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The following is provided courtesy of the ABI.
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How to Beat
the Car Thief |
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The financial loss of a stolen car is bad enough and although insurance will compensate
for this, nothing can help with the shock and inconvenience.
Walk around any car park. You'll see cars with windows open, ignition keys in the lock,
sun roofs open, valuable property and clothing on display on the rear seat.
Be sensible. Follow the checklist below every time you leave your car.
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Take Care of Your Property |
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Remember - if you are careless when leaving your car then your claim for theft may not be
paid at all. Your insurance policy requires you to take care of your property at all
times.
Have all the windows etched with the registration number of your car. This deters car
thieves.
Many insurers allow a special premium discount if your car has a professionally-fitted
alarm/ immobiliser system. The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre checks on vehicle
security devices to see if they comply with the criteria of the Insurance Industry Vehicle
Security Scheme. The list of those products that have passed is used by insurers as a
basis for premium discounts and required security.
Ask your insurer what systems they
approve or require. They may also require the system to be fitted by a member of the
independent Vehicle Security Installation Board. Your insurer can advise you about this.
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Check List
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 | Where to leave your car
At night, park in a well-lit place. Thieves like working in shadows.
In a ticket-exit car park, take the ticket with you.
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| Remove Car Ownership Information
Don't leave your certificate of insurance and registration document in the car.
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| Hide Property
Leave property in a locked boot. In a hatchback the rear shelf should be in position.
In an estate car cover up property with a sheet or blanket.
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| Remove the Ignition Key
Don't leave the key in the ignition - not even for just a few seconds to go into
your home, a shop or to pay for petrol.
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| Close All Windows
When you leave the car, close windows. Don't forget the sun roof.
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| Use an Anti-Theft Device
Thieves are opportunists. They will probably move on to a car without a device fitted.
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| Always Lock Doors and Boot/Tailgate
Even when the car is in your own drive or garage, lock it and take the keys with you.
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| Children and Animals
Never leave young children or animals alone in a parked car. With windows or sun roof open
you run the risk of theft. With windows closed there is a grave danger of suffocation. |
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What to do if your car is
stolen |
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| Immediately
inform the police and obtain a crime reference number
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| Report
the incident to your insurance adviser
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| Accept
that you will be required to wait for a number of weeks to see if
the car is recovered – your insurers may provide a courtesy car in
the meantime
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If
your policy is Comprehensive or Third Party Fire and Theft, the loss of
your car or any damage caused as a result of the theft will be covered by
your policy, subject to any excess which may apply.
Unless your No Claims
Bonus is protected, be prepared for it to be stepped back following your
claim. The bonus is a No Claims Bonus not a no blame bonus.
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Call us on 01622 776620
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