Introduction - None of us wants to be a victim of vehicle crime. Of course most of us will have a motor insurance policy that will cover Theft Insurance but in practice small claims are not worthwhile making It is not usual for insurers to give Courtesy cars following Thefts. which can also lead to a lot of inconvenience.  Don’t forget, unless you have a “Protected Policy”, you will also suffer a reduction in no claims bonus if you make a claim. 

Tips - It is advisable to do everything possible to secure your vehicle; we hope the following information will be useful to you:-

• Take your valuables with you when you leave the car. If you can’t or this is inconvenient, place them out of view or lock them in the boot. Small items can always be locked in the glove box. Remember, a lot of thieves are opportunists, if you leave electrical items on full view in the car, you are tempting fate.

• Make sure that all your electrical items are switched off when leaving your car. Try to store them as above, if you can’t take them with you.

• Don’t forget to immobilise or alarm your car every time you leave it unattended.

• Never leave your car with the keys in the vehicle. A common mistake is to leave the keys in the car when paying for petrol. Remember, a number of insurers will not pay Theft claims if the keys are left in the car. Thieves watch petrol stations looking for unattended vehicles with the keys inside.

• Always park your car in a well lit street or if possible in a secure car park.

• If you have a garage at home, take the trouble each night to put the vehicle away. Some car thieves cruise areas looking for specific vehicles, make sure your isn’t on display.

• When at home, keep your keys including the spare set in a safe place such as a drawer? Avoid keeping them near the door, on a window ledge, near the letter box or anywhere where they can be seen from the outside. A common mistake is the hang them on a hook near the front door, many vehicles have been stolen because thieves know that some people keep the keys just inside their front door.

• When leaving your vehicle, if only for a moment, make sure that it is secured and locked. Check the windows and sun roofs to make sure they are closed.

• Always plan your journeys in advance and try to become as familiar as possible with the route you are planning g to take. Try to avoid areas you are unfamiliar with especially if you have to leave your car for any length of time.

• When driving lock your doors and keep the windows closed especially if driving through cities or built up area.

• Avoid driving having purses, wallets, handbags, valuables or shopping on display in the car.

• If you vehicle does not have an alarm fitted as standard, consider doing so.

• If you have expensive alloy wheels, consider having them fitted with locking devices

• If you own a motorcycle use a good quality locking chain or have an alarm or immobiliser fitted.

• If you own a Commercial Vehicle, remember that in a large number of cases, the vehicle is stolen as the thieves are more interested in what goods or tools may be stored in the back. Many tradespersons carry several thousand pounds worth of tools in vans and lorries etc, mostly these are not insured by standard insurance contracts. Consider having an alarm or immobiliser fitted to your vehicle and removing the contents to a safe place each evening.