Car crime is falling and statistics show that car criminals are slowly being outwitted by vehicle owners and the police. Car crime fell by 9 percent between 2002/3 and 2003/4 according to police recorded crime statistics, proving that if owners continue to make small changes in their behaviour they will generate a dramatic decline in the number of car insurance claims being made for stolen cars.

Having your car broken into or stolen is a distressing business that leads to emotional upset and financial implications. If your car is stolen you will have the hassle of making a claim on your car insurance policy and you will be seriously inconvenienced until it is replaced. If you have had belongings taken from your car then the chances are you will feel violated, having lost something valuable or irreplaceable. This is a natural response to having someone enter your property or take something that's yours.

It's fairly easy to break into a car, windows can be smashed and locks forced. Fortunately however measures can be taken to stop the thieves in their tracks. If every driver follows the thirteen point plan below then insurance premiums might fall and the honest motorist can keep their property to themselves. Keep your no claims bonus and even reduce your car insurance premiums by doing the following:

1. Never leave anything on display in your car. If you leave your bag, stereo, CD's, wallet or mobile phone lying around in your car, then it is going to become a target for thieves

2. Park your car under a street lamp or in well lit open space if possible. Thieves do not want to work under a spotlight and are more likely to go for a car that is parked in a shady spot

3. Better still put your car in the garage every night if you have one and lock it. It is unlikely that car criminals will try and break into your garage to get to your vehicle

4. It sounds obvious but always remember to lock your car. Often car thieves are given an easy ride by people who leave their cars open

5. Try to park your car in a secure attended car park if you are leaving it anywhere public

6. Have a car alarm fitted by a professional. This will deter a thief like nothing else

7. Invest in a steering lock and use it every time you leave your car

8. Have an immobiliser fitted which prevents the car from starting. This will make sure that even if the thief gains access to your car he/she won't be able to drive it away

9. Have a tracker fitted so that your car can be traced if it is taken

10. Have your car registration or vehicle identification number etched onto the windows, both windscreens and the headlights. This would deter a thief planning to disguise the identity of your car by changing its appearance

11. Put security markings on your car equipment. It is recommended that you put your vehicle registration on items such as your stereo

12. Never leave vehicle documents in your car as they could help a thief to sell it on

13. Put the aerial down so as not to give vandals temptation

Car crime is falling and people are taking preventative measures like those listed above, but statistics show that a vehicle is stolen every two minutes in the UK, so chances are you could become a victim of car crime at any time. If you have been unlucky enough to have your car broken into or stolen these are the next steps you should take:

" Firstly, let the police know. You don't need to call 999, just contact your local police station or the non emergency number. The police will want to know as much detail as possible, such as the make, model and registration of the car, so make sure you know this.

" Notify your car insurance company to discuss your claim if you are making one. Letting your insurers know is very important as the thieves may be involved in a car accident and you could be implicated.

" If the car is found your insurers should pay for any repairs. If it is not found and you are going to claim, you should present your purchase documents, registration form and any service records.

Everyone is at risk from car crime. Even if you have protected yourself thieves can find a way to steal your car and belongings. Make sure you have adequate car insurance so that you can make a claim when you need it most.

To get cheap online car insurance visit www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk or call 0808 195 9954.

Editorial notes: Hoot Car Insurance is an online car insurance provider which offers savings on existing premiums and gives the customer the ease of buying online.