Research has revealed that it is the inhabitants of the UK’s villages rather than its cities that are most likely to make a car insurance claim for theft. So which areas are most at risk and how can drivers avoid making expensive car insurance claims?
Sometimes you can’t judge a book by its cover. Whereas the UK’s big cities have reputations for being hotspots for criminal activity, the smaller villages and rural retreats are seen as tranquil escapes with peace and quiet. However, new research suggests that appearances can be deceptive.
According to a car insurance comparison website, thefts from vehicles – whether it is the car itself that is stolen or break-ins for items that are left in the car – are rife in some of the UK’s most idyllic villages. The research, which analyzed data from ten million car insurance quotes, showed that over the last five years more than four per cent of motorists in Winchelsea, part of East Sussex, had made a claim on their car insurance – this was the highest percentage of any postcode area in the UK.
Indeed while urban city centers such as Manchester, Hackney in London and Liverpool also make the top 20 list, it is still some of the smaller villages that dominate the top places. Saltburn-by-the-sea in Cleveland finishes in second spot, with 3.15 per cent of motorists making a car insurance claim for theft, while Godstone in Surrey finishes third with 3.02 per cent of drivers making a theft-related claim.
The top 10 was rounded out by Treorchy in Mid Glamorgan with 2.89 per cent of drivers making a claim for theft in the last five years; Buckhurst Hill in Essex with 2.82 per cent; Romford in Essex with 2.80 per cent; Leeds in West Yorkshire with 2.72 per cent; Doncaster in South Yorkshire with 2.68 per cent; Rotherham in South Yorkshire with 2.63 per cent; and Stockport in Cheshire with 2.61 per cent.
Why are car thefts so rife in villages?
It seems that drivers in the UK’s villages are falling victim to opportunist thieves. Whereas the larger cities suffer from more prolific organized car crime, the quieter areas are suffering more minor break-ins.
This can be attributed to an upsurge in the value of items we keep in our cars. Whether it’s a mobile phone left on display, or a Satellite Navigation system, thieves have easy targets even when the vehicle is securely locked. Add that to exterior modifications, such as pricey alloy wheels, and thieves simply have more opportunities than before to cash in when a car is left unattended.
How can you avoid making a car insurance claim?
No matter where you live, you should take steps to limit the car crime you suffer by protecting your vehicle.
One of the easiest steps is to keep items, particularly expensive pieces of technology such as phones and Sat Nav systems, out of the sight of thieves. If possible, take them with you when you leave the car – but at least store them out of sight whether it is in the boot or under a seat. Don’t leave a mobile phone switched on if you leave it in the car either – as it will quickly draw attention if it starts to ring.
Limit the number of modifications you make to a vehicle as anything that looks good to you is likely to look good to thieves too. Car insurers punish drivers that make excessive modifications to a car because of the increased risk, so keeping your vehicle conventional will save you money on your premiums too. If you do decide to modify the car then try and protect the enhancements you make, such as by fitting wheel nut locks to alloy wheels.
Invest in a car alarm and immobilisers for your vehicle – most car insurers will reward you with a discount in the region of 10 per cent if you buy a system they approve. Generally, the Thatcham-approved products are popular as the Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre evaluates all security products against the industry standard and its recommendations are highly sought-after.
Park your car in a garage overnight and you could earn a discount in the region of five-10 per cent. If there is no garage available to you then park in a well-lit area. Inform your insurer too, if the area you park in during the day is secure – your premiums may be cut as a result.
You should consider vehicle security even when shopping around for car insurance. There are several insurers that are willing to overlook vandalism claims for example, and will not remove your no-claims bonus if you fall victim to a vandal’s attack. If you feel your protection is not sufficient then compare car insurance online to find a more suitable policy.
| By Alex Gregory |
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