Whether your auto insurance can help you after a theft is determined by the item stolen. Comprehensive coverage pays for practically anything other than an auto accident, including the majority of car theft cases.
This insurance is not required by any state, therefore you must add it if you simply have the minimum coverage.
Does car insurance cover a stolen car?
Car insurance can cover stolen cars, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. If your car is stolen and not recovered, this policy will reimburse the current value, or actual cash worth, of the vehicle.
Comprehensive claims have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay before your insurance covers the remainder. If you own an older car, compare its value to the cost of your deductible and the amount you pay for insurance. If the difference isn’t significant, you probably don’t need comprehensive insurance.
In some situations, such as when you have a car loan or lease, you may be required to get both comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision can cost twice as much as comprehensive, if not more, which might significantly boost your insurance rate.
Despite this, you can still obtain a good pricing. Always browse around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal.
Vandalism and theft of personal property
Comprehensive insurance covers vandalism, such as shattered windows or other theft-related damage. This coverage also provides compensation if a criminal steals a specific part of your car, such as your keys.
Is there anything it will not cover? Personal belongings in your car. You will require renters or homeowners insurance to cover any belongings, minus your deductible.
How to prevent car theft
Anti-theft devices like external steering wheel locks, kill switches, and car alarms help prevent burglars. Bonus: Installing an anti-theft system may qualify you for a reduction on your car insurance.
However, you don’t need fancy technology to protect your car. Here are some additional techniques to prevent car theft:
- Always turn off your vehicle when you are not in it and keep the keys with you. Even on your own driveway.
- Lock all doors, windows and the trunk or hatch every time you leave your vehicle.
- Choose parking spaces that are off-street, highly visible and well lit, whenever possible. Do not leave your vehicle in an unmonitored parking lot or garage for an extended period of time.
- Never write your name or address on your keychain. If it goes missing, robbers might use this information to find and steal your vehicle.
- Park your vehicle with the front end facing an obstacle, such as a wall or guardrail. If thieves are unable to start your car, they will find it more difficult to tow or roll away.
- When you need to park on the street, turn the wheels toward the curb and lock the steering wheel. Again, this makes it more difficult to tow your car away without harm.
- Have your VIN number chemically etched on your windows by a car dealership or local police department, if it’s not there already. Etching makes it difficult for criminals to resale your vehicle and its parts.
