According to the FBI, a gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes in the United States, on average. In 2022, nearly 112,000 guns were reported stolen in the 337 small to large-sized cities that reported data to the FBI, and 51 percent of those guns were reported stolen from cars. Increasingly, guns are being stolen from cars parked in driveways or garages, where people feel their vehicle is most safe and may not bother to lock their vehicle. Criminals always seek the least risky way to acquire guns, and unfortunately vehicles have become an easy target.

This article addresses securing firearms in unattended vehicles, reasons against locking them up, and various security methods.

The Case for Securing Your Firearm in Your Vehicle

Firearms are increasingly being stolen from unattended vehicles. With 29 Constitutional Carry states and millions of new gun owners in recent years, more people carry firearms daily, often leaving them in vehicles. This makes vehicles prime targets for criminals seeking firearms, since the risk of being confronted or caught is significantly lower than if breaking into a residence occupied by an armed homeowner.

There are various reasons someone might leave a gun in their vehicle unattended. In many states, carrying a handgun for self-defense in a vehicle doesn’t require a CCW permit, leading those without permits to leave their guns in the car. 

Additionally, people often leave firearms in their cars when visiting places that ban them, like U.S. Post Offices (USPS) or Court Houses. In fact, it is illegal to have a firearm in your vehicle on USPS property. States like New York, California, and Colorado have also expanded so-called “sensitive spaces” laws, creating more gun-free zones even for CCW permit holders.

Additionally, at least in Colorado, a new law mandates that guns left in a vehicle must be securely stored. The Democrat legislators that supported this bill claimed they supported due to the number of guns stolen from vehicles in Colorado.

Regardless of the reason, there will be times when a person must leave their firearm in their vehicle. Given the significant increase in theft from cars, there is a strong case to secure your firearm when leaving it in your car unattended. Obviously, nobody wants a firearm stolen nor do they want to be responsible for putting a firearm in a criminal’s hands.  

The Case Against Securing Your Firearm in Your Vehicle

Why would someone who left a gun in their vehicle not want to lock it up? Probably the most common argument to not lock it up is envisioning a scenario where you may need quick access to it as soon as you get to your vehicle.

For example, what if a bad guy has intent on carjacking your vehicle and has been waiting for you to return? Or a former boyfriend is stalking a woman and knows where she works and parks. Maybe even a scenario where a wild animal is attacking you as you get back to your vehicle.

Another reason some people may not want to lock up their firearm in their vehicle while unattended is the hassle of doing it. Many people who take a gun in their car simply shove the gun (in a case) under the seat. They may believe that having to take it out and lock it up and unlock it every time they get in/out of the vehicle is unnecessary.  

How to Secure Your Firearm in Your Vehicle

The easiest way to secure a firearm in a vehicle is using the center console or glove box. Colorado’s new law permits this, although it initially did not. However, the locks on these compartments are often not high quality and can be easily defeated.

Storing a firearm in the glove box while driving can be hazardous. If pulled over, a police officer may see it while you retrieve insurance and registration, potentially escalating the situation.

A better option is using a gun safe designed for vehicles, which many companies offer. These safes can use keys, key-codes, or biometrics and are typically secured to the car seat frame with a cable lock. Using a cable lock alone is not recommended, as it can make the firearm visible and does not protect it from dirt and debris on the vehicle floor. Locking your firearm in your trunk, if you have one, is also a secure option.

Other Considerations

If you must leave a firearm in the vehicle, don’t leave other valuables visible. Often, criminals will break into a car because they saw something they thought had value – such as a bag that may have a computer or other valuables in it.

Park in an area that is very visible and well-lit if parking at night or overnight. Park in an area that also allows for quick and easy access to your vehicle.

Some people have a specific firearm they take with them when they use a vehicle – one that is not necessarily their everyday carry firearm and they leave it in their vehicle day in, day out. It is recommended that the firearm be removed from the vehicle when it is not necessary to leave it in the vehicle, even if that is in the homeowner’s garage.  

 

Additional Resources

https://uwk.com/blogs/blog/car-gun-storage 

https://www.concealedcarry.com/safety/vehicle-firearm-storage-and-secure-transportation/ 

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2024a_1348_signed.pdf 

https://www.nssf.org/articles/storing-firearms-in-your-vehicle-responsibly/ 

https://www.safeandvaultstore.com/collections/car-gun-safe 

https://www.rimfirecentral.com/threads/how-to-secure-your-pistol-in-a-vehicle.1269831/ 

https://apnews.com/article/stolen-guns-cars-crime-fbi-data-66316ff1933dad8df984803fca377775 

Why You Need CCW Insurance

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, it places a significant amount of responsibility on you. Safety is the utmost concern. However, there are also potential legal ramifications if involved in a self-defense incident. These may include criminal charges and/or a civil lawsuit.

Second Call Defense provides a range of services for Members that include immediate access to an attorney, coverage for legal expenses and even psychological support. This comprehensive approach ensures that Members are not only financially protected but also have immediate and expert legal representation to navigate the complexities of self-defense laws.

Join Second Call Defense Today

Second Call Defense has a 100% success rate in defending our members. We ensure that you’re never alone in the aftermath of a self-defense incident and we will never ask you to pay us back for your legal defense. Click here to become a Member of Second Call Defense today.

Conclusion

Summer months can present unique challenges to concealed carry. You want to wear shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sun dresses and even bathing suits. These will likely require some changes to how you carry. Consider different clothing options, different holster options and even different firearm options. Try different combinations out learn what works best for you. Don’t forget to practice drawing to make sure you are quick and efficient. If you carry a handgun, you should also become a Member of Second Call Defense.