Auto Insurance Claims: 4th Glass Claim (Vandalism); Waived Deductible?, motion sensor camera, legitimate business reasons

Question
Hello,

Please advise whether an insurer can consider requests to waive deductibles on a case-by-case basis, or whether it must apply a blanket policy in this regard.  I happen to live near a champion rock thrower (or someone otherwise intent on smashing the rear-door quarter window of my Toyota Corolla.)  The window has been smashed four times between April 29, 2006 and July 6, 2006 (property was stolen during the first incident, but not since).  I have comprehensive coverage which carries a $100 deductible.  When I called to report the fourth incident, I requested that the deductible be waived (just to see what would happen).  The insurance representative I spoke with said that it would be illegal for the insurer to waive my deductible because a future claimant for whom they denied a waiver request could sue them. Just wanted your thoughts on the insurer's response.  Do people even request deductible waivers?  (I'm also considering lowering the deductible to $50 as I brace for the increase of my premium.) Thank you in advance.

Answer
What they've told you is pretty much correct.  If they waive deductible without specific cause and another person were to have the same request refused, it would be perfect grounds for a future lawsuit, especially if the other party were of a "protected" class.

What we have done occasionally is to waive deductibles in cases where the customer is owed something for customer service reasons.  This would include extended delays in adjusting the claim or other matters where we could have handled something better.  We can then justify the waiver of deductible for legitimate business reasons.  

In your case, lowering the deductible might be an option, but at this point, I'd be investing in a motion sensor camera with night vision along with a baseball bat!