As everyone is well aware, car theft and hijacking are high security risks for motorists in South Africa.
One of the main reasons for car insurance besides collisions is car theft.
It is also important to remember that attempted theft can also cause bad damage to your motor vehicle, such as broken locks and damaged wiring.
In a lot of cases, car insurance companies will not insure your vehicle without anti-theft devices installed in the vehicle.
When you are signing up for motor insurance, they may or may not ask if you have anti-theft devices installed.
It is always best to clearly inform your insurance company of your fitted anti theft devices.
If you have anti theft devices in your motor vehicle that are not queried about by your insurance company, they could greatly lower your insurance premium once you inform your insurance company about them.
Some great anti theft devices are immobilisers, central locking, gear locks, alarms and best of all, tracking systems.
The prices on installing these anti theft devices differ greatly.
There are, however, affordable ways to protect your vehicle with anti theft devices.
Tracking systems will usually be the most expensive type of anti theft device to install.
If you get pay as you drive motor insurance on your vehicle, they usually include the installation of the tracking system for free.
If you are not going to get this type of insurance, then you will need to pay for the installation, as well as the monthly subscription fee.
Trackers are excellent security measures as it greatly increases the chances of recovering your vehicle once it has been stolen.
Alarm systems can deter would-be thieves as they usually have a loud sound that will attract passersby.
An immobiliser will make it impossible for a thief to steal your car.
This is also another great way of securing your vehicle, although some thieves have learnt to bypass these immobiliser systems.
The fact of the matter remains that it is extremely important to have adequate security on your vehicle.
Firstly, if you do not, then your insurance premiums will be expensive.
If your insurance coverage is lower because of your security measures, then you need to make sure they are activated each time you park.
For example, if your insurance coverage is based on the fact that your car is parked in a locked garage each night, then you need to ensure that you keep it in a locked garage each night if possible.
Remember that it will be more inconvenient for you than the insurance company if your vehicle is stolen! You will have to find a replacement for probably less than the value of your insured vehicle, and could go weeks without a car.
Then you need to consider that your premiums will be a lot higher than they were before! Maintain adequate safety measures at all times to ensure that your vehicle will not be stolen.
Never leave your keys in your motor car, under any circumstances.
Maintain safe following distances at all times so that if you have to make a quick getaway, you will be able to escape.
Be vigilant, and take note of anyone who seems to be following you.