Preventing the theft of your vehicle and its contents

Here are eight tips to reduce the risk of theft of your car and its contents.

1. Keep your car doors locked at all times, even if you’re just stepping out for five minutes. Remember that someone could steal your car in a matter of seconds.
2. Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended when the motor is running.
3. Park in safe and well-lit areas.
4. Your address is listed on your insurance certificates so leave them in your wallet, not in the glove compartment.
5. Don't put your name and address on your key chain.
6. Keep your keys on you, never in the vehicle. It’s the first place a thief will look.
7. Put your belongings in the trunk or keep them out of sight.
8. Ask your broker if your car is on the lists of stolen vehicles. If it is, your insurer can advise you about the recommended anti-theft protection system for your car.

What can you do if someone steals your car?

It can be a shocking experience to have your vehicle or its contents stolen. Despite that, you need to act quickly. Complete the following steps:

If a vehicle and its contents are stolen:

• Notify your car tracking system provider, if there is one.
• Quickly contact the police to get a stolen vehicle report. You will need this report number for the insurance claim.
• Keep bills and receipts for any additional driving expenses incurred as a result of the theft.
• Immediately call your insurance broker to report the theft.

If belongings are stolen from inside your vehicle:

• Immediately call the police and save the police report number.
• If your car has been damaged, avoid making the damage worse. Have urgent repairs done by a specialist and keep the receipts.
• Notify your insurance broker pronto about the theft of your belongings.

Your insurance broker is there to help you prevent losses. Contact him or her!