Holiday Shopping & Theft From Your Vehicle...

It’s that time of year again. The mercury is dropping, the daylight hours are shorter and many people find themselves shopping more and more as the holidays near. Though each of us may or may not celebrate a specific holiday at this time of year, most of us do celebrate in the sales and promotions that retailers make available to us. 

Interestingly enough, honest people are not the only ones celebrating.  For the criminal element the holidays represent parking lots full of goodies just ripe for the taking, and almost all of it is brand new, and some of it is even gift wrapped!

The holidays can bring out the best and the worst in some people.  Most of us spread cheer and joy and are in a gift-giving mood; other individuals might wish to exploit the opportunity provided by an unoccupied vehicle loaded with items.  If you find yourself to be a victim of a theft of items from your vehicle where do you make your claim?  Is it your car insurance?  What about your property insurance?  The correct answer:  Both.

In order for you to receive coverage for your vehicle, your policy will need to include a “Comprehensive” or “All Perils” clause.  These optional coverages will respond to the break-in to the vehicle and the damage caused by the forced entry.  It is important to note that Section 7.2 of the Ontario Automobile Insurance Policy (Loss or Damage We Won’t Cover) states, “We won’t pay for loss or damage to contents of automobiles and trailers other than their equipment”.  The automobile policy was designed to insure vehicles only.

It only stands to reason that your property policy will cover those personal possessions which were stolen.  You will need to make an additional claim under this policy.  Both policies will require you to report the theft to the police.

Also remember that owning a home is not a condition of having property insurance; condominium owners and tenants can also obtain this coverage.  Speak to your insurance advisor if you’re unsure.

In the above example you have one occurrence but two claims to make under two policies.  You will also have a deductible applied to each policy.  In some cases you may find yourself dealing with two separate insurers as well.  A simple remedy to this type of hassle can be to insure your property and automobile with the same insurance company.  In most instances if an insurer covers both claims they will only apply the higher of the two deductibles, rather than charge you twice.  You will also have the benefit of only having to deal with one insurer rather than find yourself caught between two companies each stating that a particular item is the responsibility of the other.

In the end it is best to avoid this situation altogether.  Try and park in well lit areas, and avoid storing items in your vehicle then returning to the mall for more shopping.  If the thieves are watching you, they have all that they need to make your holidays that much more difficult.  If you find that you need to drop off some items to your car, get in and relocate it to another area of the parking lot.  The thieves will think you’re leaving and will move on to some easier prey.

Always remember why you went shopping in the first place.  You intended to have an enjoyable experience and make the holiday season brighter and happier for yourself, your friends and family.  A little caution and foresight can help keep it that way.