The Real Cost Of Motor Vehicle Theft - January 22, 2010
Ever had a car stolen? Did you collapse, broken-hearted, on the floor when told that its burnt-out chassis had been found at the bottom of a dry creek bed and was now home to a family of very large rats? The stereo was gone, the seats were gone, the woofers, gone. And the fluffy dice – they even took the dice!
No more “DOOF-DOOF”, no more dice
No more back seat paradise…
I know – you were much younger then.
The negative impact caused by car theft spares no one. Its effects are felt right across the community. For example, an increase in motor vehicle thefts means an increase in motor vehicle insurance claims and this ultimately leads to a rise in motor vehicle insurance premiums.
But it doesn’t stop there. Even those who don’t own a vehicle end up bearing the cost of motor vehicle thefts indirectly as taxi fares, bus fares, even school excursions become more expensive. And if you believe you’ve been excluded from these increased costs because you walk or cycle everywhere, think again.
Higher motor vehicle insurance premiums mean higher transport running costs, which lead to higher freight charges, and this translates to higher prices on the supermarket shelves.
And let’s not forget the individual. The poor motorist who has had his car stolen must now cop a reduction in his No Claim Bonus as well as pay a hefty excess. If he relies on his vehicle for work there is also the alarming prospect of a temporary loss of income.
So what can be done to combat these heinous crimes?
Many new cars these days have built-in anti-theft devices such as car alarms, engine demobilisers and wheel nut locks. Even so, there are several things car owners can do to prevent the their vehicles being stolen.
• If your car doesn’t come with an anti-theft device, buy one.
• When parking on the street at night, always choose a well-lit area.
• That anti-theft device that you bought…use it!
