Does car insurance cover stolen items?
Comprehensive car insurance covers car theft. At an average rate of $138 a month, a full coverage policy that includes comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover vehicle theft.
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Sara Routhier, Managing Editor and Outreach Director, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over five years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world o...
Sara Routhier
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Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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Updated October 2024
If someone steals your vehicle, your auto insurance coverage may pay out for the theft, but it depends on your policy.
Read this comprehensive car insurance guide to learn more about how comprehensive coverage will help if someone steals your vehicle. With comprehensive insurance, you’ll receive an insurance payment equal to your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible.
Anyone with a full coverage policy has both collision and comprehensive coverage. Your insurance company will cover vehicle theft if you have a full coverage policy. You’ll have to pay for a different vehicle out of pocket without full coverage.
As you shop for the right auto insurance policy, consider purchasing full coverage for better protection. With full coverage, your insurance will cover an accident, vandalism, damage from inclement weather, and much more. (For more information, read our “Does car insurance cover vandalism?“).
You will find the best price for a car insurance policy by comparing auto insurance quotes from different companies. Comparing quotes allows you to discern which company offers the coverage you want at a price that works for you.
- Your car insurance will cover car theft if you have comprehensive insurance as a part of your policy
- Minimum auto insurance coverage will not cover car theft
- Comprehensive coverage will pay for the actual cash value of your vehicle minus your insurance deductible
Does car insurance cover theft?
Your car insurance may cover theft, but it depends on the type of coverage you have. If you have comprehensive coverage — which is included in even the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy — your car insurance will cover the theft of your vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage is not part of a minimum coverage policy. In most cases, minimum coverage only offers liability protection, so you cannot be sued in the event of an accident. Minimum coverage, or a liability-only auto insurance policy, will not cover vehicle theft or damage to your vehicle due to an accident.
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Does comprehensive car insurance cover theft?
Comprehensive auto insurance does cover vehicle theft. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy will cover your vehicle. You can typically purchase comprehensive coverage for around $160 annually or $13 per month.
Most people purchase comprehensive insurance as a part of a full coverage policy. For example, a full coverage policy on a vehicle includes minimum coverage, collision coverage car insurance, and comprehensive insurance.
If you have full coverage on your vehicle, you will have coverage through your insurance company if someone steals your car. Unfortunately, your insurance company will not cover the theft of your vehicle if you simply have a liability-only policy that meets your state’s minimum auto insurance coverage requirements.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive auto insurance is an optional car insurance coverage that protects against damage to your car that is not collision-related. Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers non-collision-related events that are outside of your control as a driver.
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the following:
- Comprehensive car insurance covers theft
- Comprehensive car insurance covers vandalism
- Comprehensive covers broken windshield car insurance
- Comprehensive covers falling tree limbs and other objects
- Comprehensive covers rocks or other objects that come from the road or other vehicles
- Damage from storms
- Damage from hail
- Damage from strong winds
- Damage from lightning
- Damage from earthquakes
- Damage from wild animals
If you carry a full coverage policy on your vehicle, you already have comprehensive insurance. Read the fine print of your policy to learn what your comprehensive insurance covers and when it does and does not work.
Do I have to get comprehensive car insurance?
You do not have to purchase a comprehensive auto insurance policy to drive legally in your state. However, you may need to purchase comprehensive coverage if you lease your vehicle or have a loan through a bank.
Most leasing companies and dealerships require drivers to carry full coverage to mitigate the risk of totaling a vehicle. However, if you own your car and do not have a loan or lease, you can purchase the minimum car insurance required in your state.
Before you choose a liability-only policy, keep in mind that you could end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars if you’re at fault in an accident or if your vehicle is damaged or stolen. Minimum coverage allows you to drive legally in your state but does not protect you from many scenarios.
If you can afford a full coverage policy, you should consider purchasing one. Full coverage offers protection when you’re on the road and could help you save money if you’re ever in an accident or your vehicle is damaged.
Is comprehensive car insurance coverage worth it?
Comprehensive insurance could be worth it, but it depends on your situation. For example, comprehensive insurance is good protection if you have a newer vehicle that would cost a lot to replace. However, if your vehicle is eight years old or older, you may not need comprehensive coverage as much.
