On Wednesday night two weeks ago, I was playing tennis with my regular group. I was already warmed up and was just getting into the heart of the evening. One of my friends took a quick break to grab some water when her phone rings. She says, “Aaron, your wife’s car was broken into, you should call her.”
I step off the court and call my wife, Elizabeth. She proceeds to tell me her rear window was smashed and someone stole her purse while she was getting her hair done. It was not in a bad neighborhood, nor could you really see her purse, as it was tucked behind the driver’s seat. Someone just really wanted whatever was in her car and the car next to hers as that car was broken into as well. Both windows were shattered and now it was time to clean up the pieces.
The police were called to survey the scene, take statements and file their reports.
I arrived shortly after the police and hugged Elizabeth. She was a little shaken up and rightfully so. Fortunately for us, she keeps her important credit cards and driver’s license in a nifty little pocket that is attached to the back of her phone. The thieves took her purse and the only real thing of value in it were her ear buds. We tried tracking them through the Find My Phone app. Unfortunately, there was no signal, otherwise, the police could have had a quick lead.
The police finished up their reports and departed. The other car that was broken into had nothing taken at all. This situation for both of us was really just a hassle. We have broken windows and a couple stolen items.
While driving the damaged car home that evening, I called my insurance company to report what had happened. They were ready to schedule the glass replacement, however, they were not going to be able to complete it in a timely manner. They suggested going to a dealer, since they may have the glass in stock/more readily available. We scheduled an appointment with the dealer the following day and we were promised the glass would arrive in time and could be installed that same day.
With our car now repaired, I am thankful it was not worse. I am thankful for the police arriving on the scene and helping talk through what happened. Dealing with my insurance company was pretty easy, because I know this great insurance agent who made sure I had a low-glass deductible on my car insurance (yes, me, Aaron Rosen). In the end, we had to purchase new ear buds to replace the ones that were stolen. Unfortunately, there is no coverage available for personal belongings in your car insurance policy. It would have to be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance.
My hope is that this never happens to you and please remember to be careful with what you are leaving in your car. There are a lot of desperate people out there and they have no problem smashing your window to see if there is something valuable inside.
