Many people think of Orange Park as a very safe part of the Jacksonville metro area. Indeed, compared to many areas, it is quite low-risk. However, crime can happen anywhere, and local crimes can include vehicle theft. This is not something you want to have to deal with, so what can you do to prevent such occurrences?
The good news is car theft is not difficult to prevent. With practical safety steps, you can keep your risks low. You and your auto insurance might benefit as a result.
Orange Park's Crime Risks
As far as the Jacksonville area goes, Orange Park is relatively rural and free of crime. In 2016, the city had 308.6 reported crimes per 100,000 residents. (The city's population is roughly 8,700.) Jacksonville itself, population 892,000, reports 375.5 crimes per 100,000 people.
However, just because you might think you live in a safe area of town, that doesn't mean you or your car are automatically safe. The city only had 13 incidents of car theft in 2016. Yet, even one theft is one too many. If you have a family to take care of, and work to do, then you need a car. Don't let yourself become a victim.
Avoiding Car Theft Risks
Most cars have built-in security systems. However, many car thieves have devised ingenious ways of getting around these. Therefore, the more you do to secure the car, the better off you will be.
- Keep the car locked. Whether you are parking in a lot, in your driveway or actively driving, you must lock the vehicle.
- Consider installing steering wheel locks or items to deter thieves.
- Roll up the windows and keep the trunk and doors closed.
- Don't leave valuables on clear display in the car.
- Park close to your home or in a garage. Try not to park overnight on residential streets.
Your Car Insurance Can Help You
You might wonder if car insurance will help you pay for repairs or replacement for a stolen car.
Because theft is considered an accident, your car insurance policy will help you in most cases. Yet, you'll need to carry a certain type of coverage — comprehensive insurance — to get full benefits. Comprehensive insurance will cover vehicle losses not related to accidents. Theft will usually fall into this category.
Check with your Insurance Place of Orange Park agent to see if your policy will pay you the car's replacement value or cash value. Replacement value coverage will help you get a new car at a comparable price to the stolen one. Cash value coverage will only pay the car's value at the time of the theft. Therefore, you might not recoup the full replacement cost in the event you need to use it on a new vehicle.
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