GEICO Consumer Alert: Be Watchful of Auto Theft and Accident Scams During the Holidays

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2006 -- With the holiday season right around the corner, GEICO advises vehicle owners across the country to take precautions while driving and shopping to keep themselves and their autos safe.

"Auto theft and fraud perpetrators don't take time off during the holidays," said Seth Ingall, GEICO's vice president of claims. "People are more rushed and pre-occupied than ever, which is an ideal time for auto thieves and fraud artists to get busy, too."

With that in mind, GEICO recommends these steps to help reduce the chances your car will be targeted:

  1) Never leave your car running or leave your keys in the car.  In some
     states you can be ticketed for leaving your vehicle running while
     parked on the street.  This also makes your car an easy target for
     thieves.
  2) Beware of the parking lot scams.  Some drivers will wave you out when
     backing out of a parking spot, only to run into your car as you do so.
     This is an easy way for them to falsify a claim.
  3) Avoid leaving valuables and gifts inside your vehicle where passersby
     can see them.  Thieves know that valuable presents will most likely be
     in you car around the holidays.  So, keep your vehicle locked at all
     times, even while driving.  Keep you shopping items in the trunk and
     out of sight if possible.
  4) Be prepared for the winter weather. If you think the road conditions
     might be bad, allow extra time for your trip.  You won't have to rush
     and you can concentrate on getting there safely.
  5) If you need a tow.  If you do get stuck in winter weather, and need to
     call your insurer for a tow truck, make sure the tow truck company is
     the one that your auto insurer sent for you.

For more information on safe driving, go to the GEICO auto safety online library at http://geico.com/auto/safety/.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 12 million vehicles.