Wallet stolen (with driver's license in it) Worth getting identity theft insurance???

budeman

Yes unfortunately my wallet containing all my cards and drivers license was stolen a week ago :mad:
All cards etc cancelled but I was just wondering as my full name/address/DOB was on my drivers license is it worth me taking out some ID theft insurance for a year - I've read the previous posts saying its not really worth it but as I am at risk is it worth the £50-60 for a year?

If so anyone know where the best place to start is??

Thanks,

Mark.

Snakeeyes21

Id say theres not much point, there isnt much that can be done with just a driving licence.
theres nothing on a licence that isnt already avaliable to scammers, have you ordered a new licence, itll have a new valid from date that will prevent the old one being used to open bank accounts etc
but if it makes you feel better then go for it.
it may be worth asking one of your cc providers if they have a policy thats included.
i know my old barclaycard had an identity theft policy with it

gordikin

I'm not sure you will be covered as you will have lost your wallet before you took out the insurance.

caela_2

Hiya, sorry to hear you've lost your wallet. My wallet was recently lost / stolen (not sure which one) and I wish there were more links of MSE about this, surprised there aren't! Anyway, hopefully we can set off a bit of a following.
First thing I did was go to the police station and get a reference number. The police man then advised me I should not carry so many pieces of personal information in my wallet, which I never really thought of before regardless of how blaringly obvious it is. So, don't carry your NI, NHS card, etc. etc. if you don't have to cos like me, you might lose it
Anyway, cancelled all my cards, second step, done within a few hours, but should have been done sooner (only my phone was lost / stolen with the wallet, so couldn't call card companies right then). Cancelled my phone SIM card too only to find out they can also block the phone so no-one can use it on any network, so did that too. I'm with Orange and must say I found them very helpful, so that's another bonus. My card companies were pretty good on lost / stolen lines so got replacements on their way out and originals cancelled.
The other thing I found useful was it has been recommended that you write down or photocopy the contents of your wallet. This is good for insurance and fraud purposes, so that if you do lose your wallet or it is stolen, you can claim for contents (i.e. gift cards) and easily get replacements. It also help prevent fraud as you can cancel relevant cards (think about Blockbuster cards people could be using, etc.) and can track any activity on them. It has also been advised to check credit reports soon after to track any suspicious activity, suggesting identity theft. To limit this kind of thing, apparently you should call equifax, experian and transunion to register a fraud alert in your name. This is particularly relevant if personal information, such a driving license has been stolen with the contents of your wallet. Also, do not forget to phone the DVLA to inform them of a stolen license and make sure to include it in your police report.
The police report is also a good chance to remember what was in your wallet and record it, but if you do think of anything else, always write it down. By making this list, I have been able to console myself a little that at least I know what I lost and I know what can be replaced. The rest I can write off to experience. I have hopefully gained a valuable lesson and these things are only material, it's just about damage control.
I hope I have been helpful, I know my post is a little all over the place. I have spent the last few days desperately trying to rectify the situation... so a bit confused at the moment. However, I did find that apparently, wallets with baby pictures in are more likely to be returned! How weird. I would include a little slip saying please return this wallet if found, with telephone number (up to date) and maybe a reward. I text my lost phone saying there is a reward if it is returned, but have not heard yet. My friend did this and did get his phone back, so it's always worth a try! However, make sure to do it before you cancel the SIM or they won't receive the text.
Blargh, it's never a nice experience losing your stuff, but at least we can limit damage and share information to prevent future bad experiences! I do know my boyfriend has had his wallet returned from on top of a cash machine before, with a helpful member of the public bringing it in to his place of work! Amazing what people will do. Even the helpful police man I spoke to gave me enough time to console me that I was not an idiot in losing my wallet and there are good people out there, he sees wallets full of cash returned to the station, so chin up and positive thinking and all that! Oh, that's another thing, make sure to notify your police station and follow them up over the next few days and then weeks to see if anything has been turned in, you never know!

Hope I have helped!

maninthestreet

Forget Identity Theft insurance, it's a waste of money. Register with CIFAS instead:

http://www.cifas.org.uk/default.asp?edit_id=565-85