Theft
: A Vital Part of Car Insurance
Car theft
has increased in the UK and more than a 100,000 cars are being
stolen a year. The insurance claims for car theft are 1 policy
claim out of 20, and the car insurance companies
want drivers to realize the need to protect their vehicles
from these incidents. The more claims made to an insurance
policy, the higher the premium.
Many thefts occur near or at the home. Drivers should not
take it for granted just because their car is in their driveway
or parked in front of their building, that it will not get
stolen. Regardless of where the car is parked, always lock
it, alarm it, and remember where you parked it.
Some things to think about when parking your car
are:
- Park in an area where it is busy. Thieves don’t
like busy places; this makes it harder for them to steal.
- At night, always park where there is plenty of light
and lots of people.
- When parking your car, turn your wheels toward the curb
and use your emergency brake; this makes it harder to tow
your car.
- Never leave your keys in the ignition or the car engine
on; even if it’s for a minute - thieves are always
looking for an easy steal.
- If you ever park in a parking garage, always take your
ticket with you and make sure the garage has an attendant
on duty.
There are different types of insurance plans involving
car theft.
- Third party is the basic, minimum coverage
that allows drivers to drive legally. If anything happens
to the driver or their car, nothing is covered. Third party
refers to your passengers, any people, property or cars
that may get hit are all covered; your car and you are NOT
covered. Third party insurance is the cheapest way to build
your No Claim Bonus before investing in Full Comprehensive
insurance.
- Third Party Fire and Theft can be added
to the basic coverage plan. This will help drivers if their
car catches on fire or if their car is stolen.
A new way car thieves have discovered to steal higher-end
vehicles is by getting the keys. How can the thief gain access
to the owner’s keys? The thieves have mastered the art
of pick-pocketing, burglary, and even towing the vehicles!
Some use false documentation to test drive a vehicle, and
carjacking, where the owner is inside and forced to give the
thieves the keys. Vehicle manufacturers are now offering an
anti-hijack feature for most of their cars: selective unlock
and automatic lock to help with this method of car theft.
Thieves still steal the older vehicles due to their poor
security and few alarm systems, but don’t be fooled.
The newer, luxury cars bring the thieves a higher profit when
they sell it on the black market. These new approaches to
stealing have begun because of the effectiveness of anti-theft
car alarms and immobilizers.
Some precautions that can be taken are making sure your possessions
are out of sight or not in the car. Sometimes a thief will
notice a CD they like and it tempts them to steal the car.
Removing car stereos when accessible can help with car theft.
Etching the registration number in every part of the car which
could be stolen like the headlamps, would help in recovering
some of the stolen property. Insurance companies hope by taking
these precautions, it can eliminate the car being stolen.
|
