Make Sure Your Coverage is There When Your Car is Not
According to the FBI a motor vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds and less than 15% of the cases are resolved. The overall trend of vehicle thefts seemed to be slowing substantially since 2003, when the introduction of more sophisticated anti-theft systems was routinely implemented on the assembly line. However, vehicle theft rates are back on the rise over the past two years despite manufacturing efforts to curb the crooked commandeering of automobiles.
The fact that auto theft is once again on the rise can be associated to the alternative ways that thieves are now approaching their distasteful duties. The below video displays one of many sneaky tactics that have been employed in order to abduct late model vehicles.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, older cars are still very much a target for thefts. In fact the two car models most frequently stolen are late 90’s Honda Civics and Honda Accords. However, vulnerability to auto theft can be mitigated be taking proactive precautions and remaining aware that car-jacking is a real possibility. The below list offers suggestions to reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of grand theft auto.
- Never leave your car running & Always lock your vehicle
- Park in attended lots or in well-lighted areas
- Never leave valuables in plain sight
- Park with your wheels turned toward the curb to deter illegal towing
- Install an anti-theft device
- Drop your business card inside vehicle doors in case identification is needed
If, in the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, it is important to take action immediately. After first determining that your vehicle was in fact stolen as opposed to legally towed (or more embarrassingly, parked on a different level), local law enforcement must be notified as soon as possible. Make sure to keep your vehicle identification number (VIN), registration, and license plate number somewhere secure in the event that your car is stolen. Having this information added to national and state-wide law enforcement records makes it difficult for your vehicle to be sold or re-titled by the thief.
Additional action should be taken to notify your insurance company of the theft. This is critical not only to file a claim but also to protect you from damage caused by the vehicle after it was stolen. Although laws require us to maintain insurance on our vehicles, not all insurance coverage will provide compensation in the event of a vehicle theft. Your insurance policy must provide Comprehensive Coverage in order to receive any reimbursement from the insurance company. It is critical, especially if you make monthly car payments, that Comprehensive coverage as well as the deductible amount be verified with your insurance agent. A bad situation will certainly turn worse if comprehensive insurance coverage is missing and your vehicle is nowhere to be found.
Moore Resources is an Independent Insurance Agency located in St. Petersburg, FL and offering Homeowners Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance and Business Insurance. Our reach extends beyond the Tampa Bay area to the entire state of Florida. Moore Resources has regionally been dedicated to serving the local residents of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties; including St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Brandon, Dunedin, Gulfport, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Seminole, Temple Terrace, Tierra Verde, Town n Country, and the Gulf Coast Beaches.
Please remember that the purpose of this blog is to present general information only. It does not interpret specific policies or coverage. In order to obtain detailed information regarding your insurance, contact a licensed insurance agent.
