Protecting Yourself From Home Invasion with Car Insurance Safety

Al and Liz pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot, planning to do their weekly shopping. They locked the car doors, but left the windows open a crack to keep the car cool. As the headed into the store, they didn't notice Russ and John watching them intently. While John kept watch, Russ stuck an unbent coat hanger through the crack in the window and hit the automatic lock. When the doors popped open,

Russ didn't try to hotwire the car, or rifle through Al and Liz's belongings. He knew he'd look too suspicious, so he simply popped open the glove compartment and struck gold. Al and Liz had left the declarations sheet (also known as a "dec sheet") for their car insurance in the glove compartment. He grabbed it, and he and John went back to their car.

The Perfect Crime

While Al and Liz browsed Wal-Mart, John and Russ drove to the address printed on the dec sheet. They knew that they'd have plenty of time - people don't usually run into Wal-Mart for just one item - so Russ was able to pick the backdoor lock. John and Russ looted the entire house, taking all the electronics and Liz's jewelry. They were able to complete the job and leave without attracting any notice from the neighbors.

When Al and Liz arrived home, they were completely shocked to find that they'd been robbed. They had no idea how the thieves had known that they'd left the house, or how long they'd be gone. It seemed like a perfect crime. Liz and Al had nothing but questions - and a lengthy police report to fill out.

Learning From Al and Liz

Unfortunately this story isn't just a cautionary tale. Many people place their entire dec sheet in their glove compartment since they think it is necessary to show proof of insurance. But thieves have gotten wise, and they always look in the glove compartment for an easy way of finding the address of someone they know isn't home. These crimes usually occur when the thief knows you'll be away for a while, such as a shopping trip to a big store, or arriving at a museum, zoo, or other place where people usually take their time.

The best way to keep yourself safe is to leave your dec sheet at home. Go out to your glove compartment and see what's inside. If you have information with your address, take it out right away! Usually your car insurance company will send you a separate card to carry in your car or wallet, or designate an area on the dec sheet to cut off and carry with you. If you don't have a card, call your car insurance company and request a wallet card.

In the meantime, it is always legal to black out the address or other private information on your proof of insurance, so get a permanent marker and remove anything that could help a thief. As always, if you aren't happy with the service given to you by your car insurance company, do some comparison shopping. If your current car insurance company doesn't offer the safety and security that you desire, both for your car and your home, find a company that does. Carinsurancerates.com is a good place to start looking. Your car insurance company is an important component in your theft prevention plan.