There are many great things about having a car insurance black box from Drive Wiser; cheaper cover for safe drivers, the ability to learn about your driving and improve any risky or potentially dangerous activity, plus there's the opportunity to get the best possible prices on cover in the future based on your own driving. But, for some, the knowledge that the device could assist police in tracking your vehicle in the event of a reported theft is possibly the strongest argument for installing the in-car smart technology we provide.*
Keep your car safe from thieves
Of course, we know that all drivers would rather that their cars weren’t stolen in the first place, so what can be done to improve your car security? Below we take a look at some strategies to bolster the security of your vehicle. And with the Office for National Statistics revealing that there were more than 400,000 instances of vehicle-related theft reported to the police in 2016/17, the following may be some of the most important steps you ever take when it comes to caring for your car.
If the engine's running you should be in the car
Okay, this may be the most obvious, but you'd be surprised to learn that each year in the UK thousands of cars are stolen as a result of the owner just dashing out to post a letter, retrieve a parcel or collect a forgotten bag. Warming up a vehicle on a cold day is one of the most common circumstances under which a running vehicle is stolen.
Sadly, there are lots of opportunists out there who need only one invitation and it is also true that no insurer – not even a black box car insurance company – will uphold your policy in the event a car is stolen while running and unattended.
Park somewhere sensible
Some places are notorious for vehicle theft, and, if at all possible, you should avoid parking in them.
It is best to find a place to park that is populated, well lit, and, ideally, within sight of you or people you trust. And when you're out and about, try parking where lots of people will see your vehicle, rather than in some dark and secluded corner of a multi-storey.
Is it really locked?
With today's electronic key fobs it can sometimes be difficult to be sure that you've locked your car. Remember, most models let you know that they're locked by flashing the indicator lights; if this doesn't happen when you press the button, it is highly recommended that you find some way of checking.
Don't advertise your wares
It may sound sad or cynical but it is simply realistic to say that you should keep all potentially enticing valuables out of sight. This means phones, laptops, bags, sat nav systems and expensive clothes and sports gear.
Also, in the age of identity theft, be careful not to leave personal documentation such as letters and bills within view.
Install a vehicle tracker
Although it won't stop your vehicle being stolen, installing a vehicle tracker could help the police recover your car if it's stolen. But why have the added expense? With a Drive Wiser black box car insurance policy, the device already does that for you; added protection with no added cost.
As a Drive Wiser customer, if thieves manage to steal your car all you need to do is contact our 24/7 Stolen Vehicle Helpline with the crime reference number and, as long as the device is active and remains in the vehicle, our team can help the police to track and hopefully recover it.
Drive Wiser, car insurance for smart drivers
At Drive Wiser, we want to help you save money on your car insurance. If you are involved in an accident, we can use the information recorded by your black box device to help settle a claim promptly and efficiently. If you are not at fault we can use the information recorded by the device to help prove certain details at the time of the accident, such as speed, location and directional force of any impact. Being able to prove liability in a claim can potentially save you hundreds of pounds by protecting your No Claims Discount and your excess.
Plus, if your car is recovered, undamaged after a theft, this will also save you money as you may not have to make a claim at all.
Get a quote today, or browse through our website to find out more about Drive Wiser and our in-car smart technology.
*Tracking is only possible if the device remains active and inside the vehicle.