Having your car stolen can be an awful experience, and worrying about whether your car insurance will cover the theft can add stress to an already trying time.
If you have comprehensive car insurance as part of your policy, it will likely cover the theft. You'll need to check your policy's terms and conditions to fully understand what's covered and how much you could receive. But if you don't have comprehensive coverage, you might be out of luck. And remember that even if your car insurance covers the theft of the vehicle, it typically won't cover any personal property that was in the car. Here's what you need to know about how car insurance can help after a vehicle break-in.
Key Takeaways
- Whether your car insurance will cover the theft of a vehicle or damage from a break-in depends on what kind of coverage you purchased.
- Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers theft and vandalism.
- Car insurance typically doesn’t cover theft of personal property inside the car—for that, you'll need to check your homeowners or renters policies.
- File a police report and an insurance claim as soon as possible after a theft happens.
What Kind of Car Insurance Covers Theft?
Car insurance comes in a few different varieties. Liability is the most basic kind of auto insurance and covers bodily injury and property damage. It's mandatory in all states except New Hampshire. Collision insurance is an optional coverage that helps pay for damage to your vehicle in case of an accident with another car or an object like a telephone pole. Neither liability nor collision coverage protects against vehicle theft.
If you’re looking for insurance that covers stolen vehicles, or damage to your vehicle from a break-in, you need a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive insurance also covers damage from storms, falling objects, or animals.
Some insurers refer to a bundle of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance as "full-coverage car insurance." However, some states may require additional coverages.
Other Types of Insurance May Help
Though comprehensive generally covers vehicle theft and damage from break-ins, it covers only the car itself. If you had personal property stolen from inside the car, like a laptop or sports equipment, your car insurance won't cover it.
However, most homeowners or renters policies cover theft of your personal property, even items stolen from your car. Check the exact terms and conditions of your policy so that you know what is and isn’t covered. Then, you'll file two different insurance claims, one to your car insurance for the car itself, and another to your homeowners or renters insurance for the personal property that was inside the car.
Some homeowners insurance policies have a lower limit for property stolen when you’re not at home, such as 10% of your personal property coverage. Check your policy documents so you understand your coverage.
What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen or Broken Into
If your vehicle is stolen, call the police and file a report immediately. The police will want basic information such as the make and model, plate number, and maybe the vehicle identification number. Then contact your insurance company to see if you're covered. Call your homeowners or renters insurance carrier if you think personal items were left inside the car.
If you return to your vehicle and see that it was broken into, perhaps with broken door locks or smashes windows, the process is similar. First, call the police and report the break-in. Then, take photos or videos to document the damage, and call your car insurance company. If items are missing from inside the car, also call your homeowners or renters insurance company.
Making these calls as soon as possible after you discover the theft can help improve the odds that your car is found, and that your insurance claim is processed quickly.
How Much Will I Get If My Car Is Stolen?
If your claim is successful, many insurance carriers use the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle to determine your payout. The total will also depend on the terms of your policy. An adjuster from the insurance company determines the vehicle’s value based on its age, make, model, and normal wear and tear. When the adjuster has come up with a value for the car, you'll usually receive a check for that amount minus any deductible that you have on your policy.
Does Car Insurance Cover Stolen Items?
No. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft of the vehicle and damage due to a break-in, such as smashed windows or a broken ignition. But car insurance doesn't cover your personal items stolen from inside your car, or items that were in the vehicle when it was taken. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, these policies should cover your personal items.
What Happens If My Stolen Car Is Recovered?
Let's say your car was stolen and you immediately filed a police report and an insurance claim. But a few weeks later, the police call to say they've recovered your car. Call your insurance company right away to let them know. If your claim was still processing, they will assess the vehicle to determine whether it's a total loss or whether they will pay for repairs. If your claim has already been paid, your insurance company owns the vehicle—but any items inside are still yours.
The Bottom Line
With a variety of car insurance policies available, remember that only some will protect you if your car is broken into or stolen. If you only have the minimum insurance required in your state, you won't be covered. Only comprehensive insurance covers your car if it's stolen, and it won't cover personal property left inside. For that, you'll need to file a claim with the issuer of your homeowners or renters policy. Make sure to file a police report and insurance claim as soon as possible after you discover the theft.
