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Many Americans drive with a gun in their car. That’s not surprising. However, Americans might not know just how often thieves take advantage of vehicle-borne firearms. Still, on top of the hassle of a police report and a gun stolen from your car, will you get in trouble with the police?

While you might not get into trouble for having a gun stolen out of your car, you’re in for a hassle with the authorities

Depending on the state you live in and the specifics of the firearm, keeping a gun in your car isn’t illegal. However, every time you leave your firearm in your car, you run the risk of theft. And, as you might imagine, a gun stolen from your car is an emergency, and the authorities want a report regarding your stolen gun as soon as possible.

Incidentally, the gun owner isn’t typically at fault in the event of a theft from their car. However, authorities require a police report immediately following the crime in the interest of public safety. Consequently, if you fail to notify the police following the theft, you could be liable for your negligence. 

It’s more common than you might think, too. According to the Associated Press, guns are stolen from cars at three times the rate they were 10 years ago. It’s a sobering statistic, especially when you consider that criminals use many stolen firearms in violent crimes and robberies. 

A thief prepares to break into a car, an instance that could result in a stolen gun from a car.
A thief looks through the window of a parked vehicle | welcomia via iStock

As such, the burden of securing a weapon falls to the owner. Don’t fret, though. There are plenty of ways to prevent a gun theft from your car. For starters, a criminal can’t steal what isn’t there. Obvious, I know. But, in all seriousness, transporting your weapon from your living space to your car instead of leaving it in your vehicle could prevent a serious headache. 

Furthermore, if you are insistent on storing a gun in your car, you’ll want to keep it out of sight and in a locking container. Of course, you’ll also want to ensure that state laws don’t prohibit storing a loaded weapon in your glove compartment, trunk, or locking gun safe. Moreover, criminals look for gun manufacturer decals to identify vehicles that may contain firearms. I recommend abstaining from advertising your firearm ownership.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).