Does Auto Insurance Cover Personal Items Stolen from my Car?

Car insurance does not normally provide coverage for personal belongings left in vehicles like phones, laptops, other gadgets, golf bags, cameras or related equipment. Insurance policies such as home content or electronic device insurance are better suited for theft coverage of items individuals carry with them in their automobiles.

Comprehensive coverage under auto insurance pays for theft of fixed and pre-installed equipment from vehicles, as well as theft of the vehicle itself. For example, if a factory-installed navigation system is stolen or damaged during theft, comprehensive coverage will provide compensation. However, it does not cover standalone GPS devices or personal items like phones, wallets, or golf bags left in the vehicle since they are not considered part of the vehicle itself.

Homeowners or renters insurance may offer coverage for personal items outside of the home, including theft from vehicles, even if the vehicle was not on the insured property at the time of theft. It is important for motorists to review their coverage for such items and contact their home content insurance providers for appropriate coverage.

To pursue a claim for theft of personal items from an automobile, motorists will need to obtain a police report of the incident and provide proof of ownership, such as receipts. Coverage for personal items in home content insurance often comes with high deductibles and may have limitations on how much they cover outside of the home.

In the event of a stolen vehicle with personal items inside, separate claims may need to be made: one with the vehicle insurance provider for the stolen auto and another with the home insurance provider for the personal items. This may result in paying two separate deductibles and having two claims registered on separate policies, which can impact future insurance rates.

For an item or equipment to be covered by auto insurance, it generally needs to be permanently affixed to the vehicle. Even in such cases, it is important to disclose these parts to the insurance provider either on the proposal form or after installation. For example, if an expensive sound system is purchased and installed later, it should be disclosed to the insurer, and a Custom Parts and Equipment Endorsement may be required. Also, additional premium may be charged.

Many auto insurers offer coverage for later additions, modifications, paint jobs, and aftermarket parts up to a certain amount, such as $1,000. Items that were not originally part of the car and exceed this value should be disclosed to ensure eligibility for claims. Additional premium may be required, but it provides a safer option, especially when significant investments have been made to upgrade the vehicle.

If any damage occurs during a break-in, comprehensive coverage under car insurance will cover those damages like broken glass. However, insurers generally do not focus on items that are not integral components of the vehicle. With the prevalence of portable devices like cell phones and tablets, these items are typically not within the scope of auto insurance policies.

This is why individuals should be extra cautious and ensure they take all their belongings with them whenever they leave their vehicles. At the very least, they should ensure that items left in the vehicle are not easily visible, as this reduces the temptation for thieves to break in.

Fortunately, home content insurance policies often include coverage for personal possessions outside of the home for theft and accidental damage, although there may be a maximum limit on the amount paid. Since many people already have home or renter’s insurance plans, this provides an additional layer of coverage for personal belongings.