Your car is likely a huge part of your life, helping you get to work, home, and other important life events. Although it provides convenience and mobility, it also adds a layer of risk related to theft and robbery. Whether it is the items left inside your car or parts taken from underneath to be resold, crooks know how to maximize their opportunity when your vehicle is left vacant. Knowing this, we hope these following tips help you to prepare and protect your car against theft.
Did you know there are specific car parts and accessories that are the most common parts taken due to their resale value? We’ve outlined some of the most commonly stolen items:
Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels and premium tires are desirable targets due to their resale value. Consider using wheel locks and parking in well-lit areas to deter thieves.
Car Batteries
Car batteries are easy to remove from your vehicle and easily sold, making them an easy part to have stolen. Installing a lockable battery clamp or parking your car in a secure garage can reduce the risk of this happening to you.
Catalytic Converters
These contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them valuable targets. There are catalytic converter shields available to purchase that can protect thieves from getting to them.
Electronics and Personal Items
One of the primary targets for thieves is electronic devices and personal belongings left visible inside the car. Items like smartphones, laptops, tablets, GPS systems, wallets or purses, or even loose change are often stolen. To protect your valuables, avoid leaving them in plain sight, lock them in the trunk or glove compartment, or, ideally, take them with you when you leave your vehicle.
Utilizing Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, no matter what precautions you take, you could find yourself the victim of a theft. If this happens, and you have contents that have been stolen, your insurance can provide you financial protection.
Take the steps below to utilize your insurance coverage:
- File a police report: Call the police to report the theft and let them know all of the relevant details. Make sure to get a copy of the police report to provide to your insurance company.
- Notify your insurance provider: Once your police report has been filed, alert your insurance provider. Send them the police report and any other documentation they require. You may have to speak with a number of different people, so ensure to record the date, time, and person you spoke with for future reference.
- Document the loss: Create an inventory of the stolen items or damaged parts, including their approximate value and purchase receipts, if available. Photographs or videos can serve as additional evidence.
- Understand your coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand the specific coverage you are eligible for. Policies can vary, and some may cover stolen items automatically, and some may require additional coverage.
- Follow the claims process: Work with your provider to complete the claim process, and ensure you keep detailed records of your interactions.
Dealing with damage to your vehicle or theft is never fun. Taking preventative measures, and having the right insurance, can minimize some of the burdens. Reduce the likelihood of a break in by keeping your car locked, parking in safe areas, securing your belongings, and investing in deterrents.
If you are wanting to learn more about your car insurance options, connect with one of our brokers today.
