Car Insurance Information
How To Beat The Car Thief
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How To Beat The Car Thief
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.
Take Care of Your Property
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.
Thief Avoidance Check List
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.
Remove Car Ownership Information
Don't leave your certificate of insurance and registration
document in the car.
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.
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 pay for
petrol.
Close All Windows
When you leave the car, close windows. Don't forget the
sun roof.
Use an Anti-Theft Device
Thieves are opportunists. They will probably move on to
a car without a device fitted.
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.
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.
