The Real Cost of a Smash-and-Grab: What Vehicle Owners Don’t Calculate Until It’s Too Late
Though vehicle thefts can lead to a loss of possessions and valuables, what individuals don’t understand is that this experience can result in additional expenses and problems that are not accounted for until after the fact. In addition to the necessary window repairs that can range from $200 to $500, there are a number of other smash-and-grab costs, and we’ve compiled a detailed list to be aware of, along with how Console Vault ® can provide you with preventive components to protect valuables from confiscation.
Insurance Hikes and Hidden Fees
Beyond the valuables that are taken from your vehicle, smash-and-grab costs can include an increase in insurance rates. The FBI reported that there were approximately 283 vehicle break-ins per 100,000 people in 2022, which is a 10.9% increase in thefts compared to the previous year.
As a result, individuals who experience in-vehicle thefts can face premium hikes of $500 per year after a single claim, with rates depending on external factors, such as ZIP code, claim history, and claim cost.
The Emotional Toll of Vehicle Crime
Along with financial burdens, people who have had their vehicles broken into can experience long-lasting emotional trauma from the encounter. According to a victim support study, 83.7% of crime victims report a negative impact on their emotional and psychological well-being, and 80.7% report a compromised sense of safety and security.
Common issues that individuals can experience include panic, disbelief, sleep deprivation, and long-term anxiety. The emotional toll following a theft can be considered a hidden cost of vehicle break-ins, and many of these issues can lead to increased needs for medication and therapy, both of which incur financial costs.
Prevention Costs: What You Might Add After a Break-In
Once you’ve had your car broken into, you may benefit from adding theft prevention items to your vehicle to decrease the probability of future events. This can include any of the following:
- Steering wheel or tire locks
- Theft-deterrent decals
- Car covers
- In-vehicle safes
Though these items could be added to the hidden costs of vehicle break-ins, in truth they’re investments, as they can be incredibly beneficial in preventing future thefts, thus reducing expenses in the long run.
Choose Console Vault® for Your In-Vehicle Safe
At Console Vault, we’re committed to supplying individuals with the secure compartments that they need to store valuables in their vehicles safely. This includes wallets, keys, firearms, and other items that can be easily confiscated from an unattended vehicle.
Just some of the benefits of purchasing an in-vehicle safe from us include the following:
- Easy and quick installation
- Reliability and durability
- All safes made of 12-gauge steel
- Installation requiring no modifications to the vehicle’s factory console
- Units available with a choice of locking mechanism
- Free shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states of the United States
- Drill-resistant locks
- Units discreetly hidden from view
- Triple Guard Lock System™ to deter entry
- Superior customer service
- Multiple safe locations available for certain makes and models
- Products backed by Lifetime Warranty
- 10% off military discount
Start Your Order with Us
For those interested in taking the precautions to avoid additional unnecessary smash-and-grab costs, browse our collection of in-vehicle safes or contact us today.