Auto theft is a sad reality in India. The number of cars on road is increasing every day and so is the number of car thefts. Whether you own a modern SUV, a sedan, a hatchback or a luxury car, it is at the risk of getting stolen. Similarly, your car can get stolen even if it was purchased a decade back or was just a week old.
The situation is particularly grim in metropolitan cities, which boasts of the maximum number of car thefts in the country. India’s capital city of New Delhi witnesses the maximum number of cars thefts in India. In fact, Delhi is notoriously called the ‘Auto Theft Capital’ of India.
Let’s talk numbers.
As per the data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2019, a vehicle is stolen every 12 minutes in Delhi, every 2 hours in Bangalore and every 4 hours in Mumbai. If you go by the data provided by Delhi Police, about 35,019 vehicles have been stolen in Delhi in 2020 alone.
Even during the COVID-19 lockdown period between 15-30 March 2020, when police presence was extremely high on the streets, auto thieves managed to steal about 1,243 vehicles with 83 alone in Delhi.
You must be wondering how did they pull that off.
Well! Experts believe that stealing a car is rather an easy affair for auto thieves than a risky one. The crime usually takes place in secluded areas or at night where the chances of an intervention by the car owner or the police are next to zero. Not to forget, stealing a car means more money than stealing a wallet or a mobile phone.
When it comes to the cars being stolen, newly purchased cars are equally at risk as old cars.
Ever wondered why? Let’s find out.
The automobile industry has evolved tremendously in the last few years. Carmakers have introduced modern cars with cutting edge technology in not just performance and features but also anti-theft car devices. With the kind of technology used in cars these days, you would hardly expect your brand new car to get stolen. In fact, you might think it’s impossible.
But haven’t you heard? ‘Impossible itself says I M POSSIBLE’.
Contrary to your beliefs, new cars are much easier to steal than old cars. Just like the cars are getting upgraded, the auto thieves have been enhancing their knowledge. They are constantly acquainting themselves with the latest car protection technology. Despite the efforts of carmakers to innovate better immobilizers, the auto thieves continue cracking the code.
The high-tech anti-theft car devices were supposed to be the answer to how to secure your car from theft. But the same technology has made it easier for auto thieves to steal a car if they have the right equipment and knowledge.
While earlier it used to take about two and a half minutes for an experienced thief to smash the window of a car, break the steering lock and steal the car, a modern car can now be stolen in less than 10 seconds without breaking anything. Let us tell you how.
Most of the cars today come with keyless entry, which means it involves software and technology. With the help of electronic devices available easily in the black market, auto thieves can transmit the electronic signal emitted by your key to unlock the car to their repeater device. All they need is to be within a certain distance while you are using your key and the signal will be transmitted. As a consequence, they will be able to drive away with your car without making any noises as if they had a key to it.
Besides, SUVs are a big hit among auto thieves, thanks to their popularity and demand. In the last few years, more numbers of sports utility vehicles are being stolen. Compact SUVs are also increasingly being stolen as they can be sold for both private and commercial use.
Are you thinking of how to prevent car theft at home or in public places? Let us help!
First and foremost, you need to buy comprehensive car insurance for your four-wheeler. By covering your vehicle under car insurance with own damages cover, your car will be financially protected against car theft. It will ensure that your motor insurance company will compensate you for the financial losses that you may incur in case your car gets stolen.
But just any car insurance will not do.
The important thing is to cover your car under car insurance with own damages cover. Own damages cover pays for the loss of your car due to car theft, which is not available under a basic third party car insurance policy.
Chances are that you may have basic third party car insurance as it is mandatory as per India’s Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. But if you want coverage against car theft, you need to either buy comprehensive car insurance or own damages car insurance in addition to your third party car insurance policy.
Buying car insurance is a precautionary measure against car theft. But there are other ways to prevent car theft. Read on to know how to prevent car from being stolen.
Let’s check out seven simple and effective tips on how to prevent car theft home and in public places below:
Car theft is a major menace in India, especially in metropolitan cities. You would expect your brand new modern car to be immune to auto theft but they are easier to steal in real. Although car insurance may be unable to protect your car against auto theft, it can certainly save you from incurring a financial loss. Just remember the tips on how to prevent car theft at home and in public places and you will be good to go.
Car Insurance
Plans start at
₹2,094*
Compare & Save
Up to 85%*
on Car Insurance
11 Dec 2023
You must have read or heard about the term “Full Coverage Car11 Dec 2023
As winters can be especially jarring for people in certain parts07 Dec 2023
If you are planning to buy an SUV car, it is also essential that05 Dec 2023
Investing in a hatchback can be a great option if you are looking29 Nov 2023
Considering the population of rats in our country, it is common toInsurance
*Savings are based on the comparison between the highest and the lowest premium for own damage cover (excluding add-on covers) provided by different insurance companies for the same vehicle with the same IDV and same NCB. Actual time for transaction may vary subject to additional data requirements and operational processes.
Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited CIN: U74999HR2014PTC053454 Registered Office - Plot No.119, Sector - 44, Gurgaon - 122001, Haryana Tel no. : 0124-4218302 Email ID: enquiry@policybazaar.com
Policybazaar is registered as a Direct Broker | Registration No. 742, Registration Code No. IRDA/ DB 797/ 19, Valid till 09/06/2024, License category- Direct Broker (Life & General)
Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may be shared with insurers.Product information is authentic and solely based on the information received from the insurers.
© Copyright 2008-2023 policybazaar.com. All Rights Reserved.