Car theft can happen to anyone at any time. According to the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia Berhad (VTREC), an average of 20 vehicles were reported stolen daily in 2020.
As a vehicle owner, you have to remain alert and take necessary precautions to avoid car theft.
Bjak shares a few tips to prevent car theft in this article.
Park your vehicle in a strategic area
Thieves will usually commit crimes in a quiet area, away from the public eye.
Therefore, it is wise to park your car in a well-lit, unhidden area visible to the public. Do not risk yourself or your vehicle by parking your vehicle in a dark and quiet place, especially for an extended period.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle
Most are aware that they should not leave their valuables unattended in their cars. However, worryingly, some of us still leave important documents or other valuables in the cars, drawing thieves’ attention. Doing this can make your vehicle a clear target.
If you cannot bring your valuables with you when you leave your car, keep the items hidden under car seats, carpets or in the car boot. Ensure that the items are well-hidden.
When hiding the items, pay close attention to your surrounding. Try your best to ensure no one notices where you hide your valuables.
Keep your vehicle doors locked
Before leaving your car in the parking spot, ensure that all doors and windows are properly locked. Check all doors and windows even if you plan to leave your vehicle for a moment.
Keep in mind that car theft can happen in a blink of an eye.
Turn your tyres to the pendulum or wall
Turning your tyres to the pendulum or wall of the parking area can make it hard for thieves to steal your car using a tow truck.
Be aware of your surrounding
Before parking your car, make sure that the surrounding is safe.
Find another parking area if you find the area risky or prone to crimes. It may be farther from where you want to go, but it will be safer.
Hide a spare phone in your car
Our final tip is for you to keep a spare phone in your car. You need to ensure that the phone is fully-charged and equipped with an internet connection for safety purposes.
You can synchronise the phone with the phone that you use and log in to your Google account. If your car is stolen, you can activate the ‘Find My Phone’ function to locate your vehicle.
Can you make an insurance claim if your car is stolen?
Yes. You can make an insurance claim for car theft on these two conditions:
- Your car is protected by a comprehensive policy or third party, fire and theft policy; and
- You car insurance is still active at the time of the theft.
How to make an insurance claim for a stolen car?
Follow these steps to make an insurance claim for car theft:
- Make a police report of the car theft immediately
- Provide the details and complete information about your car
- Contact your insurance company to inform them of the incident
- Fill the claim form and provide the required documents: i) a completed claim form; ii) the original police report; iii) a copy of your identity card; iv) a copy of your driving licence; and v) a copy of your car grant or Vehicle Ownership certificate (VOC).
- Submit the documents required to your insurance company within 7 days of the accident.
Note: Keep in touch with your insurance company during the police investigation. It may take up to 6 months or until the investigation is completed to get insurance compensation. The investigation by the police and insurance company may consume some time.
Stay alert and take necessary precautions
You may avoid car theft by taking the necessary precautions and following our tips as shared above.
Additionally, we recommend getting either a comprehensive policy or a third party, fire and theft policy. If your car is stolen, you can at least make an insurance claim for the theft.
If your insurance is expiring soon, renew your car insurance today at Bjak to secure the best insurance plan. Get free car insurance quotes online in 3 minutes and compare up to 15 leading insurance brands in Malaysia.
