Car Insurance Is Hit And Myth
Newcastle Herald
Saturday May 29, 2004
THIS is a story that's been around for a while. Basically, it claims your insurance policy will be instantly declared null and void should the company find your stolen car and discover your secret key hidey-hole.
The reason being that you made it too easy for the crims to steal.
There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of truth to this claim.
When asked, a spokesperson from the Insurance Council of Australia said claims were decided on a case by case basis. That implies the companies don't instantly wipe you the moment they find a hidden key.
But an NRMA Insurance spokesman went further, describing the statement as an urban myth.
``The discovery of a key hidden externally on a vehicle that was stolen and later recovered would not automatically render an NRMA Insurance motoring insurance policy null and void," the spokesman said.
``This type of event is covered by our policy.
``However, NRMA Insurance wouldn't pay a motor vehicle claim if the client had acted fraudulently in relation to the claim. We don't pay fraudulent claims."
The spokesman also said the NRMA recommended against hiding keys externally on vehicles (as do the police).
They suggest carrying a spare key with you, such as in your wallet or handbag, and also fitting an engine immobiliser or alarm as further protection against car theft.
© 2004 Newcastle Herald