Preventing vehicle theft

Nobody wants their vehicle stolen. It is financially and psychologically damaging and can be extremely inconvenient. Despite this, there are thousands of vehicle thefts, each year, which could easily have been prevented if the owners had followed some simple rules.

• Lock your vehicle: whenever you leave it, even if just for a minute. A good example of why this is important is the amount of theft that takes place in petrol stations whilst the victim is paying. Remember, if you are careless when leaving your vehicle, the insurance company may not pay your claim at all. Don't forget the boot!
• Close all windows: and the sunroof. Don't leave children or animals in the vehicle, because if you close the windows they could suffocate, but if you leave them open then you are leaving the vehicle open to theft.
• Leaving your vehicle: always try and leave your vehicle in a well lit spot: thieves love shadows. When leaving your vehicle in a car park always take the ticket with you so that if a thief breaks into your vehicle he will have problems getting it out of the car park.
• Property: keep property out of sight even if it doesn't seem valuable to you. Even if the item stolen is not worth much, the cost of repairing damage to the vehicle will be. Preferably never leave property in the vehicle, but if you have to then leave it in a locked boot with any rear shelf in position.
• Anti-theft devices: most thieves are cowards and if they see an anti-theft device they will probably move on to the next vehicle. Many insurers have a list of approved anti-theft devices which, when professionally fitted, will get you a premium discount. Ask your insurer about this.

If your vehicle is stolen

• Inform the police: if your vehicle or property is stolen
• Inform your insurer: and ask for a claim form. You may have to wait a while in case your vehicle is recovered.
• Property: most comprehensive policies cover the loss of property up to a set limit.