
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 8, 1990                   TAG: 9003071502
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

STOLEN CAR PHONES CAN BE DEACTIVATED

Q: Recently my car phone was stolen. It was recovered when the person who stole it returned it to the shop because it didn't work. Please advise your readers that at least some companies can make the phone quit working when it's reported stolen, so it does no good to steal it. - J.S., Roanoke

A: You are right. If a cellular telephone is stolen, the company that activates the service can just deactivate it, said Rosemary Kimball of the public affairs office for the Federal Communications Commission.

Here are some things to consider if you have a car phone:

The theft rate on cellular phones from cars runs about 2,000 a month in the 20 largest U.S. cities with the loss averaging about $1,000.

If stolen from a car, unattached portable cellular phones that operate on their own batteries aren't covered by most auto insurance policies. A separate endorsement on your home-owners policy is required, according to the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.

If the phone was permanently installed by the auto manufacturer (meaning tools are required to remove it) the phone may be covered in your auto policy if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage.

Some homeowners policies may cover a car phone under a separate floater policy, but generally not if the vehicle is used for business purposes.

Check with your insurance company to find out what coverage you need.

The preceding information is from the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents.

Quickline helps consumers get service, information and refunds of more than $25. Mail complaints, questions to Quickline, Roanoke Times & World-News, Box 2491, Roanoke name, address, phone number and photocopies of documents such as canceled checks, receipts or credit-card statements. Documents cannot be returned; complaints cannot be taken by phone. Questions not selected for use in the column will not be answered personally.

by CNB