Saturday afternoon.
You’ve just spent a lively afternoon at the mall. Looking through the department stores at the latest fashions, hunting for bargains tucked away on clearance racks. Stomping up and down aisles of brightly lit storefronts, assaulted at every turn by cinnamon pretzels and brownie sundaes, you’ve resisted all temptation and wearily wind your way back to your car, tired and hungry. You’re looking forward to spending the rest of the afternoon tucked into your favorite easy chair, trashy novel in hand. A perfect Saturday afternoon. You stride briskly up one aisle, and then another. You hit the alarm on your key, hoping you’re close enough to set off the alarm and find the darn thing- they make all the cars look alike these days. Half an hour later, tears in your eyes, embarrassment mixed with a sense of panic gradually creeps into your mind. Refusing to believe the inevitable truth, you doggedly trod up and down rows of cars, refusing to give in to feeling foolish for having lost your car, and fighting the rising panic that tells you repeatedly that there is another option.
Your car has been stolen.
America’s malls are not only shopping centers for everyday people looking for a place to spend their hard earned wages; they are virtual auto malls for car thieves. Sparse mall security, computer-assisted locking systems, and anonymity afforded to large, over-crowded parking lots make for a shopping day for everyone, including car thieves.
Slowly, the reality of the situation takes hold of you. You mentally run through the contents of your car, grateful that you hadn’t left your bag in the car as you often do, and worriedly try to remember if there are any identifying personal papers in the car, giving the thief access to your home, as well as your car. This is one reason carrying a spare credit card in your glove compartment is unwise. You find a curb; sit down, grateful for your cellular phone, and call 911.
Regardless of anything you may hear regarding insurance companies and their agendas, the first thing you should do when your car has been stolen is call the police. The quicker you call the better.
Once the officer arrives, you may file a report, and the officer will instruct you on your next steps.
Your next call should be for a ride home. Your car thief may well remain in the area, seeking you out. The thief may have an address, but no means of entry without you and your house keys. Leaving the area as soon as possible is wise. The possibility of any identifying items should be reported to the police, as well as any items of value inside the car. Be sure that these facts are included in your police report.
Once home, a call to a locksmith may be wise, especially if identifying items were in your car. Having another person at home with you is preferable, but if that is not possible, advise the police of your concerns. Finally, after you have secured your safety and your home, call your insurance company and report the theft. Your agent will instruct you on papers to fill out, and advise you of any requirements you may need to fulfill for your claim. Inquire about rental insurance in the event of theft or collision.
Most companies offer a good percentage of the cost of a car rental, if not the total cost. Find out your company’s allowance first, and then negotiate with a car rental agency.
Many times, car are recovered quickly, other times, cars are recovered in due time, and with varying degrees of damage.
Be sure and ask your insurance company the time allowance for retrieving the vehicle, as well as how much damage you will be responsible for. This is usually apparent in your deductible amount. If you have a 500.00 deductible, for example, it means that you are responsible for the first 500.00 of the car repairs, if the car is recovered in salvageable condition. If the car cannot be salvaged, the insurance company may cover the entire value of the car, depending on your policy.
There are some things you can do to prevent your car from being stolen, and some things you can do to minimize the damage caused by the theft.
Club-like devices which attach to the steering wheel are often visual deterrents to theft. They can be removed by professional thefts, but it is a time-consuming effort, and many car thieves are simply too lazy to put in the effort of removing the club. A very wise investment.
A good anti-theft system is a wise investment. Don’t go with the bargain siren-wailer. An alarm with motion activated sirens, while occasionally annoying and oversensitive, may also deter a thief. If your alarm goes off before the thief has a chance to disarm it, he may simply think it too much trouble and move on.
Do not keep personal identification in your car, regardless of how convenient it is. We’ve all had days when we’ve left our wallets home, and wished we put that spare credit card in the visor. Just don’t do it.
Same applies to spare house keys. Spare house keys, your name and address. Leave the guy a map, and he’s good to go.
Finally, do your best to park as close as possible to the stores. You may enjoy the walk, or there may be no spaces available. If this is true, try not to park in any desolate spot. Stay in populated areas as much as possible. Never leave your keys in the car, your bag on the seat, or anything to tempt a thief. If your car thief tries to contact you after the theft, contact the police immediately. This is an indication that your identification has been found. Your largest source of identification rests on your car’s bumper: your license plate.
Take precautions until your car is found. If you live alone, have someone stay with you
awhile.
Any theft is a violation. Do your best to take precautions to minimize the intrusion if it occurs.
