Preventing thefts from cars and vans




Thefts from cars and vans are rarely pre-planned. They are generally made by opportunist thieves who try doors to see if they are locked, or spot something that may be of value in your vehicle.

Don't tempt a casual thief!

The most obvious way to avoid an opportunist thief is to lock your car!

If you leave your car unattended and unlocked, you could be asking for trouble. Even if you are only leaving the vehicle for a few minutes while at a petrol station, that may be enough time for someone to remove something without you knowing it.

Avoid leaving any visible items on your car seat, parcel shelf or in the back of your van if at all possible. If you leave a laptop bag or jacket on the seat of your car it could only take a moment for someone to break a window and grab it.

Don't assume that because you have a car alarm, you can leave valuable items laying around inside your car. The thief could have disappeared long before you make it back to your vehicle.

If you have any valuable items you should either lock them in your boot, or better still, take them with you.

If you drive a van and you regularly have tools or equipment in the back, ensure the locks on your rear doors are in good working order.

If you have windows in you rear doors, it may be worth investing in some sheets of reflective film that can be attached to the inside of these windows. This will stop a passer by from seeing what's in the back.


In-car equipment

If you have expensive in-car equipment such as a stereo or Sat Nav, you should consider making them removable. Many car stereo's and Sat Nav systems can be adapted to be removable.

If you have removable devices then make sure you take them with you whenever you leave your vehicle.

If you have had a car accident and would like some free help and advice please call us on 02392 484 244 and one of our advisors will be happy to help.


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury