Good insurance is important, as are preventive measures
The modern car may seem to be well secured, but the number of car thefts is not decreasing. In 2022, that number increased by 11 percent compared to the previous year and in 2023 there will be approximately the same increase. Every reason to check your insurance policy again and take measures to prevent theft.
Nearly six thousand cars were stolen in 2022 and it looks like 2023 will see the same figures. The age category 3 to 5 years was popular among the thieves’ guild; in absolute numbers the Toyota RAV4 was the big favorite. That brand is in demand anyway and more than once the car is found somewhere without a catalytic converter. Of the six thousand cars stolen in 2022, approximately eleven hundred cars were not returned after rental or lease; that is also a form of theft.
Theft of parts
In some cases, criminals are not even concerned about the car itself, but often about certain parts that other parties need to repair a damaged car. Think of expensive components such as headlights, bumpers with parking sensors and distance radars, airbags, complete dashboards and all kinds of sheet metal parts. And then there is the gang that is purely after catalytic converters because of the precious metals they contain.
When are you insured in the event of theft?
It is the fear of every car owner. One morning you look outside and see that your car is gone. Stolen. That of course causes a lot of hassle, but what can your car insurance do for you financially in such a case? With only (mandatory) third party liability insurance you are not insured against theft. Only with third party liability + limited comprehensive insurance or with third party liability + full comprehensive insurance policy, you will receive a payment from your insurer. And now it may be logical to think that you can only insure third party liability for a somewhat older car, but then you have to wonder whether you would have enough money to quickly buy another car after such an unexpected theft of your car.
Also very annoying: you come back from shopping and see that your window has been smashed. Broke into. Navigation system out. Of course everyone does their best to prevent that (see tips below), but it can still happen. It is also good to know that with a WA + limited comprehensive and with WA + full comprehensive your car is insured against burglary.
Tips to prevent theft
- Preferably park in a visible place, not in a dark corner
- Do not leave valuables in the car (theft is not covered by insurance)
- Have an alarm system and/or track & trace system installed (sometimes mandatory, check the conditions of your insurance)
- Park forward against the curb, which makes driving away more difficult
- Place the keys far from the front door, preferably in a special protective case that blocks the signal
- After switching off the ignition, pull the steering wheel into the steering lock
- Have the license plate engraved in the windows
- Register your smart doorbell with the camera in view
- Have the license plates secured with rivets
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl