Car insurance – Tips & Advice – Car security
According to recent research into car vandalism by Direct Line, 30% of motorists have had their vehicle vandalised within the last year. Returning to your car to find the aerial has been snapped off or, worse, that the window or the lights have been smashed, can be a frustrating and upsetting experience.
Added to this is the stress and cost of getting the damage repaired. If your car is covered by Direct Line comprehensive car insurance, however, vandalism cover comes as standard.
What’s more, if you are a victim of vandalism and you make a claim on your Direct Line policy, it won’t affect your no claims bonus. And as well as repairing the damage, Direct Line will clean your car inside and out, as long as you use one of our recommended garages.
Make sure you report it
According to the Direct Line research into car vandalism, more than half (58%) of all motorists who had experienced car vandalism did not report the crime to the police as they felt the authorities would not act.
Even if you have doubts about the Police’s ability to catch the vandals, you will need a crime reference number to make a claim on your Direct Line car insurance policy, so make sure you report any incidents straightaway.
Of course, while being insured by Direct Line helps soften the blow, you can take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of vandalism in the first place.
Precautions to take
Simple procedures, such as using your garage or driveway, if you have one, and always trying to park in well-lit areas, make a big difference. In addition, you should make sure any car parks you use have good lighting and are well supervised. Look for a car park that is part of the Police approved Safer Parking Scheme and displays the associated Park Mark symbol. Some car parks also have 'Secure Car Park' accreditation, so look for the sign. Visit www.securedcarparks.com to see if the parking in your area is accredited by Park Mark.
Another good thing to do is to tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to avoid attracting opportunistic, mindless vandalism.
Neighbourhood Watch
As well as these simple precautions, an effective way to reduce vandalism in your area is to join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Over 165,000 schemes are now established throughout the UK, covering up to 25% of all households, making it the largest voluntary organisation in the UK. To find out if there is a scheme set up in your area, visit the National Neighbourhood Watch Association (NNWA) website at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net.
If there is no Neighbourhood Watch established on your street, then why not set one up? Contact the NNWA who will help you. A Neighbourhood Watch scheme creates a partnership between the local community, the Police and the Local Authority, which can lead to improved anti-vandalism measures being taken, such as installing better street lighting, or increased Police patrols if needed.
A Neighbourhood Watch scheme also encourages people in the area to report crimes if they witness them, leading to higher conviction rates and providing a better deterrent.
By taking these precautionary measures, you could reduce the risk of your car being vandalised. If, however, regardless of your efforts, it is still attacked by vandals, at least you can feel secure in the knowledge that the repairs are covered and that your no claims bonus is protected by Direct Line’s comprehensive car insurance.
Don’t drive without adequate car insurance. It doesn’t have to cost the earth – see how much you could save and apply for an online car insurance quote today.
Related information:
Secure thinking – steps to take that will help make your car more secure
Car alarms – older cars may need an alarm installed – here’s what to look for if you want to use one to secure your car
Understanding motor repairs – don’t be flummoxed by a mechanic’s terminology! Read our jargon-buster
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