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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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- 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
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.
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.
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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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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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.