5 Insurance and Prevention Tips for ‘Smash & Grab’ Car Robberies

If you live in a city that’s been hit hard by the smash-and-grab car robbery epidemic, like San Francisco, you know how frustrating and costly it can be. 

Not only do you have to worry about your car being broken into, but also the insurance deductible for repairing or replacing your windows.

While in those cities people might take extreme measures like leaving cars unlocked and with the glove compartment and trunk open, here are our top five steps you can take to deter thieves from targeting your vehicle in the first place.

We’ll also discuss insurance coverage for a broken car window should the worst case occur.

Insurance Policies and Tips for ‘Smash & Grab’ Robberies

When weighing your car insurance options and trying to customize your car insurance policy to fit your budget, you might want to look into more robust options like comprehensive insurance if you’re worried about smash-and-grab crime.

If you have comprehensive insurance, also known as “other than collision” insurance, then your insurance policy should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your windows.

However, keep in mind that most insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company starts footing the bill.

For example, if your insurance deductible is $500 and it costs $600 to repair your car window, you’ll have to pay the first $500 and your insurance company will cover the remaining $100.

Some insurance companies offer glass coverage as an add-on to comprehensive insurance policies, for an additional premium.

Glass coverage usually has a much lower deductible than comprehensive insurance, sometimes as low as $50. 

If you live in an area where smash-and-grab car robberies are common, glass coverage may be worth the extra cost.

Top 5 Tips for Keeping your Car and Valuables Safe

Smash-and-grab robberies have become increasingly common in recent years, even in Augusta County there has been a recent string of vehicle break-ins.

These criminals typically work quickly, smashing a window and grabbing whatever valuables are within reach before fleeing the scene. 

Here are our top tips for protecting your vehicle and valuables.

#1 – Park in Well-Lit Areas and Close to Security Cameras

While these types of robberies can be difficult to prevent, where you park can make all the difference.

Simply parking in well-lit areas, preferably close to security cameras, will make it more difficult for thieves to operate without being seen, and may also deter them from choosing your vehicle as a target.

#2 – Keep Your Car Clean and Organized

Another way to deter smash-and-grab thieves is to keep your car clean and organized. 

A messy car, with items strewn about, provides an easy opportunity for thieves to grab valuables without being noticed.

By keeping your car clean, you make it more difficult for criminals to operate without being seen, and you also send a message that you take care of your possessions and are less likely to be an easy target.

#3 – Hide Valuables From Plain Sight

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, there’s always a chance your car could be targeted by thieves.

The best way to protect your valuables is to hide them from plain sight. If you must leave them in your car, keep them in the trunk or out of view.

If you have a GPS system, make sure it’s concealed when you’re not using it. And never leave important documents, like your insurance card or registration, in your car.

#4 – Invest in a Car Alarm and Tracking System

If you’re really concerned about smash-and-grab car robberies, you may want to consider installing a security system in your vehicle.

While these systems won’t necessarily stop a determined thief from breaking into your car, they will make it more difficult and may deter them from choosing your vehicle as a target. They could also provide you with an anti-theft car insurance discount.

Some car alarm systems also come with GPS tracking, so you can quickly locate your vehicle if it’s stolen.

#5 – Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Finally, the best way to protect yourself from smash-and-grab car robbers is to stay aware of your surroundings. 

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Keep an eye out for individuals casually walking through parking lots or alongside vehicles at night. They could be looking for valuables in cars.
• If you notice anyone watching you and your vehicle intently as you park, they might be waiting until you leave before making a quick smash-and-grab.
• A huge red flag is catching someone pulling on door handles. This typically means they aren’t willing to smash a window but are looking for an unlocked car to raid.

If you see something, say something. These criminals typically work quickly and are often gone before anyone even realizes what’s happened. 

Contact the Police and Your Insurance Company ASAP

If you are the victim of a smash & grab robbery, it is important to report the incident to the police immediately and file a claim with your insurance company.

The police report and any documentation of the incident will be essential when you make your claim. 

It is also important to be as detailed as possible when describing what was stolen, as this will help the insurance company determine the extent of your coverage.

In some cases, you may even be able to recoup some of the costs of the items that were stolen. 

However, it is important to remember that insurance claims can take time to process, so you may not see an immediate resolution.

What could go wrong if you wait?

If you wait too long to file a police report or insurance claim, it may be more difficult to recoup the value of your stolen belongings.

The insurance company may also question why you waited so long to report the incident, and this could impact the amount of coverage you are entitled to.

Additionally, if you wait too long to report the incident to the police, it may be more difficult for them to catch the culprits.

A Final Note on Car Protection

Smash-and-grab car robberies are becoming all too common, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings. 

By taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings, you can help deter these criminals and keep yourself safe.

If you are the victim of a smash-and-grab robbery, it is important to contact the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. 

With a little bit of preparation, you can help make sure you are covered in the event that your car is targeted by thieves.

Author Bio:

Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. His passions include insurance and helping drivers keep their vehicles safe and secure.