An ounce of prevention...
That isn’t just an old saying. They’re words to live by. And they fit perfectly with the principle of minimum effort. After all, the more you know, the less likely you are to get stuck. AXA offers a maximum amount of precautionary tips to make your life easier.
Avoid the theft of your vehicle or its contents
Did you know that a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in Quebec? Thieves have plenty of tricks up their sleeves, so make sure your vehicle doesn’t become a target! Here are a few tips to prevent the theft of your vehicle.- Negligence is a major factor in vehicle theft. These tips could help you avoid a nasty surprise:
- Always shut your windows and lock your doors and never leave the keys in your vehicle
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, because thieves are quick
- When you park your vehicle, turn the wheels and put on the emergency brake to make towing more difficult
- Keep your keys with you rather than hiding them in your vehicle
- Always carry your driver’s license, insurance certificate, and registration with you. (Imagine a thief steals your vehicle and is pulled over for a driving infraction before you have a chance to notify the police. If you leave these forms in your vehicle, the thief will pretend that you lent it to him and get away clean with your vehicle and everything in it!)
- Install an anti-theft device to discourage thieves. You’ll also reduce your premium with AXA.
- Put markings on your vehicle’s parts and windshield. Car alarms and a tracking system are other features to consider for extra security.
- Placing an antitheft blocking device (like an antitheft bar lock) on the steering wheel, gear shift, or clutch is also a good idea. Having them in place deters potential thieves.
- Things like cameras, laptops, and electronic devices are easy to sell. Left in plain site in your vehicle, they are very attractive to thieves. Avoid carrying valuable items in your vehicle and leaving them in plain sight. If you must carry valuable items, make sure they are well hidden before you leave home. Don’t wait until you have to leave your vehicle before hiding them. Thieves are very observant.
