What We Should Have Known Before Our Van Was Stolen

Hindsight is the best teacher. I just wish I took the time to learn what GEICO had to say before our van was stolen from the business parking lot. It was locked and in a well lit area with the front tires against the curb. We thought that we had taken all the precautions we could. But, our insurance company didn't think so. Because we didn't go with a national, reputable, insurance company, we lost $35 000.00. And, like everyone, we started learning about 'auto theft protection' after our van was stolen. The discouraging fact about car theft is that it is usually caused by negligence on the car owner's part.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) states that California is home of six of the top 10 auto theft locations in the nation. However, everyone is in danger, even people who own older cars.

Nancy Price, regional vice president of GEICO's San Diego Location, works to protect consumers and prevent fraud. GEICO works to help customers prevent car theft before it happens. Here are some tips I learned from them.

Leaving the keys in the car, even leaving a spare hidden on the car, is an invitation for disaster. But, most people do not understand that their presence in the car is no deterrent. People should not drive with the doors or windows open. They should not get out of the car to help people in an accident, or to check the damage if their car has been bumped from behind. Thieves prefer to work in the dark - but it is important to remember that they are not afraid of you. Remember: Never resist a car thief. The car can be replaced, you cannot.

More and more woman are parking in well lit, busy areas, even if it means driving down the road a bit. But, men continue to look for parking spots that are convenient. Not only should a car be parked in a safe place, it should also be left in gear, or park, with the wheels turned to the curb, to prevent it from being stolen.

I personally know people who have had cell phones, lap tops, purses, and even a box of video games stolen from their car. But, both your car's registration and insurance are also valuable? If you must leave the registration in the car, hide it where a carjacker cannot find it. A police officer may suspect a car, but when the registration is shown, the thief makes a 'clean break.'

Use an Anti-theft system. They have been on the market for years and some insurance companies give a discount for certain security systems.

There are several different security devices available at reasonable prices. The bar that locks the steering wheel is easy, and a visible deterrent. There are also ignition cut-off systems that prevent cars from being started. Some newer cars even come with a passive alarm that automatically starts when the key is removed. One of the best are the alarms that emit a signal that can be tracked. Car thieves are less likely to steal a car that can be tracked.

Discuss security systems with your insurance company before installing one. Some companies offer discounts for different types of security systems. Another 'trick' is to etch your car's registration on all the windows. Car thieves do not want to steal a car if they need to replace all the windows. They want something they can move quickly and easily.

Bump and Rob
This is a thieves trick where carjackers bump a car and steal it when the drive gets out to look for damage. To prevent this, make sure that you avoid getting 'locked in' traffic, especially at lights. Never be too quick to get out of the car. If you are afraid, or suspicious, then call the police and pull into a safe place before exiting the car.

Insurance Companies

We did not take time to find a good insurance company - and paid for it. We went with a local agent. When our van was stolen we lost everything. The insurance company had so many out clauses that protected them that they only owed us $4 500.00 when they finished their deductions. Now we have a reputable agent. Even if your insurance is not due now, take the time to check out different insurance companies.

GEIKO is a good place to start. They provide auto insurance quotes for all 50 states. They are basically a one stop comparison shop for auto insurance. More important than saving us money, which they will, get a policy that will protect you and not the insurance company. They offer free auto insurance quotes and can give you proof of insurance in 15 minutes. Do not wait to find out after a carjacking that 'not all insurance company's REALLY insure your car.'