Auto Theft: 5 Mistakes that Can Cost You Your Compensation

Preventing Car Theft: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Car theft is an unfortunate event that every driver may face, regardless of the precautions taken to protect their vehicle.
Protecting oneself from such risks is essential to prevent theft and ensure insurance compensation.
Negligence on the part of the driver is one of the behaviors that can jeopardize the right to compensation, even if the insurance policy covers theft and fire events.
In some cases, the possibility of compensation from third parties, such as a paid parking operator, may also be limited.

It is possible to fall victim to car theft and not even have the possibility of obtaining damage repair without taking legal action against the thief, which is less appealing due to lengthy procedures and various potential issues.
Reporting the theft and defending one’s rights is crucial, but it is also important to be careful not to lose the insurance compensation.
Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid:

1.
Not Returning Both Keys to the Insurance Company

Failing to return both keys to the insurance company is the most common mistake that leads to the loss of compensation.
When reporting a vehicle theft to the insurance company, both keys should be provided, as typically, each driver has at least two keys, including a spare one.
Failing to provide the second key can result in loss of compensation, as the insurance company cannot verify the driver’s prudence.

If a key is lost, appropriate theft report should be filed.
Most people are willing to surrender a set of keys, unless they have disappeared with the car, a scenario that will be discussed in the following paragraph.

2.
Leaving Keys Unattended (or Attached to the Dashboard)

Leaving keys unattended, whether in unsecured places or attached to the dashboard, is not a sign of prudence.
This neglect exempts the insurance company from any liability.
It is every citizen’s duty to take precautions to deter crimes and protect their interests.

According to the law, the vehicle owner must take appropriate precautions to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle.
In addition to theft and denied compensation, there may also be a monetary fine ranging from 80 to 318 euros.

3.
Parking in a Paid but Unsecured Parking Area

Leaving a car in a paid parking lot may not guarantee safety from damage or theft attempts.
The assumption that paid parking guarantees security is not always true, as the parking lot operator may not provide vehicle surveillance despite charging for the service.

A sign stating “unattended parking” is sufficient to release the operator from any responsibility.
However, this does not imply negligence on the customer’s part.
Therefore, those who have insured their vehicle against theft can seek compensation from their insurance company.

4.
Finding the Car Damaged

In cases where the vehicle is found damaged near the place of disappearance, the primary intent of the crime was not theft but rather damaging the vehicle.
The right to compensation depends on the terms of the insurance policy regarding vandalism events.
Protection against vandalism is usually limited to injuries resulting from the crime.

In such situations, the car owner is not at fault, unless they opted out of coverage against vandalism acts.
Therefore, compensation eligibility depends on the insurance policy and its conditions.

5.
Lack of Proof of Vehicle Purchase

According to a court ruling, the insurance company is not obligated to compensate the insured party who cannot provide proof of vehicle purchase when filing a theft report.
Such documentation is mandatory if the insurance policy explicitly requires ownership certification for theft coverage.

It is crucial to adhere to precautions and fulfill all necessary requirements to avoid pitfalls and secure compensation in case of car theft.
Whether it’s returning keys, safeguarding them, choosing parking wisely, verifying coverage terms, or keeping purchase documentation, attention to detail can make a significant difference in receiving rightful compensation.