How to Beat the Car Thief

The shock and inconvenience of having your car stolen can also be as disruptive as the financial loss. Although obviously with the financial loss your insurance should hopefully be able to compensate for this.

If you take a walk around any car park, you are likely to see cars with windows open, sun roofs open and valuable property or clothing on display on the rear seat.

The best rule of thumb is to just be sensible. Think about the following whenever you leave your car parked anywhere to help reduce the risk of your vehicle ending up a victim of crime.

Take Care of Your Property

It is worthwhile pointing out that if you are careless when leaving your car, then your claim for theft may end up being contested by the insurer. Your car insurance policy requires you to take care of your property at all times. Locking the car is a start! If you leave your keys in the ignition and somebody steals your car from the forecourt then your insurer may refuse to pay.

Have all the windows etched with the registration number of your car. This can help to deter car thieves.

Many insurers will give a special premium discount if your car has had a professionally-fitted alarm/immobiliser system installed. 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 these tests 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 Systems Installation Board. Your insurer can advise you about this.

Check List

Where to leave your car
This is just a case of being sensible, at night, park in a well-lit place. Thieves do not like to be on display and prefer to work in shadows. If you leave you car 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 any property that you may have in a locked boot and in a hatchback the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car cover up any property you may have 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. Thieves are opportunistic. In cold weather when people start theirs car up to warm up and clear the windscreen are times when theft can occur.

Close All Windows
Once again, following common sense, when you leave the car, close the windows. Don't forget to close your sun roof should you have one.

Use an Anti-Theft Device
Thieves are opportunists. If they can see a device in place it may well deter them, they may well 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 closed there is always a danger of suffocation, or heat exhaustion, especially in the summer months.