My wife and I just returned this Sun. from Aruba. We are repeat visitors and have never had any problems with theft on the island until this Sat. While I was snorkling at Malmok Beach, someone Got into my snorkle bag hidden in the rocks and took the car key ( left my wife's snorkle equip.) and stole the rental car. My wallet,cash, credit cards, driv. lic ect were locked up in the trunk. We purchase all additional ins.offered to us from Budget but they state we declined Theft ins. Bottom line... It was never offered to us, we are responsible for the cost of the car until it is located. BE CAREFUL- WEAR YOUR CAR KEY AROUND YOUR NECK OR WRIST AS THE POLICE LATER ADVISED US!!. Is there anybody with a similar incident that can give me some advice. I have nobody to represent me when they find the car and return it to Budget. The car was in pretty bad shape when it was given to us but I did video tape the car before we took it. Anybody seen a White Toyota Yaris Lic plate # V- 3631???We love Aruba and will return next year but this is a huge problem that the police call JOY RIDING.Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.

Wade I am so sorry about what happened to you and your wife. I can not help but I will take you misfortune very seriously when I go back to aruba

Wade- My mom and I had the same thing happen to us while snorkeling at Malmok last summer. We had charged the car to the credit card and the credit card covered the car. So check with your credit card company. We hadn't taken any insurance from the car company. The car was stolen on Tuesday we filled out a police report in Aruba and they eventually found the car on Sunday. Some of our things were still in the car but by this time we were on our way home. Our homeowners insurance covered the things that were not recovered in the car. We had to fax them a copy of the police report. I agree with you love Aruba and are going back in June. I'll still snorkel at Malmok but will make sure I have my key with me. (I too had hidden it on the beach), and won't leave anything in the car. Best Luck to you. I bet they find the car, but I know that we had to really concentrate on not letting it ruin our trip.

PS the car was in the same condition we had left it in and the keys were in the ignition. It was found parked in a residential neighborhood, and had been there for a few days.

Jen

I know this wont help you now, but for future reference: I purchased a waterproof pouch, big enough to hold some cash, drivers license and a a credit card, yet small enough as not be a burden. It has a carry cord and it floats. See the link --

http://www.waterproofcases.net/603.html

Fred

I had a rental car stolen 2 years ago. The car rental company (Arub 2 Plus) charged my credit card $6000 for a broken down 4 year old car. I contested the charge with my credit card company, but was told that I was responsible. I checked with my auto insurance company, but found out that they did not cover me for a rental car outside of the US. Fortunately for me, I had used a credit card that had insurance to cover the stolen car. Bottom line was that I had to pay the $6,000 credit card charge, but later received a check for the full amount from the credit card company. If you would like more details, send me an E-mail to DPante@aol.com.

This just reminded me to pull my waterproof case from its' hiding place and put with my Aruba 'stuff' for my vacation. I leave Saturday - hurray - hurray - hurray!!

Sorry about the car theft. We'll be keeping our eyes out for such nasty behavior.

Car theft in Aruba is very rampart, it is one of the highest crime committed. The rental cars have a "V" license plate, which readily identifies them as choice victim.
Hiding your belonging/key, nearby does not work....because, there ARE thieves passing as beach-roamers who are watching YOU, doing the hiding.
There is even the occasional "inside jobs".