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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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jan 9, 2023
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.
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: Jan 9, 2023
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.
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.
| 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.
Learn more about what GAP insurance is and how it works.
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.
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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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover a stolen car if the keys were inside?
Your policy covers car theft as long as you have comprehensive insurance. For example, if you accidentally left your keys in the vehicle and someone stole it, your car will still be covered under your auto insurance policy.
What types of insurance cover theft?
Comprehensive car insurance is the only type of coverage that covers theft. In addition, comprehensive insurance covers things like vandalism, theft, damage from inclement weather, and damage from wild animals.
Does car insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?
Comprehensive car insurance may help to pay for your stolen catalytic converter, though this will vary from one company to the next. If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you will have to pay to replace the catalytic converter out of pocket.
Does car insurance cover personal items that were stolen?
Car insurance will not cover personal items in your vehicle when someone steals it, but your home or renters insurance should. Therefore, you must file a separate claim for the stolen items with your home or renters insurance company.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
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.