Chatman

Breaking into a car in CA is a misdemeanor that is not prosecuted and the criminal would be out on no bail if for some reason an arrest were made.

I will be leaving the Grand Sport at a good hotel overnight outside.

I am thinking unlocked, absolutely nothing in the car, including changing wires. Maybe even a light to show nothing is there? Windows down a bit? Ideas?

OlyC6

If I were in the same situation (regardless of state), and the probability of vandalism, theft or other bad stuff is high, I'd reconsider leaving the car.at home. And IF having a car and having to leave it was a necessity, then I'd rent a small car and use that - or if available, use taxi or Uber to get to the hotel. Only you understand the intrinsic value of your GS... so you'll have to weigh the consequences of leaving it (IMO).

buckmeister2

I guess I have to be the counter-point on this. First of all, choosing to not lock your car is silly. There are for more druggies looking for an unlocked car than pro thieves who actually break into a car. Sometimes, a person tries to find an open door so they can sleep somewhere.

Your car is a tool, a very nice tool, but still a tool. Surely, you have it fully insured, including zero deductible on comprehensive.

Call the local police, and see what they suggest. Probably, park in a well-lighted area, among other nice cars. Take everything out of your car that might tempt someone. Lock it up. Ask the concierge if they have the lot patrolled or on camera. Go to bed.

If you are in a dicey area, rent a car if it will help you sleep better.

If someone wants to steal my car, they can have it. I will collect far more than I paid for it. Anything else they do to it can be repaired.

I love my Vette, but if I ever start living my life differently out of worry for my car, I will consider I have paranoia, and seek treatment. No offense meant.

HBsurfer

I have been leaving my Corvette outside in hotel parking lots in California, Arizona and Nevada for almost 8 years now without any problems. You are over thinking this. Enjoy your car and if something happens, call your insurance company.

lilcuda

What city in CA? What neighborhood?

C5racecar

I definitely would not leave it unlocked. That is just an invitation for every druggy, vandal, or juvenile to get inside and destroy something. My friend in New York tells me he leaves his (not a Vette) car locked, with the glove box open and empty for all to see.
IMO thieves do not steal what they cannot see. If there is nothing to steal, they will move on to the next car.

FAUEE

The smart move is to just not go to California. The next smartest is to not bring anything you care about. Rent a car.

ClothSeats

I think it helps to park in a well-lit area of the parking lot that is within view of the front desk.

lilcuda

The OP lives in California already. He’s asking about parking it outside while on a trip of some sort. But since we haven’t heard back from him with specifics, it’s hard to give advice.

*89x2*

sonik_fury

How can someplace so beautiful be such crap?

4SUMERZ

I've done road trips in my C6 since 2010, in most mid to eastern states from Maine, to Florida, including Kentucky, Tennesse, West Virginia, Georgia, Pensylvsnia. New, York, and all the eastern seaboard states. I've stayed in countless Hotels in those 11 years, and never had any issues. I try to stay in higher end Hotels with well lit parking lots. I've even stayed in so called "liberal" areas and didn't encouter any issues there either. California is not the only state that has car break-ins. They all do.
I just enjoy my road trips and don't overthink stuff. Insurance will look after any issues that come up. Heavens, I even took all those trips on non runflat tires, and didn't worry about that fact either.

mkel2010

Burglary of a vehicle is still a straight felony in California; in order for the burglary section to apply the vehicle has to be locked. The bail issue, of course, would depend on where a suspect is arrested - each county in California will be different, as does the prosecution aspect

If the hotel is a "good" hotel, presumably they will have security on site, particularly if they've had issues with thefts in the past. It's unlikely yours would be the only vehicle in the lot so there would be other potential targets for thieves as well. Park in a well lighted area of the lot, don't leave anything visible and lock the car. Beyond that, there is nothing else you can do - regardless of where you might be parked.

C5 4me

Most of the time we take the GS I try to park it by the registration hotel entrance desk. If your going to SF we never stay in the city, we stay in Pacifica. 30 minutes outside of SF and beautiful little town on the ocean. Remember to lock your doors and leave nothing in your car but proof of ins & car registration And you should be fine brother

Corse46

Unfortunately 2010 isn't now; it's hard to ignore the the nearly-nationwide increase in crime. Criminals are emboldened. Every night I watch clips of teams shoplifting carts full of merchandise right out the door without being stopped. An 11 year old boy was just arrested in Chicago for a string of carjackings. I live in a very, very safe town in NJ and within the last year, there is now a a light-up sign when you enter the town that says "LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS", and my local Home Depot has started locking anything small behind cages. I bought an impact gun the other day and I had to find someone to unlock the cage, and then they had to walk it to the register for me. It's bonkers.

It's nice to have insurance to take care of any issues, but you're left holding the bag as far as value of the car. I just sold my Honda S2000 on BringATrailer, and if you have any documented bodywork on that Carfax, expect a few thousand off your final price. Insurance or not, I still take every precaution possible to avoid ever needing it.

ruxvette

And if the car is obviously empty inside and a stick shift you are home free.

449er

The best theft deterrent is a 6 speed manual

Chatman

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the advice. The event is a track day, so I need the car. The event is at Weathertech/ Laguna Seca and I was planning to stay in Salinas instead of Monterey. It’s a good hotel but broken car windows was mentioned a few times in reviews. I would not want to deal with the hassles or expense. My guess would be a 5 percent or lower chance of damage, but I wanted to hear ideas that could reduce that further.

oldcanuck

Broken windows are probably because something of value was left in plain sight. Not someone trying to steal vehicle. Like others have said lock it and take out all belongings, Don't leave any personal info like reg or ins. Take that with you also, always. Enjoy you car and events. If you have to use insurance that's what it's for.

PushrodV8

Chat,
I used to stay in Marina when I went to that track, never had a problem.
Another idea: a locking car cover. Never used one, just throwing that out there.