You finally bought your dream ride! Whether it’s an average family car or a shining-red race GT, you’re off to hit the road. You’re filled with happiness and pride, knowing that you can dazzle your family, friends, and loved ones with your new car. However, not everyone who’d catch a glimpse of your ride would have the best intentions in mind. Car theft isn’t a new occurrence in the Philippines. We’ve heard countless horror stories of masked men forcing vehicles away from their owners, either by threat of a weapon or quick successive strategies. You worry about your safety and the security of your very own vehicle. You ask, “How would I be able to avoid such incidences?” Well, look no further than our helpful tips:
1. Never leave your car unlocked.
The simplest rule is also one which is most taken for granted. Never linger too long when hopping in your ride. Be mindful of your surroundings and carefully yet hastily enter, remembering to lock your door before starting your car. The same thing applies when you’re about to leave your car in a parking lot. Check that all your doors are locked, and don’t forget to take the key with you.
2. Never leave your car running, especially while it is unattended or unlocked.
Don’t give car thieves a free pass. Aside from the fact that it’s a waste of gas, an unlocked and unattended running car would be an easy target for car thieves who are always on the lookout for an easy score.
3. Never leave an extra key near your vehicle.
It’s always great to be cautious, keeping a spare key nearby, just in case you lock yourself out of your car. That’s fine, until a car thief learns of its hiding place and gains access to your vehicle. Always be vigilant when keeping an extra key, hide it in the most unexpected and uninspected places, just well enough for you (and only you) to find it.
4. Never leave your windows open.
This is most applicable in the Philippines. Aside from the fact that it’ll attract quick handed thieves in snatching away any valuables inside your car, it would also be an easy access for car thieves with weapons. Just cool down with an air conditioner and be safe inside your
5. Park your car in a well-secured area.
It’s better to spend a little in a well-secured parking area than an open lot with no one guarding your ride. Paid parking has CCTVs and roving security guards, well-enough for your ride to be safe and unreachable to car thieves.
6. Invest on a reliable car security system.
Anti-theft alarms are practically built into modern cars, but there are still those which haven’t caught up with the times. In such case, be sure to have alarms installed in your ride for extra measure. It may seem costly at first, but that would be nothing compared to the huge expense of trying to buy a new car to replace one which was stolen.
7. Avoid detailing your travels via Social Media.
Car thieves may scout you out, depending on your destinations. And when it’s finally time for you to freshen up in a pit stop, they would grab the opportunity to steal your car from you. If you really can’t resist sharing your travels with your friends, then be sure at least to post your updates only after the whole trip, when your car is safely garaged at home.
8. Invest on a GPS tracking system.
An installed GPS would determine where the car thieves took your ride. Some would even provide accurate coordinates, well-enough for the police to catch up with the thieves.
9. Never leave any valuables in your ride.
Don’t make it a double feature in one day. It’s one thing to have your car stolen, but another to have your valuables stolen along with it. Take everything with you, especially important IDs and ATM cards. Most of the time, these thieves aren’t interested in the ride, but more in the valuables in it. Do not give them the satisfaction of stealing anything from you at all.
10. Always be alert.
Trust your instincts. Never settle for anything less than good security. Remember: you bought your very own ride with hard-earned money, never let it all go to waste. Be vigilant of your surroundings and be sure to report any suspicious loiterer around your ride.
With all of these in mind, you’re probably thinking of ways to secure your ride (and financials) better, especially when the unthinkable happens. Well surely, you’d go for a full-pledged service that has nothing but your best interest in mind. With that being said, nothing beats Cebuana Lhuillier’s AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we deliver a fast, easy and secure transaction.
Image Source: https://bit.ly/2GG0i9B