Does car insurance cover stolen items?

Does car insurance cover stolen items? Unfortunately, a car insurance policy doesn’t cover the contents of your vehicle.

Comprehensive car insurance does cover your vehicle for theft, but it only covers the car itself and permanently installed parts. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. We’ll explain what type of theft is covered and what is not right here.

Find comprehensive car insurance rates for damaged or stolen vehicles in your area by entering your ZIP code in the free tool above.

Why does car insurance not cover stolen items?

Car insurance can only applies to the vehicle itself. Damage or theft to the car and not property inside the car is covered by comprehensive insurance.

Since car insurance does not cover stolen items, does car insurance cover a stolen car? Yes, a stolen car is covered, but you need comprehensive insurance.

Comprehensive coverage is strictly for damage to your car caused by incidents that are not collisions. That includes theft. The average monthly rate for comprehensive insurance is about $134 per year.

Theft of parts of the car is also covered by comprehensive insurance. You can file a claim for permanently attached parts of the vehicle.

For example, stolen tires. Does car insurance cover stolen tires? Yes, comprehensive insurance covers it, because they are a permanent part of your car.

What about tools for work or break-ins? Does car insurance cover stolen tools? Does car insurance cover break-ins? While car insurance does cover break-ins, it doesn’t cover any work or personal items that are taken. Again, only permanently attached parts and damage from the break-in are covered.

What about personal items stolen from the car?

If your personal items are stolen from your car, is there any way to recover the loss?

Even though car insurance does not cover stolen items, you still have an option to help recover the lost money from the stolen items.

Homeowners insurance can cover the costs of stolen property. A homeowners policy with personal property coverage provides coverage for your personal property anywhere in the world.

Your coverage will depend on the company and the terms of your policy. Renters insurance also provides the same coverage.

Case Studies: Does car insurance cover stolen items?

Case Study 1: Smith Insurance Company

John, a policyholder with Smith Insurance Company, parked his car in a shopping mall parking lot and left his laptop inside the vehicle while he went shopping. When he returned, he discovered that his car window had been smashed, and the laptop was stolen. John filed a claim with Smith Insurance Company to recover the cost of the stolen laptop.

Smith Insurance Company denied the claim because John’s policy did not include coverage for personal belongings left unattended in a vehicle. The policy only provided coverage for theft of the vehicle itself.

Case Study 2: Johnson Auto Insurance

Sarah, a policyholder with Johnson Auto Insurance, experienced a break-in at her residence. Among the stolen items were her handbag and a valuable camera. Sarah had left the handbag in her car parked outside the house. She promptly reported the theft to the police and filed a claim with Johnson Auto Insurance.

Johnson Auto Insurance approved the claim for the stolen handbag and camera. Sarah’s policy included coverage for personal belongings stolen from the insured vehicle, even if the theft occurred outside of it.

Case Study 3: Green Shield Insurance

Michael, a policyholder with Green Shield Insurance, parked his car on the street and went for a quick lunch. When he returned, he discovered that his GPS device and smartphone were missing from the car’s glove compartment. Michael promptly filed a police report and submitted a claim with Green Shield Insurance.

Green Shield Insurance accepted the claim and reimbursed Michael for the stolen GPS device and smartphone. His policy specifically covered personal belongings stolen from the vehicle, regardless of whether it was parked in a public or private location.

Case Study 4: Thompson Assurance

Lisa, a policyholder with Thompson Assurance, left her car unlocked in her driveway overnight. The next morning, she found that her purse, containing cash and valuable jewelry, had been stolen from the vehicle. Lisa immediately contacted the police and filed a claim with Thompson Assurance.

Thompson Assurance denied Lisa’s claim because her policy explicitly stated that theft of personal belongings from an unlocked vehicle was not covered. The policy required the insured vehicle to be locked and secured at the time of the theft.

Car Insurance and Stolen Items: The Bottom Line

Your car insurance will not cover the cost of personal belongings stolen from your vehicle. You may, however, have some coverage with a renters or homeowners insurance policy.

Comprehensive insurance will, however, pay for the damage to your car from a break-in, as well as any parts stolen.

Enter your ZIP code in the free tool below to see more comprehensive car insurance rates for damaged or stolen vehicles in your area.