Preventing car break-ins at trailheads | PEMCO

The next time you load up the GORE-TEX® and granola for a hiking adventure, make sure a very common urban problem doesn’t follow you into the backcountry. Car break-ins at trailheads plague many of our national parks, state parks, and wilderness recreation areas. The prime targets? Camera gear, recreational gear, electronics, and wallets. 

You’ve probably heard old hikers’ tales about how to discourage thieves – everything from making your car look like a garbage-strewn pigsty to leaving a note on the dash that says something like, "All valuables were removed from this car. Don’t waste your time trying to rob me." 

But some experts say the only sure way not to get ripped off is to leave nothing in the car to steal (and maybe leave the car at home altogether). Another important reminder? Your glovebox does not count as “safe.” 

Tips to avoid break-ins at trailheads:

• Ask a local outfitter or friend to drop you off (and pick you up) at the trailhead. Many outfitters charge only $10 to $20 for this service and allow you to park free at their facilities. If you must drive yourself, park in a visible area near other vehicles. Traffic discourages thieves. 

• Put your car in park (or first gear or reverse, if it’s a manual transmission), then set the parking brake. That makes it harder for a thief to tow away your car. 

• Secure everything. That’s especially true for car-top carriers, externally mounted spare tires, and removable pickup tailgates. Ignore advice to leave the car unlocked to prevent a broken window. You’re more likely to lose your stereo or the entire car. 

• Clean out the inside and, if possible, the trunk. To a would-be-thief, coats left innocently piled on the seat might look like they’re cloaking treasure. If you have no choice about leaving valuables in the car, stow them in the trunk before you reach the trailhead, and don’t open it when you get there.  

• Empty your glove compartment and leave it open. That can signal that you’ve cleaned out your car, and a would-be thief will be more likely to pass it by. Be sure to remove the light bulb inside so you don’t drain your battery.  

What happens if you do experience a car break-in? 

If you selected Comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, it could cover the damage the thief caused while breaking into your car, like a smashed window or jimmied door. It also may cover stolen equipment that’s attached to the car, like your stereo.  

For belongings stolen out of your car, your homeowners or renter policy may cover it under your personal property protection. This typically would come into play for things like laptops, cell phones, shopping bags, sunglasses, sports equipment, and apparel (all common targets) in the event of a covered loss.

Claims are subject to policy deductibles (that’s the amount you agree to cover out of pocket on a claim before insurance coverage kicks in). If a single claim involves coverage from two PEMCO policies (in the case of a car break-in, for example—your auto policy for damage to your car and your home or renter policy for stolen personal property), PEMCO would waive the lower of the two deductibles. 

The parks and wilderness are yours to enjoy, especially during these glorious late summer PNW days! With a little planning, you can truly "get away from it all" without worrying that a thief might be "getting away with it all."