Rental Car Break-In: Understanding and Navigating the Aftermath

PUBLISHED ON Jun, 07 2023

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Imagine the shock and frustration of finding your rental car broken into. It’s an unfortunate situation, yet understanding what to do in this circumstance is vital. This article aims to help you navigate through this disconcerting event, from what to do if someone vandalized your car, to the precautions you should take when renting a vehicle.

Recognizing the Problem: Rental Car Broken Into

After a delightful day of sightseeing, the last thing you want to encounter is that someone vandalized your car. This unexpected ordeal can be a source of immense stress. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Contact the police immediately. This should be your first step as it aids in the documentation of the event for insurance claims.
  • Notify the rental company. They need to be informed about the incident to provide a replacement vehicle and help in insurance proceedings.
  • Document the situation. Take photographs of the damage as proof for insurance claims.

How to Report Vandalism

Reacting promptly to vandalism is crucial in the aftermath of your rental car being broken into.

  • File a police report. Involving law enforcement provides an official record of the incident.
  • Gather necessary information. This includes your rental agreement, location details, and timing of the incident.
  • Make a list of stolen items. If personal items were stolen, listing them will be beneficial when filing an insurance claim.

Preventive Measures: Which Precautions Should You Take When Renting a Vehicle?

The best way to manage rental car break-ins is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some suggestions:

  • Choose parking carefully. Opt for well-lit, secure parking areas with surveillance.
  • Hide valuables. Don’t leave attractive items in plain sight; store them in the trunk instead.
  • Check vehicle security. Ensure doors are locked and windows are fully rolled up.

You can find out more about ways to protect yourself in this guide.

Extra Measures to Secure Rental Cars

Additional security steps can further deter potential thieves from your rental car.

  • Snap a photo. Take a picture of your parked rental car as proof of its initial condition before leaving it unattended.
  • Avoid remote areas. Choose to park in busy areas with plenty of foot traffic.

10 Reasons to Consider CarInsuRent Car Rental Excess Insurance

  1. Zero Deductible – In the event of an accident, you do not want to pay the deductible. Your rental car would also be subject to the high deductible on your auto insurance. Paying for car rental excess insurance and knowing you won’t be responsible for more than that amount may give you piece of mind.
  2. Make no claim on your personal insurance. Perhaps you’ve had a claim recently and don’t want your premium to skyrocket. You might want to err on the side of caution and purchase insurance because filing two claims in a single year will dramatically increase your insurance costs.
  3. Coverage in Foreign Countries: If you’re traveling internationally, your personal auto insurance policy may not provide coverage. Rental car insurance ensures you’re covered in these situations.
  4. Theft Protection: If the rental car is stolen, rental car insurance could cover the cost of the stolen vehicle.
  5. Protection Against Vandalism: Car rental insurance can cover the cost of repairs if the car is vandalized.
  6. Gap Coverage: Car rental companies may charge fees for “loss of use” and diminished value if their car gets damaged. These charges might not be covered by your regular insurance, but can be covered by rental car insurance.
  7. Personal Effects Coverage: This covers the theft of personal items from the rental car.
  8. Convenience and Peace of Mind: By opting for car rental insurance, you can avoid dealing with your own insurance company, and you don’t have to worry about your premiums increasing in case of an accident.
  9. Coverage in Case of Insufficient Personal Auto Insurance: If your personal auto insurance has a high deductible or low limits, rental car insurance can provide additional protection. If you are renting a pricey car, keep in mind that the amount of coverage provided by your Geico auto insurance is limited to the policy’s maximum. For your enjoyable Corvette rental weekend, you might want to increase your coverage. Check your coverage limits frequently.
  10. Coverage for Additional Drivers: If you plan to share the driving responsibilities with someone else during your rental period, rental insurance can ensure that all drivers are covered.

See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurance

Get Started

It is important to research and understand the coverage options and costs to make an informed decision that best fits your needs. CarInsuRent car hire excess insurance starts from as low as $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual car hire excess insurance policy. Our policies covers the excess on damage and theft up to €2,500 and provide full protection that Includes single vehicle damage, roof and undercarriage damage, auto glass and widescreen damagetowing expenses, misfuelling, loss of car key and tire damage. We cover multiple drivers between the ages of 21 and 84 years.

Final Word

Having your rental car broken into can be distressing, but understanding what to do can ease the aftermath. Always remember to take preventive measures when parking your vehicle, promptly report any incident of vandalism, and cooperate with both the rental company and law enforcement.

FAQ’s

What should I do if my rental car gets broken into?

Report the incident to the police, then notify the rental company. Also, document the damage to your car.

What precautions should I take when parking my rental car?

Always park in well-lit, busy areas. Store any valuables out of sight, and ensure the vehicle is locked and windows are up.

What extra steps can I take to secure my rental car?

Consider taking a photo of your car before leaving it unattended. Also, avoid parking in remote areas.

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