Karen Stevens.
The spate of thefts from cars in a Hawke's Bay park at the weekend is a "wake-up call" for insurance customers, Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens says.
An estimated $1100 cash and other valuables were stolen from three parked cars at Pakowhai Country Park. A woman said her
bag, phone, jacket, sunglasses, iPad and wallet with $600 cash were stolen. Her bag was under the passenger seat of her car but still visible.
Ms Stevens said many people left their valuables visible in their cars and, unfortunately, it was a double risk.
"You could have your items stolen and find you have no insurance cover."
Taking "reasonable care" of your property was a standard policy requirement, particularly car, house, contents and travel insurance policies.
