Keeping mobile from getting stolen

[qball]

I realize that this thread is related to security, but I think that some information about insurance is poignant.

Just because your car is fully insured under and auto policy doesn't mean that the contents are covered under said auto policy. My car was stolen, and the auto policy only covered $250 of the more than $10k worth of equipment that was removed from the car (all two-way and computer equipment). My homeowners policy covered the remainder of the costs associated with the stolen contents.

I would really recommend talking to your insurance agent about equipment loss related to a vehicle break-in, and I wouldn't assume anything. Furthermore, I would investigate a policy from ARRL or other source to make sure that you are covered.

My $.02.

 

[kb0nly]

Exactly...

That's why you need to get an optional personal property carrier from your auto insurance provider or a seperate insurance policy. I have my mobile equipment insured through HRIA which covers the replacement of everything ham radio related in my vehicles, radios, antenna's, etc.

Ham Radio Insurance

They also do coverage for computers, cell phones, antenna towers.. etc.

In my case i didn't insure my towers with them after finding out i can get an optional carrier on my homeowners insurance through State Farm, if a tower falls over i get a check, done...

 

[DieselFF918]

The best way to keep them secure that works for me, is to bolt them in really well. I had a Yaesu 1802m, 2m mobile, bolted to the windshield frame above the inside mirror in a 2000 Jeep Wrangler.

Some one did a smash and grab on my Jeep when I was living in Columbus, OH. Since I had bolted it in with the factory torx bolts from the Jeep, all the farther the thief got was to bend the mounting bracket a little.

In my truck I have the radio mounted down by the 4x4 shifter close to the floor. I also have my siren, cb, and soon the switch box for my Whelen Edge light bar, mounted to the same bracket.

So in order to get mine out the thief would have to navigate around all my other equipment and have 4 wrenches of 2 different size to take the bolts out.

 

[motorola_otaku]

I'm not trying to encourage wacking, but.. if you drive a relatively clean white Crown Vic or Impala with a spotlight and NMO-mounted antennas, you can park in the worst part of the 'hood and never need to worry about your stuff not being there when you get back. I used to have parking lot operators in downtown Houston thank me for parking in their lots because my ride kept the riffraff on the other side of the street.

That said, solid permanent mounting (i.e. a console) is your best deterrent, in addition to basic stuff like alarms and keeping your windows rolled up and doors locked. The car burglars 'round my side of town seem to prefer Ford trucks, so if you drive one of those it would behoove you to have lock-popping shields installed in the doors.