Average Monthly Comprehensive Car Insurance Rates by State
| State | Annual Average Comprehensive Car Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $89.66 |
| Maine | $96.66 |
| California | $99.29 |
| Hawaii | $100.09 |
| New Hampshire | $103.03 |
| Washington | $104.11 |
| Utah | $106.57 |
| Florida | $110.12 |
| Idaho | $110.78 |
| Ohio | $112.74 |
| Delaware | $113.23 |
| Indiana | $115.02 |
| Nevada | $116.79 |
| Illinois | $117.98 |
| Vermont | $118.31 |
| Rhode Island | $122.17 |
| North Carolina | $123.00 |
| New Jersey | $123.18 |
| Connecticut | $126.02 |
| Wisconsin | $126.34 |
| Massachusetts | $128.92 |
| Virginia | $129.89 |
| Kentucky | $130.15 |
| Pennsylvania | $132.01 |
| Tennessee | $135.62 |
| Alaska | $141.08 |
| Alabama | $146.28 |
| Maryland | $146.77 |
| Michigan | $147.02 |
| Georgia | $153.61 |
| New York | $156.66 |
| Colorado | $158.34 |
| South Carolina | $165.38 |
| Missouri | $166.34 |
| New Mexico | $166.89 |
| Iowa | $171.58 |
| Minnesota | $173.04 |
| Arkansas | $183.36 |
| Arizona | $184.20 |
| Texas | $186.70 |
| Mississippi | $194.74 |
| West Virginia | $195.04 |
| Montana | $199.87 |
| Oklahoma | $201.56 |
| Nebraska | $206.24 |
| Louisiana | $208.59 |
| Wyoming | $222.86 |
| North Dakota | $227.64 |
| South Dakota | $228.59 |
| District of Columbia | $230.25 |
| Kansas | $230.65 |
| National Average | $138.87 |
If you park your vehicle outdoors, comprehensive insurance is a good idea if there’s inclement weather, wild animals, or vandalism.
Unfortunately, comprehensive insurance only pays you back for your vehicle’s actual cash value. Therefore, the actual cash value could be less than what you owe on the vehicle since cars depreciate the minute you drive them off the lot.
So, if you have a new car, you may want additional forms of insurance to ensure you get the full amount back that you owe with a lease or a loan.
Does car insurance pay for a stolen car?
Comprehensive car insurance pays for a stolen car, but it only pays for the actual cash value of your vehicle. Therefore, if you have a new car, especially if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you should consider GAP insurance or new car replacement as protection in case your vehicle is stolen or totaled.
What is GAP insurance?
GAP insurance pays the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual cash value. If you have GAP insurance, you will not have to worry about paying hundreds or thousands on your car lease or loan if your vehicle is totaled or stolen.
GAP insurance is most important for new cars. Many GAP insurance policies only last for the first few years after a car is purchased. After that, you can get GAP insurance through a dealership, and your current auto insurance provider may also offer GAP coverage.
Read more:
What is new car replacement coverage?
New car replacement coverage will pay to replace your vehicle make and model. With new car replacement, you will not have to worry about your car’s market value and car insurance. Instead, you can have the same vehicle.
Most companies offer new car replacement coverage for the first few years after the car is initially purchased. If you have a new car, you should consider adding GAP insurance or new car replacement to your full coverage policy to ensure proper protection. (For more information, read our “How do I find out if GAP insurance is included in my car lease?“).
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Does liability insurance cover theft?
Liability car insurance coverage does not cover theft. With liability, you have protection against legal ramifications associated with causing damage to another person or vehicle. Liability does not pay to repair or replace your vehicle if someone steals or damages it.
Other coverages that do not cover theft include collision, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, roadside assistance, homeowners, and renters insurance.
The basic coverages of a liability policy include:
- Bodily injury liability. Bodily injury liability pays for damage you cause to another person or group. States set their limits of mandatory bodily injury liability per person and accident.
- Property damage liability. Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to another vehicle or piece of property. States set specific limits for mandatory property damage liability per accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Some states require that you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist liability coverage in case you’re in an accident with someone who is at fault but does not carry the proper insurance.
