Does Car Insurance Cover Items Stolen From Your Car?
Usually not. Personal belongings stolen from a car are typically covered by homeowners or renters insurance. Auto comprehensive covers the car itself, including broken windows. Here's how to split the claim.
Quick answer
Auto insurance generally covers damage to the car from a break-in, such as a smashed window or damaged lock, under comprehensive. It generally doesn't cover personal belongings stolen from inside. Those are usually covered by your homeowners or renters policy, subject to its deductible.
Splitting a break-in
| Loss | Usually covered by |
|---|---|
| Broken window, damaged door lock | Auto comprehensive |
| Stolen laptop, bag, sunglasses | Homeowners or renters personal property |
| Factory-installed stereo | Auto comprehensive |
| Aftermarket equipment | Auto, if added to the policy; otherwise limited |
Two deductibles
You may face a deductible on each policy. A hypothetical example: $400 window damage with a $500 comprehensive deductible pays nothing; a $1,200 stolen laptop with a $500 homeowners deductible pays $700. See does homeowners insurance cover theft outside the home.
What to do
- File a police report.
- Photograph the damage and list what was taken, with values.
- Contact both insurers if both apply.
The takeaway
The car is an auto claim; what was in the car is a home or renters claim. Check both deductibles before filing.
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