The loss of a car is bad enough and although insurance can compensate
you for this, nothing can help with the shock and inconvenience it
may cause.
Walk around anywhere and you will find vehicles with windows open,
sun roofs open and valuable property on display. All these think make
a vehicle a prime target for an opportunist theif. It is important
to be vigilant and take car of you vehicle at all times. If you are
careless when leaving your vehicle your claim for theft may not be
paid at all as most insurance policies require that due care is taken
for the property to be covered at all times.
Vehicle Security features fitted as standard equipment by manufacturers
can help to reduce your risk of having to make a car insurance claim.
Some insurance companies will reduce your premium if your car has
a professionally-fitted alarm / immobiliser system.Some types of security
features that can protect your car against theft and attack include:
High security door locks : Security
door locks so called "Dead Locks" can slow down or stop
theives gaining entry to your vehicles.
Car Alarm / immobilisation systems :
FItting a Thatcham approved vehicle security device to your vehicle
can save you significant amounts of money on your car insurance as
well as stopping your vehicle being stolen for information and advice
on Thatcham approved systems
click
here
!
Glass etching and coded audio equipment and
locking devices : Locking wheel nuts for for alloy wheels and
visible VIN numbers (Vehicle identification numbers) on your car windows
and stereo can significantly reduce the risk of your car and or stereo
being stolen. Having all the windows etched with the registration
number of your car is a real visual deterent that puts car theives
off.
Taking the following steps can help minimise the risk of your vehicle
being broken into or stolen.
Parking your vehicle at night
: Make sure it is in a well lit place. If you have a drive
use it, Some insureres may even give you a discount if you state that
you will keep your car garaged or on a private drive way at night.
Remove vehicle ownership details : Leaving
your insurance certificate and registration document in your vehicle
is bad news. This paper work makes it easier for the theif to sell
the vehicle or try to pass it off as their own.
Personal items in the vehicle : Make
sure these are are not on show (Keep them in a locked boot is possiible).
Never leave the Ignition key in if you are leaving your vehicle even
if it is only for a few seconds and close all the windows and the
sun roof when you leave the car. Always look all the doors and the
boot when you leave you car.
If possible use an Anti theft device such as a wheel lock. Thieves
are opportunists and will always take the easy option and normally
opt for another vehicle without security fitted.