- Personal injury protection (PIP). Personal injury protection coverage pays for medical bills associated with a car accident. Sometimes, PIP may also pay for lost wages and other similar things. Only certain states require PIP insurance.
- Medical payments (MedPay). MedPay offers coverage for medical bills and doctor visits associated with an accident. Only certain states require MedPay insurance.
If you purchase your state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage, you can legally drive without any ramifications. However, remember that liability-only auto insurance does not protect you or your vehicle in certain cases.
Does full coverage car insurance cover theft?
Full coverage car insurance covers theft. A full coverage policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision coverage includes anything accident-related, while comprehensive coverage pays for theft, vandalism, and damage from inclement weather.
If you have a full coverage policy, vehicle theft is covered. However, full coverage does not pay for items stolen from your vehicle, so it’s important to check whether your insurance covers things stolen from a car separately.
Does car insurance cover the theft of personal items?
Auto insurance does not cover items in the car at the time someone stole it. You must file a claim with your home or renters insurance policy to cover these items.
So, if someone steals your vehicle with items inside, you must file one claim with your car insurance company and one with your home or renters insurance company.
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What should I do if someone steals my car?
If someone steals your vehicle, report it to the police immediately. You will need to file a report with the police department in your area.
Once you’ve spoken with law enforcement, call your insurance company and file a car insurance claim for your stolen vehicle. To file a claim, you should also call your home or renters insurance company if items were in your vehicle when someone stole it.
Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Stolen Items
Case Study 1: Comprehensive Coverage Pays for Stolen Vehicle
Sarah had a full coverage policy with comprehensive insurance. Unfortunately, her car was stolen one night. She filed a police report and contacted her insurance company to make a claim. Thanks to her comprehensive coverage, Sarah received an insurance payment equal to her vehicle’s actual cash value minus her deductible.
Case Study 2: Liability-Only Policy Leaves Vehicle Uncovered
John had a liability-only car insurance policy that met the minimum coverage requirements in his state. When his car was stolen, he discovered that his policy did not cover theft. He had to bear the financial burden of replacing his vehicle on his own.
Case Study 3: Full Coverage Provides Extensive Protection
Mary opted for a full coverage policy, including comprehensive and collision coverage. When her car was stolen, she was relieved to learn that her insurance company would cover the theft. With full coverage, Mary enjoyed protection not only against theft but also accidents, vandalism, and damage from inclement weather.
The Bottom Line: Does car insurance cover theft?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, your auto insurance policy covers theft. However, if you have a liability-only car insurance policy, your vehicle will not be covered if someone steals it.
Comprehensive coverage costs about $13 per month and may be a good investment if you drive a relatively new car or park your car outside overnight. In addition, you may want to consider GAP insurance or new car replacement coverage if you have a loan or lease on your new vehicle.
Shop online and compare quotes for comprehensive coverage from multiple car insurance providers. You should be able to find a policy that works with your budget.
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Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage for Theft
When considering car theft insurance, many wonder, does car insurance cover the theft of personal items? Generally, standard car insurance policies do not cover personal items stolen from the vehicle.
If items have been stolen from the car, your auto insurance is unlikely to reimburse you for those specific items. Instead, you may need to rely on homeowners or renters insurance for coverage of personal belongings taken from your vehicle.
Another common inquiry is, does auto insurance cover theft of contents? While auto insurance covers theft related to the vehicle itself, such as if the car is stolen or parts of the car are taken, it typically does not cover personal items inside the car.
Therefore, if items have been stolen from the car, your car insurance policy will not cover them. To answer the question, will car insurance cover stolen items?—the answer is no for personal belongings, but it will cover the vehicle itself.
To address the concern, it’s important to understand whether comprehensive insurance covers theft or whether full coverage includes thefts. Comprehensive insurance, which is often part of what is referred to as full coverage, does indeed cover the theft of the vehicle.
If your car is stolen, car insurance for stolen vehicles through comprehensive coverage will help cover the loss. However, to determine whether insurance covers things stolen from a car, you will need to review the specifics of your policy and potentially look into homeowners or renters insurance for coverage of personal items.
