A vehicle break-in or theft can happen when you least expect it, even in your own neighborhood. Approaching your car and seeing shattered glass from a broken window, or waking up to find your car missing, is an unsettling experience. You’re left dealing with vehicle damage or no vehicle at all. This can take an emotional toll, leaving you with feelings of stress and frustration, according to comments from recent claimants.
Key facts about vehicle thefts and break-ins in Connecticut.
Rising Incidents: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in thefts and break-ins across the nation,* including various towns and cities in Connecticut.
Urban areas tend to see higher rates, but suburban areas are also being affected. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car thefts in Connecticut alone soared 33 percent in 2023, ranking Connecticut third in the country for an increase in car thefts.
Since the beginning of 2024, strings of break-ins continue to affect Connecticut towns. However, some town law enforcement officials, such as the chief of police in Wolcott, Connecticut** report a decrease in auto-related thefts due to stepping up patrol efforts and an increased public awareness.
Hotspots: Some of the most affected areas include larger cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport, but smaller towns like Middletown, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Machester, West Hartford, Vernon, South Windsor, Woodbridge and others, have not been immune.
Common Targets: Thieves often target unlocked vehicles or those with valuables in plain sight. Items like electronics, wallets, and purses are particularly attractive.
Time of Day: Many vehicle thefts and break-ins occur at night, often in residential neighborhoods where cars are parked on the street or in driveways.
Law Enforcement Response: Police departments have increased patrols and community outreach efforts to educate the public on preventing vehicle break-ins. Some areas have seen initiatives like neighborhood watch programs to curb the trend.
Statistics: Exact statistics can vary year by year, but there has been a clear uptick in reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins, which have been documented by local police departments and community reports.
Claims We’ve Processed: For example, we have processed three claims in the past 10 days. Two involved smash-and-grab incidents where diaper bags were stolen. We believe that today’s stylish diaper bags may be mistaken for purses or backpacks. The third claim was for a vehicle theft from a residential address.
These facts highlight the ongoing issue of vehicle break-ins in Connecticut and the importance of community vigilance and preventative measures to reduce these incidents.
Connecticut law enforcement agencies provide several key tips to help prevent vehicle break-ins and theft:
Lock Your Vehicle: Always lock your car doors and close all windows, even if you’re only leaving your vehicle unattended for a short period.
Remove Valuables: Do not leave valuable items such as electronics, wallets, purses, and other personal items that could be mistaken for valuables in plain sight. If you must leave personal items in your car, store them in the trunk or hide them from view before you reach your destination.
Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit, populated areas. If you have a garage, use it and lock both the vehicle and the garage door. Leave outdoor lights on to keep your property well lit.
Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider installing anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms, or GPS tracking systems. Visible deterrents can discourage potential thieves.
Do Not Leave Spare Keys in the Vehicle: Avoid leaving spare keys or key fobs inside your car. Thieves know common hiding spots and can easily find them.
Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings when parking and exiting your vehicle. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately. Lock your vehicle while pumping gas.
Secure Personal Information: Avoid leaving documents that reveal your home address or personal information inside your vehicle. Identity theft can be an additional risk if these documents are stolen.
Keep Your Vehicle Registration and Insurance Card Secure: Instead of leaving these documents in the glove compartment, consider keeping them on your person or in a secure location within the vehicle.
Activate Vehicle Security Features: Use the security features available in your car, such as automatic locking, alarm systems, and immobilizers.
Community Awareness: Participate in or establish a neighborhood watch program to help keep an eye out for suspicious activities in your area. Community vigilance can be a strong deterrent to crime.
By following these tips, Connecticut residents can reduce the risk of vehicle break-ins and theft, contributing to overall community safety.
No material possession is worth risking your life.
Connecticut police strongly caution against confronting a thief who is attempting to steal your vehicle or steal items inside your vehicle. Here are the key reasons and additional advice on handling such situations:
Personal Safety: Confronting a thief can be dangerous. Thieves may be armed or become violent when confronted. Your safety and the safety of others around you is the top priority.
Call 911: If you witness someone attempting to rob your possession or steal your vehicle, call 911 immediately. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including the location, a description of the suspect, and details about the vehicle.
Observe from a Distance: If it is safe to do so, observe the thief from a distance. Note identifying features, clothing, and any other details that could help law enforcement apprehend the suspect.
Do Not Engage: Avoid engaging with the thief. Your vehicle is not worth the risk of bodily harm. Let law enforcement handle the situation.
Document the Incident: If you are able to safely do so, take note of any details such as the thief’s vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number if they flee the scene. This information can be valuable to the police investigation.
Insurance Claims: After reporting the incident to the police, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Having a police report will assist in the process.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while allowing law enforcement to do their job effectively. Remember, no material possession is worth risking your life.
How does your auto insurance work if your car is stolen or broken into?
Regardless of your vehicle type or where you park, there’s always the chance of a theft or break-in. But you may be surprised to learn items stolen out of your vehicle are not covered under your auto insurance, such as:
- Laptops
- Phones
- Wallets and purses
- Sports equipment
- Laundry or clothing
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Firearms
If someone breaks into your car or steals your vehicle, comprehensive auto insurance can cover the damage or the theft of your vehicle if it is not recovered. However, if you do not have comprehensive coverage on your policy, you will not be protected against these incidents.
Auto insurance won’t cover items stolen from a motor vehicle unless their operation relies solely on power generated by the vehicle, like a built-in stereo system.
Aftermarket auto parts and accessories need additional protection
Aftermarket parts, such as rims or a stereo system installed after purchase often need to be covered under a custom parts and equipment (CPE) endorsement to your auto policy.
CPE coverage is available through most auto insurers for an added cost. It generally covers custom paint jobs and grilles, navigation systems, car stereo upgrades and anything else the original manufacturer did not install.
Home or renters insurance covers your personal property
When thieves pillage the personal belongings in your vehicle, turn to your home or renters insurance policy for help. Most policies “cover personal property owned or used by an insured while it is anywhere in the world” as off-premises coverage. Off-premises is your property located at residences other than your primary residence. Home and renters insurance limits apply at 10% of your personal property limits. If your home or renters policy covers your personal belongings at $75,000, you’ll have $7500 in personal belongings coverage for items off-premises.
Remember that “special limits of liability”are often capped at $2500, but this also depends upon the insurance carrier. They apply to items like:
- Jewelry
- Collections
- Art
- Firearms
- Electronics
You’d need extra insurance to cover these items beyond the policy’s capped values. Talk to your insurance agent about the terms of your specific policy.
Our advice
A car break-in or theft can rattle you emotionally. Plus, you’ll have the headache of getting your vehicle repaired, getting a rental vehicle, replacing your stolen valuables, and in many cases, replacing your identification.
Don’t risk making a bad situation worse by not having the appropriate coverage for all your things. Plus, with the right coverage and agent, you won’t have to figure it out alone. Contact your insurance agent to talk about your protection. We’re always happy to help.
Lastly, please help to create awareness by talking with your friends and family members about auto-related thefts. Share these tips to help your loved ones prevent theft, remain safe, and keep Connecticut trending in a more positive direction.
