Break-In Story & Advice Needed

[shrouded]

I'm afraid there isn't much to the story. Responding to an emergency page from work at 6:00 am yesterday (database server down) I ran downstairs to find that someone had attacked my poor 82 SC. Broken passenger window, unlocked doors, open trunk, & a big hole in the dash where the stereo used to be.

I got the glass replaced today (thanks to the folks at Hans Wittler's Auto in Albuquerque for getting in done quick), and I meet with an my Geico appraised tomorrow about the rest.

I haven't had time to go over my policy details (I'm saving that fun for late tonight), so I'm curious as to whether or not I should expect auto accessories to be covered. I know the stereo is covered (its attached to the car), and that personal items (CDs, etc.) are not (they go under homeowner's/renter's insurance).

The part I'm unsure of is the Porsche tool kit & air pump. Has anyone had experience with this? Any helpful hints?

Secondly, outside of eBay, where can I find the tool kit & pump (or reasonable replacements). The pump looks unavailable in the Pelican catalog, & I couldn't find the kit at all. What are reasonable replacement costs for these?

Oh... and please feel free to share my anger or curse the people who violated my beautiful car. You can look at pictures of broken glass here.

Thanks--

[Dantilla]

Don't involve your insurance company. Save it for the "big one". You are likely to be dropped if you have a history of filing minor claims.

Pay for it out of your pocket, and raise your deductable to $1000.

[shrouded]

Don't involve your insurance company. Save it for the "big one". You are likely to be dropped if you have a history of filing minor claims.

Hmm... can you explain your logic on this one a bit? At the moment I'm of the opinion that 1) I've been paying premiums to have a $250 deductible, they owe it to me to take care of this situation, and 2) if they would drop me after an event like this, then I don't want to give them my business anyway.

As far as the history goes, I don't expect that to be a problem. I am a month away from turning 26, and have filed one previous claim for some bodywork a few years ago when an oncoming driver decided he wanted to use my lane, too.

Well, I have had a couple of minor windshield repaired through the years on the policy, as well. Hmm...

In any case, I would love to hear more explanation as to why I shouldn't go through the insurance company.

[fintstone]

I live in Albuquerque also. Same thing happened to my 911's PO right before I bought it. Can't park one outside here. If Pelican doesn't carry it, My "Best Deal Inc" catalog (couple of years old) lists the compressor at $82.95 new (1-800-354-9202). Good luck!

[tangerine911e]

It pains me when I see break in damage on cars - especially p-cars. My E's been broken into twice and stolen once. It really pi$$es me off that people do this.

I don't know about insurance in the US, but I'm with Dantilla - if you can fix it relatively cheaply, don't claim. Your premium will likely go up by more than the repairs.

Good luck with the repairs.

Ash

[Dantilla]

Insurance companies have been losing money lately. Rates are up. While you would think that they would do whatever neccessary to keep customers, that is not the case. For businesses, new insurance is hard to come by, and liability limits are lower than what were available even last year. If you file a few small claims, they assume you are more likely to file claims in the future, and are dropping people left and right.

When you go to another company, expect this question:
"Have you ever been cancelled?".

This will not bode well for getting new coverage. My 911 has a $2000 deductable. My wife's Jeep had $1000. Last fall, she kissed a telephone pole after swerving to avoid a stupid driver, and slid on some wet leaves. Total cost, $1200. Am I going to file a claim for the extra $200? No way. Wrote a check for the entire amount, and raised her deductable to $2000. The premium goes down, and I'm covered if something big happens some day.

Most cars I've owned have had only liability. With the money saved over the years, I could put a very big dent in something, and still be far ahead as opposed to paying for collision for older cars. We've had the Jeep long enough now that when it comes time to re-new, I'm dropping collision.

The same applies to homeowners insurance. Do NOT use your insurance company to fix any rot or defferred maintenance. You don't want them to drop you, then have a fire.

[JackT]

I am in the insurance agency business and agree with what Dantilla say's. THe last couple years the insurance companies have been losing money so they have started non renewing policies because of claims, especially theft claims. The worst part now is when you have a claim it is reported to a cental reporting service and will follow your social security number. State Legislatures are now dealing with outlawing this practice. Raise your deductible to at least $1,000. and only turn in the big claims. You will save money in the long run.

[RickM]

Ebay usually has what you need. You probably wont find it for a better price either. You could also post a WTB ad in Pelican classified.

[Jdub]

The rule of insurance is to lie low and take your small hits as they come. That way you are covered for the Big One.

A Loss History report can do you in, and then as Dantilla has said the next insurance agency in line asks if you are Persona Non Grata with any insurance agency.

Do you know about CLUE? They are the warehouse of information (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange). Here's where all the detris of your REPORTED losses is gathered. Even if no money is paid out, the event is logged.

I would fix all of this yourself and leave it be. No, it is not fair, just as so many of us owning Porsches are paying 10-to15% more in insurance to cover the havoc SUVs reap on our highways. But that is the bottom line, and you risk reporting claims at the sudden cancellation of your policy. And can you imagine what the next company is going to say about a Porsche?

Best of luck and my sympathies,
John

[Rick Lee]

Spend the money on a priv. investigator, find the perp, have his kneecaps baseball batted and then go after his family.

[91C2wrencher]

Drew, If you have time to answer a coupl'o questions?

1. Is there any reason to keep the collision and /or comprehensive on a car that's paid for?

My agent says " you really should have that" but never explains why.

I quess that's only one question

[911boost]

Richard, you always have the best advice, sometimes not the soundest, but you speak your mind and I like that!

Keep your eyes on E-bay seriously. Chances are the rat ba$tard didn't break into your car looking for the air-pump and he might try to sell it on e-bay. Hell maybe you get lucky and he/she even lists that they are in the same state as you. That saves you the money from the private investigator and you can still (see Richards repsonse above..smile).

Bill

[Rick Lee]

Bill, speaking of that, I seem to recall a case in this area a year or two ago where a guy did try to eBay a chopped Audi he stole locally. He got busted for it too and I think it was by the victim following advice like yours.

[fintstone]

Personally I only carry liability since it is required by law and comprehensive (with $1000 deductible) to cover the theft of the entire car to prevent total loss. I never carry collision unless the car is financed and I am required to by the loan company.

[nigel911]

SCUM.

I'm with Richard on this one. Good revenge stories are best kept off a public forum...