Car Insurance Hints and Tips

The following articles provide useful information on your car insurance and related topics.

Securing Your Car - avoid being a victim of crime

Car crime is on the decrease and you can keep these figures down by taking responsibility for maintaining your own car security.

Although theft rates have fallen, the proportion of cars that have been stolen but not recovered is on the increase. This usually happens when ‘professional' thieves steal cars for their parts or to re-sell. Cars stolen by ‘joy riders' are usually found abandoned.

Remember the following:

Don't leave anything on display in your car, even if it is parked on your own drive.
If you do leave things in your car, keep them out of sight or locked in your boot but don't let anyone see you doing it.
Never leave your car documents or spare key in your car.
Be careful where you park your car - look for busy car parks with CCTV cameras.
Always take removable stereos and Sat Nav equipment out of the car. Don't hide them in your glove compartment as this is the first place a thief will look.
Don't leave your car keys by the front door. Theives are able to steal them by putting a hooked pole through your letterbox.

At the moment, the most popular types of car theft are satellite navigation equipment theft and number plate theft.

Number Plates

If your number plates are stolen you should contact the Police immediately to report it. If you don't and your plates are used to change the identity of another car you could receive fixed penalty notices for parking and speeding etc and might even be suspected of committing the crimes yourself.

Sat Nav theft

If you have a portable Sat Nav in your car it is important that you take it out of the car with you whenever you leave the car. Not only should you remove the cradle and suction pads, but you should also clean any marks that the suction pads have left on the windscreen or dashboard. This is because thieves know to look for these signs and break in to the car expecting to find the Sat Nav in the glove compartment or hidden under the seat.

^ Back to top

Car at Night

Your car is most vulnerable at night, so it's important to ensure you take extra precautions to limit the risk of theft or damage. Try to park in a secure location and ensure the vehicle is fully locked, if possible making use of security devices such as alarms and immobilisers.

The most commonly reported theft from vehicles are stereos, followed by personal items such as handbags, briefcases and mobile phones so always try to remove these at night. It is also worth remembering not to place car keys in an accessible place within the home; for example hall tables or open windows, as there is an increasing incidence of keys being stolen from within the home to steal cars from driveways.

Remember the following:

Always park in a garage if available
If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit spot
Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked
Utilise a steering wheel lock, car alarm or immobiliser
Remove stereos and valuables or store out of sight in a locked glove compartment or boot
Do not leave keys visible on hall tables or other accessible areas inside the home

^ Back to top

Car Insurance Hints and Tips

Securing Your Car - avoid being a victim of crime

Remember the following:

Car at Night

Remember the following:

Some useful links:

Get a car insurance quote