2022
Car Break-Ins
Image Source: www.Forbes.com
If you have experienced a vehicle break-in, or know someone who has, you may be wondering how your insurance will respond to such a claim.
When a vehicle break-in occurs, there is typically damage or loss to two categories of property: (1) the motor vehicle itself, and (2) the contents inside. Insurance coverage for your automobile concerning perils of theft (of the vehicle) or damage to the vehicle from attempted theft (of the vehicle), as well as glass breakage, vandalism, and malicious acts, are covered under optional Comprehensive coverage purchased under automobile policies such as ICBC Autoplan. Insurance coverage for your contents within the vehicle for damage, loss, or theft, will come from your homeowners, condominium, or tenants' policy personal property limit.
Automobile Comprehensive coverage will have a deductible selected by you at the time of purchase, often ranging between $200 and $500. Since you are responsible for paying the amount of the deductible before the insurer will respond to any other claim amounts, you will need to consider whether it is worth filing a claim - was the damage to the vehicle greater than your deductible? If so, it may be worthwhile to file a Comprehensive claim. Thankfully, Comprehensive claims do not usually lead to an increase in your overall premium, since the types of perils covered by Comprehensive coverage tend to be outside the insured's control.
For habitational policies, depending on the type of property affected (i.e.: jewelry, art, furs, bicycles, collections, cash, etc.), the insured loss may be subject to special property sublimits and potentially a deductible other than the policy or personal property deductible. Please review your insurance policy to understand your responsibility for financial contribution in the event of a claim. Unlike with automobile Comprehensive coverage, filing a homeowners, condominium, or tenants' policy claim for personal property damage, loss, or theft can affect the annual premium charged upon subsequent renewals, as well as remove any claims-free discount for several years. Ultimately, it is up to the individual insured to decide whether it is worth filing a claim under their habitational policy, given the amount of loss, their deductibles, and the effect of such a claim on their premium and/or claims-free status.
What can I do to help prevent a car break-in in the first place?
Below is a list of effective risk management techniques to help avoid, prevent, or reduce car break-ins:
- Keep your car clean
- Use a mechanical steering wheel lock
- Roll your windows up
- Park indoors if possible
- Park in a well-lit area
- Park where you can see your vehicle through a window or camera system
- Do not leave contents visible in your vehicle
- Do not keep anything of value in your vehicle
- Double check that your vehicle doors are locked
- Lock your glove box if possible
Note: Do not confront any individuals breaking into your vehicle - please call your local police authority and report the incident.
The following are commonly-stolen items in car break-ins:
- Jewelry & watches
- Sunglasses
- Change
- Sporting equipment
- Phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
- GPS
- Garage door remote
- Dashcams (hide or remove from vehicle if it is not capable of capturing car break-ins)
- Bicycles
- Bags (handbags, backpacks, etc.)
- Stereo/speaker equipment
Always review your policies to understand amounts of insurance, coverages, limitations, conditions, and exclusions. If you have any questions about your ICBC Autoplan coverage, please contact us at (604) 888-5042. If you have habitational insurance through our office and have inquiries, or would like quotes on new habitational policies, please also reach out to us!
Keep Safe & Have a Wonderful Fall Season,
The Homestead Insurance Team