Experts Warn: Lock All Vehicles—Soft-Top Jeeps Excepted

A Chicago woman suggested on TikTok that drivers should leave their car doors unlocked when parking in high-crime areas to avoid having windows smashed by thieves, which could lead to hundreds of dollars in repair costs. However, most commenters and insurance experts disagree, warning that this practice could invite greater risks—such as intruders hiding inside the vehicle, theft of belongings, or even the entire car being stolen. The prevailing advice remains clear: regardless of where you park, always lock your standard vehicle and remove any valuables. The only exception involves soft-top Jeeps or convertibles, whose tops can be easily slashed, with replacement costs ranging from $1,200 to $3,000; owners of these vehicles often choose to leave doors unlocked to protect the roof. The Texas Department of Insurance also recommends locking your vehicle at all times, except in the case of such specialty models.