Vehicle theft prevention – Strategies to protect your ride and insurance policy

Every Indian home owns at least one vehicle, if not more. In Delhi-NCR, most families rely on personal cars and two-wheelers to ease daily commutes. Unfortunately, statistics show that Delhi accounts for over half of all vehicle thefts in India. In June 2023, the Times of India reported that 105 vehicles were stolen per day in the capital in the first six months of the year. Vehicle owners have a responsibility to look after their cars and bikes. One crucial aspect of this responsibility involves comprehensive insurance. These policies cover accidents and protect you against a more sinister threat – vehicle theft.

Here are our top tips to help you protect your two-wheelers and four-wheelers from theft.

When parking your car or bike, opt for well-lit areas that are visible to the public. Thieves will avoid stealing vehicles from locations where they can easily get spotted by people passing by.

Modern technology offers various anti-theft devices for your bike and car. GPS trackers, for instance, can help you track your vehicle’s location if it gets stolen. A car or bike alarm alerts you whenever somebody tries to touch or move your vehicle. These devices can significantly increase the chances of recovering your stolen two-wheeler and four-wheeler.

Whenever you have the option, park your vehicle in your garage or a secure indoor parking area. Most office and residential buildings have garages monitored by CCTV, making it difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. Utilize the option whenever available to keep your bike and car safe.

Thieves often target bikes and cars with valuable accessories. Bikes with saddlebags, phone mounts, and high-end lights are prime targets. Remove these accessories whenever you park your bike to make it less appealing to thieves. You should also avoid leaving valuables like handbags, wallets, laptops, and phones in plain view in your car.

Bright-coloured covers, stickers, and easily recognisable markings can act as visual deterrents for thieves. These markings make your car and bike easily identifiable, which can discourage theft.

Despite your best efforts, somebody may still steal your vehicle. That’s where insurance comes into play. A comprehensive plan includes car and bike theft insurance coverage. You can follow these steps to file a claim after somebody steals your prized vehicle.

File a police report the moment you realize somebody has stolen your car or bike. Visit the nearest police station and file a First Information Report (FIR). You must provide details about how and where your vehicle was parked when the theft occurred. The police may visit the area to gather more information.

Contact your insurance company to inform them about the theft. You must provide details about the theft date, time and location, and your policy number. Your insurance company might ask for a copy of the FIR. Ensure you keep all the relevant documents with you.

Complete the claim application form and send your insurance company all the documentation. You can follow the online process and send copies via e-mail or post hard copies to the company’s office. Always check your insurance company’s preferred documentation mode to facilitate quick and easy settlements.

Your insurance company may investigate to verify the claim. Cooperate fully and provide any additional information they require.

After completing the investigation, the company will approve or reject your claim request. After verifying a claim, the company initiates the settlement transfer. The amount depends on your insurance policy and the calculated value of your vehicle. Your insurance policy will have an Insured Declared Value (IDV) noted. It is the maximum amount the company will pay for theft.

While car and bike theft is an unfortunate reality, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your beloved vehicle. From installing anti-theft devices to practicing vigilant parking habits, your efforts can significantly reduce theft attempts. However, in the unfortunate event of theft, having a comprehensive car and bike theft insurance policy is your safety net. Follow your insurance company’s claims process for smooth and hassle-free settlements. 

Remember, car and bike theft prevention requires a combination of proactive measures and insurance coverage. Visit the Zuno website to find the ideal comprehensive policy for your vehicle today. Our policies offer multiple add-on options, allowing you to customise the plan based on your requirements. Dealing with vehicle theft is always overwhelming. A good insurance policy can ease your worries and help you get a fair settlement.