Car Insurance and Theft Protection
A common question many car owners ask is, does liability insurance cover a stolen car? The answer is no. Liability insurance is designed to cover damages you cause to other people and their property, not your own vehicle.
Therefore, does liability cover theft? Again, the answer is no, it does not cover theft of your vehicle. To understand whether insurance covers car theft, you would need to look at comprehensive insurance, which is specifically designed to cover theft of the vehicle.
When considering whether insurance pays for a stolen car, it’s important to know that only comprehensive coverage can provide compensation for a stolen vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is often part of what people refer to as car insurance for theft protection.
If you are wondering whether car insurance covers a stolen property, the answer is generally no for personal items inside the car. If personal property has been stolen from the car, your car insurance will not cover these items, but homeowners or renters insurance might.
For those concerned about car insurance coverage for stolen items coverage, it’s crucial to understand the limits of your policy. If personal property has been stolen from the car, you will need to file an insurance claim for items stolen from a car with your homeowners or renters insurance.
The question, are items stolen from a car covered by insurance, is typically answered by looking at your home or renters insurance policy, as these policies often provide coverage for personal items stolen from your vehicle.
Comprehensive Auto Theft Insurance Explained
Understanding insurance for a stolen car is crucial for all vehicle owners. Auto theft insurance is generally included in comprehensive coverage, which protects against theft, vandalism, and other non-collision-related damages.
This type of insurance also extends to theft insurance for a parked automobile, ensuring that your vehicle is covered no matter where it is parked. Having vehicle theft insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is protected against the financial loss associated with theft.
A common question among drivers, particularly in Michigan, is does third-party car insurance in Michigan cover theft? The answer is no. Third-party car insurance only covers damages or injuries you cause to others, not your own vehicle.
For protection against theft, you need comprehensive theft auto insurance coverage. This type of coverage is essential to have robust car insurance coverage for theft, which ensures you are financially protected if your car is stolen. However, it’s important to note that personal items stolen from a car are typically not covered under auto insurance policies and may require separate homeowners or renters insurance.
If you are wondering what happens if your car gets stolen and you have full coverage, full coverage usually includes both collision and comprehensive insurance. This means you would be covered for the theft of your vehicle, subject to any deductibles.
Auto insurance coverage for theft under a comprehensive policy provides compensation for the stolen vehicle itself but not for personal items inside it. Therefore, comprehensive auto insurance coverage for theft is vital for ensuring you are covered for the loss of your car due to theft, offering significant protection and peace of mind.
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Understanding Insurance Coverage for Stolen Cars and Personal Items
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance cover personal belongings stolen from my car?
In most cases, standard car insurance policies do not cover personal belongings stolen from a vehicle. Car insurance primarily focuses on covering damages to the vehicle itself and liability for injuries or damages caused to others. However, there are some exceptions and additional coverage options available.
What types of car insurance coverage may provide coverage for stolen items?
Comprehensive car insurance is the coverage that typically offers protection against theft-related losses. It is an optional coverage that can be added to your policy. Comprehensive coverage generally covers theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and other non-collision-related damages to your vehicle.
How does comprehensive coverage protect against stolen items?
If you have comprehensive coverage, it may extend protection to personal belongings stolen from your vehicle. However, coverage limits can vary, so it’s important to review your policy details to understand the extent of coverage. You may need to file a police report and provide proof of ownership for the stolen items to make a claim.
Are there any limitations or exclusions with comprehensive coverage for stolen items?
Yes, there are usually limitations and exclusions with comprehensive coverage for stolen items. Common limitations may include a maximum coverage limit for personal belongings and restrictions on specific types of items. Additionally, insurance companies may require evidence of forced entry or signs of visible damage to your vehicle as proof of theft.
Are there any steps I should take to protect my personal belongings from theft?
It is always recommended to take precautions to prevent theft and safeguard your personal belongings. Some tips to consider include:
- Do not leave valuable items unattended or visible in your car.
- Park in well-lit areas or secure parking facilities when possible.
- Lock your car and activate the alarm system, if available.
- Consider installing anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks or GPS tracking systems.
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