In Germany more than 100 vehicles are stolen every day. Around 40,000 cars are stolen every year. Despite immediate reporting to the police, the clear-up rate for car thefts is less than 30 percent. What should drivers consider and how can they reliably protect their car from theft and damage?
Do not park the vehicle in dark corners
Many motorists park their vehicles in dark corners or leave windows and doors open when parking their cars. Traffic experts recommend effective safety measures.
These brands favor car thieves
According to GDV, the following brands were among the most frequently stolen car brands:
- Volkswagen
- Audi
- bmw
- Mercedes Benz
- Mazda
Cars are stolen with these tricks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyXROJ5RCXc
The list shows that not only luxury brands and expensive cars are popular with criminals, but also small vehicles and used cars that are often stolen. The perpetrators do not always steal the vehicle, but rather look for navigation devices and other valuables left in the car, such as mobile phones and radios. Bags, purses and shopping bags should therefore not be visible in the vehicle, even if you are away for a short time, but should be placed in the trunk to be on the safe side. Shopping bags that indicate valuable content are an incentive for thieves. Traffic experts recommend that vehicles should not be parked on the side of the road at night or in poorly secured carports. The safest place to park the car is therefore a lockable garage. Since not every motorist has this option, the police advise parking on busy and well-lit streets.
Do not leave any valuables in the car
According to the police, the trunk and all windows should be locked when leaving the car. Never transport handbags and luggage in the interior where they are visible. Not even while driving. Larger things are best stored in the trunk. The glove compartment or the footwell of the passenger seat are the best places for your wallet and handbag. Convertible drivers are of course particularly “popular”. Brazen thieves don’t shy away from snatching your handbag from the passenger seat of the open vehicle while driving or at red lights at traffic lights. The perpetrators are usually on the road with a motorized two-wheeler and can escape easily.
Watch your car keys! Not only on the beach and in the hotel, but also when you get involved in a small accident. Never get out without the key! Because otherwise it can happen that the accomplice of your accident opponent jumps behind the steering wheel and makes off with your car including luggage, cameras, holiday funds and all papers.
If the doors are securely locked, this is indicated by a light signal with a remote control. It may be necessary to check again whether the vehicle is locked.
Spare keys should never be stored in the car. Insurance does not cover damage caused by negligent behavior on the part of the driver. If the car keys are misplaced or lost, the locksmith, such as the Bochum locksmith, is the best point of contact. The experienced fitters of the specialist company open car doors as well as house, apartment and safe doors with special tools and are available around the clock. The spare key for the vehicle should always be kept in a safe place at home. It is advisable to remove the ignition key and lock the car when refueling. To increase safety, the steering wheel can be equipped with a mechanical steering wheel lock that is tensioned over the steering wheel. A vehicle cannot be steered due to the steering wheel lock being used. The installation of the lock should be carried out by a car workshop if possible.
If the worst comes to the worst, it is worth depositing photo copies of all IDs, vehicle documents, insurance numbers, protection letters, automobile club and credit cards in the hotel safe or for someone who has stayed at home. Then at least you still have the crucial data when accounts need to be blocked and the police, the insurance company and the bank need to be informed. In any case, a report to the police is essential so that your insurance company can settle the claim.
Convertible drivers are often victims of thieves
As soon as the temperatures soar, convertible owners fold back the top of their vehicle and finally let the wind blow in their faces again while driving. However, the airy driving pleasure is not without its dangers, especially in city traffic. Brazen thieves do not shy away from snatching the handbag from the passenger seat of the open vehicle while driving or when the traffic light is red. The perpetrators are usually on the road with a motorized two-wheeler and can thus easily escape via paths impassable for cars.
So that the “free” ride in the convertible doesn’t end up at the police station, the security experts from “On the safe side” advise storing valuables on the road in such a way that they cannot be reached from outside. Larger items are best kept in the trunk, while the right place for wallets and handbags is in the glove compartment or in the footwell of the passenger seat. Raised side windows also serve to make targeted access more difficult for thieves. And not only while driving, but also when parking caution is advised. Never leave valuables in the car, lock the doors and trunk, close the windows and hood – otherwise there could be a nasty surprise at the end.
Purchase price protection
According to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), the value of stolen cars is also increasing. This is partly because the value of new cars in this country continues to rise. According to the association, the average is 14,650 euros. However, in the event of theft, comprehensive insurance usually only replaces the replacement value. If you want a comparable vehicle, you have to pay the difference yourself. This gap in personal financial planning can be closed with ADAC purchase price insurance.
It covers loss of value in the event of theft, but also in the event of a total loss due to storms and other natural phenomena, as well as fire up to an amount of EUR 15,000. It tops up the amount of the comprehensive insurance including deductible up to the original purchase price. With a purchase price of 15,000 euros, for example, this protection is available from 8.33 euros per month. Vehicles financed by credit and paid for in cash can be insured, as can new and used vehicles.