, and possibly even credit card information. Storing them in your glove compartment exposes you to identity theft.
4. Valuables
Items such as electronics, jewelry, or wallets are magnets for thieves. Even if hidden in the glove box, your valuables are not safe from theft, and your car insurance won't cover their loss.
5. Garage Door Opener
A garage door opener combined with personal information could provide thieves easy access to your home. Keep the opener out of sight or in your purse or bag instead.
6. Spare Keys
Leaving a spare key in the glove compartment might seem convenient, but it's a major security risk. If your car is broken into, you've just made it easier for the thief to steal your vehicle.
7. Checkbooks
A checkbook provides access to your bank account. If stolen, it can be used to commit fraud or make unauthorized purchases. It's safer to keep it with you or store it securely at home.
8. Invoices
Similar to receipts, invoices can include personal information and expose you to identity theft. Important documents should be filed away at home or stored digitally.
9. Cosmetics and Lotions
Cosmetics can melt or deteriorate in extreme temperatures, causing a mess or becoming unusable. Keep them out of the car to avoid spills and wastage.
10. Batteries
The heat inside a car can cause batteries to leak or become ineffective, posing a potential safety hazard. Store them in a more temperature-controlled environment instead.
Leaving these items in your glove compartment is not worth the risk — keep them somewhere more secure.
References: 11 Things You Shouldn't Keep in Your Glove Compartment | 10 Items You Shouldn't Store in Your Car, According to Pros
