Tips for the traveling musicians:
1) auto insurance is good if all you need is the car, homeowners or renters insurance covers personal items stolen from your vehicle anywhere in the country.
2) if parking a trailer or van in a suspect area, take the time and protect yourselves by spending 10 minutes taking a wheel off.. it's incredible difficult to steal something missing a wheel.
3) Lojack (sic?), small transmiters for both your expensive gear, and your vehicle/trailer.
4) if staying a hotel, feel free to haul something in with you if space allows, take your guitar at least. this minimizes risk, amps and drums are the least likely stolen in a common car prowl (too heavy and cumbersome to run with).
5) always try to park in a well lit area or in a hotel with a secure parking lot. when in doubt, sleep in the van.
these were tips i found useful, would anyone care to comment or add? I think we would all benefit from the wisdom that flows through this board....