In 2010, drivers discovered that their car insurance premiums rose by a whopping 30 per cent. Major contributors to this trend were claim fraud and car crime, so it stands to reason that you keep your car as safe and secure as possible. This way, you can minimise claims on your Staveley Head insurance cover, while hopefully working towards keeping your premiums at a minimum level. You can follow a few steps to prevent your beloved car from becoming another crime statistic.

1)Install security

If you install extra security on your car, such as an alarm, immobiliser of steering wheel lock, you can put car thieves off even trying to steal your car, plus your insurance premiums will be lowered substantially. You can also incorporate security protection into your vehicle through having additional vehicle identification numbers etched onto windows and other visible parts of the car, as this stops specific parts being lifted. Make sure insurers know if you do any of these updates, as well as if they prefer particular brands as these preferences can affect the price of their quote.

2)Remove valuables

This is pretty simple, really: leave it on display and you’ll probably pay, particularly if it’s a tougher area where you’re parked. Laptops, mobile phones, handbags and satnavs are the things most stolen and can be easily taken through a swift kick to a window. Thieves are also happy to check under the seat, in the boot or in the glove compartment, so look for alternative places to store them or simply take them with you. To go even further, leave your empty glove box open and take jackets off of seats or parcel shelves – criminals can assume they are being used to hide items underneath. Carry documents in your car with ID information? Try not to be a victim of identity fraud and keep them out of your car, if it can be helped.

3)Park smart

Finally, and possibly the most important point in this list: if you are in an unfamiliar area, get into the habit of looking out for safe places to park your car. Sensible places to switch the engine off include well-lit streets and manned car parks. Sometimes, however, this may not be as possible; just aim for a street light or a busier residential area and you’ll minimise the chance of having to pay through the nose for damage from would-be thieves.