Auto Theft and Break-Ins
It's every car owner's nightmare scenario: You left your car in a public parking lot one night while running some errands, or maybe checking out the newest movie to hit your local multiplex. Validation in hand, you head to the appropriate level, mosey over to the section where you parked. . . and you find nothing but an empty spot. Or a car that isn't yours. Puzzled, you circle the entire floor, searching for cars the same color and shape, glancing at license plate numbers to see if you find your own, but come up empty. Your car is gone, stolen.
Unfortunately, situations like the one described above are far too prevalent in the United States. In 2006, there was an incidence of car theft once every 26.4 seconds. More than 1.2 million vehicles were reported stolen. In addition to theft, break-ins and carjacking are situations that you may find yourself facing.
Now, there are a couple of things to consider: What should you do if your car is broken into/stolen? What kind of information do you need to file a claim? And what steps can you take to prevent theft or break-ins before it happens?
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Things to Keep in Mind in Case Your Car is Stolen or Broken Into
First, see if auto theft covered by comprehensive coverage is part of your policy. Check out your specific policy for the particulars of your coverage, then get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim (be sure to have your policy number, make and model of your car, and your vehicle ID number handy). You can contact your insurance agent directly (either in person or over the phone), or, in some cases, fill out an online form and have someone from your company get back to you, which typically takes less than a day.
Insurance companies like State Farm and Progressive set up web pages that extensively deal with the claims process, covering everything from what to do to report the incident, their respective processes, and how to follow up your initial contact with the claims department.
You should also feel free to check on the status of your claim at any time. Someone in your insurer's office will be available for direct contact with you as your claims representative. Keeping in close contact with your representative will keep you informed on the status of your claim.
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Protect Your Car from Theft and Break-Ins
As far as preventative measures are considered, well, there is a fairly large consumer market for anti-theft devices for automobiles.
Services such as LoJack, which implants a transmitter in your vehicle so the police can track it, claim a very high recovery rate (around 90 percent). The LoJack program is so successful that some insurance companies offer the service as a part of a policy package, at a discounted price. In addition, installing anti-theft devices often qualifies you for a steep discount on your comprehensive insurance, and some states have laws that require mandatory discounts for drivers who take such preventative measures.
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**Auto Insurance Finder is not an insurance broker or carrier. Content on this site is for comparison and informational purposes only. The products and services listed on this site may not be available in all states.
Last Updated: February 14, 2008
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