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 deterrent 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 insurer's 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 possible).
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.
