By YASEMIN TALAT
VEHICLES damaged in malicious acts across the Melton Shire incurred almost $80,000 in damage bills, new RACV data shows.
The latest RACV Insurance claims data revealed that 123 vehicles were damaged between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013, across the Western Suburbs.
Melton Shire had 16 malicious damage claims costing $76,412 and was ranked fourth out of the six western municipalities for number of incidents.
RACV general manager Insurance Paul Northey said malicious damage to vehicles caused significant inconvenience to motorists and cost millions to repair.
“Last year, RACV Insurance paid out more than $3.44 million to members whose vehicles had suffered malicious damage,” Mr Northey said.
Brimbank was the local municipality most affected by malicious damage claims in the West with 37 incidents costing almost $100,000.
Mr Northey said the stats were a good reminder to motorists to take simple steps in protecting their vehicle.
“With the average malicious damage claim costing $2894, motorists should ensure they have adequate insurance cover to avoid a hefty vehicle repair bill,” Mr Northey said.
“Of course, prevention is better than cure. One of the best preventative steps motorists can take to protect their vehicle is to park it off the street and where possible, in a secure garage,” he said.
“If you must park on the street, try and park in a well-lit location with people frequently passing by, as this can act as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves and vandals.”
Mr Northey said although the tips seemed straightforward, the simplest steps would help protect vehicles.
RACV Insurance’s other top tips to protect your car included: lock your garage after parking your car, do not leave valuable items in plain sight and no not leave your car unattended on the street or in a public car park for long lengths of time.
