We are planning on renting a car in Maui (7 day stay) and perhaps one in Oahu (only 2 1/2 days) in April 2009.

Last time we were there (April 2008), we saw many signs regarding car theft. Obviously, we would take the necessary precautions (not leaving anything valuable in the car, not going to questionable areas, etc.).

Recently though, we have seen lots of posts with suggestions to leave the car unlocked and with the windows down. It has been advised that this will prevent broken windows & locks, in case a thief just want to have a "look around" and may even dissuade a thief since no person in his right mind would leave valuables in an unlocked car... Since I have never done this at home (Houston), is it really advisable in Hawaii? Wouldn't it invite "trouble"?

We will not purchase car rental insurance b/c we have full coverage via our "at home" insurance carrier-but wouldn't doing this (open car) this open the possibility of "negligence" if something really happened??

Your help is truly appreciated. Thanks!

I don't know, but I was once told if you don't know what do do with your garbage, wrap it nicely and leave it on the front seat with the window down, and surely it will be gone when you return.

And yes, I could see how you would be considered negligent if you left your car unlocked and windows open in a public spot. But I'm no lawyer.

Could you post a link to the thread? I have never heard of such a thing. Was it just a suggestion or did someone actually leave the car open (and survive)?

We do not leave our doors unlocked and windows down BUT we do leave not a single thing in the car when we are out.

We don't either, beth. If you leave the windows down, your car will be soaked inside if it rains.

That is crazy. Why not leave the keys in the ignition too so that the car thief can just take the car without costing more damage to it?

I live on Oahu. That is the most ridiculous advice I have ever heard. Use common sense and you will be fine. Meaning don't leave valuables in the car.

There was a recent thread where someone said leaving the doors unlocked and windows down was best. Further the poster claimed the car rental agency advised him of such. I thought it was a joker or very lazy criminal on Kauai.

Thanks I read it on several posts (on this site & others) re: Oahu & Maui.

Thanks for your feedback.

I thought the advice was a little too extreme (but then again, we were in Orlando last year-discount malls, and someone broke the driver side lock to get into the car & take a look)... Obviously, no valuables were there; but it was a pain dealing with the broken lock).

Any who, we'll plan to behave as we do at home (locked, no valuables, no questionable places...) Thanks!