My car

Minimise the risk

• Always ensure that your doors are securely locked and windows fully wound up.
• Never leave a second set of keys in your car.
• Never start your car and then leave it unattended.
• Thieves target cars at night so ensure that you park your car in a secure well-lit area.
• Use off-street parking where possible.
• Have an immobiliser or alarm fitted to better protect your vehicle.
• Never attach a name tag with your address or car registration to your keys.
• Never leave valuables in your car - always take them with you when you leave.
• If your car stereo has a detachable face, always take it with you.
• If you must leave valuables in your car, move them into the boot out of sight before you have reached your destination - thieves have been known to target vehicles by watching people move valuables to their boot.

Find out more about RAC Comprehensive Motor Insurance

Immobilisers

• If you are buying a new or used car, and it is not fitted with an immobiliser, you must have one fitted before ownership is transferred into your name.
• The onus is on the purchaser to have the immobiliser fitted, and is not the responsibility of the seller of the vehicle.
• An immobiliser is a device, which prevents the engine from being started. All vehicles manufactured after 2001 for sale in Australia are required by law to be fitted with an immobiliser.
• When buying a car manufactured before 2001, you need to check that one is fitted and that it complies with the Vehicle standards regulations.
• There are 1, 2 and 3 stage immobilisers - refering to the three systems on the car which can be immobilised:
  • The fuel system - the fuel injection system or fuel pump is switched off.
  • The ignition system - in this case the spark to the spark plugs is switched off.
  • Starter system - the starter motor is prevented from turning.

More information on immobilisers and alarms

Road rage

RAC Policy on road rage defines it as driving-related aggression of an impulsive nature and between strangers, precipitated by an incident involving a vehicle, where the subsequent actions or behaviour of one road user towards another are intended or interpreted as being intimidatory.

• This definition allows us to include mild and severe incidences and try to find a way to accurately count both how often it occurs and what sorts of road rage behaviour happens in Western Australia.
• There are some easy strategies you can adopt to avoid being a perpetrator of road rage.
  • Stay calm, record the offending vehicle's details and drive to the nearest police station.

Car fire

• Stop the engine and switch off the ignition.
• Evacuate the vehicle immediately, close all the doors (slowing the progress of the fire) and keep clear of the immediate area.
• Call Emergency Services on 000.
• If your vehicle is LPG powered and you think it is safe enough, switch off the main supply valve (make sure you know where it is before attempting this).
• If you have an extinguisher, try to put out the fire using extreme caution. If the fire is under the bonnet, operate the bonnet release only - never lift the bonnet as the sudden rush of air can cause the fire the gain intensity very quickly. Empty the contents of the extinguisher through the gap in short bursts.
• If the fire is in the cabin of the vehicle empty the contents of the fire extinguisher into the vehicle before closing the door.
• After the fire has been put out, never attempt to drive your car.

Find out more about RAC Comprehensive Motor Insurance

Caravan fire

• The fire extinguisher should be located near the exit where it is accessible and where escape is also an option.
• The fire extinguisher should be the dry chemical powder portable type which has a minimum rating of 1A:5B:(E).
• Install a smoke alarm fitted with a ‘hush' button close to the beds in addition to a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
• When towing your caravan make sure that any pilot lights have been switched off.
• At camp sites and caravan parks, make sure you know where the safety equipment is located.
• Make sure that all electrical and gas equipment has been properly tested and is in good working order.
• All gas cylinders on your caravan should be external, properly secured with valves facing away from the van.
• Have a portable radio and so that you can be properly informed of any bush fire warnings in your area.
• Never cook or smoke in tents or annexes.
• Locate any campfire away from the caravan and downwind.
• Clear an area around your fire of any debris and leaves so that, if any embers escape, the chance of starting a fire is minimised.
• Make sure that the fire is out completely before going to sleep.
• When you first get to a campsite, look for a safe refuge in the event of a bush fire.

Find out more about RAC Caravan Insurance