Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?

Updated 3 days ago
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Car insurance covers theft if you have comprehensive coverage. You're not protected if you only have the state's minimum required insurance. Add comprehensive coverage or upgrade to full coverage to make a claim for a stolen car.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive coverage includes any event not caused by another vehicle, including:

  • Civil disobedience: Someone vandalizes or steals your car.
  • Explosions and fire: Damage caused by flames and explosions.
  • Damage from animals: You hit an animal, or an animal runs into your car.
  • Falling objects: Objects that fall onto your vehicle (e.g., a tree branch or pole)
  • Glass damage: Broken windows and cracks
  • Natural disasters: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.
  • Terrorism: Any damage from a terrorist attack.
  • Weather-related incidents: Damage caused by severe weather.

How much does comprehensive coverage cost?

Comprehensive insurance rates take into account your:

  • Age
  • Driving history
  • Location
  • Car model

The average cost for comprehensive coverage is $121 a month. Purchase full coverage (comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance) if you want more protection. On average, you pay $2,390 per year ($200 per month) for this policy.

Progressive provides full insurance at a competitive average rate of $2,393 per year. Contact Progressive to get an easy quote, today!

Deductibles on comprehensive coverage

Your deductible is pre-determined when you buy your auto insurance policy. To get this policy with zero deductibles, you're charged an additional cost. Ask your insurance provider about this to remove deductibles from your comprehensive policy.

Make a stolen vehicle insurance claim (3-step guide)

  1. Call your local police the second you realize your car's been stolen to file an official report.
  2. Call your insurance provider to notify them about your stolen car. Confirm that you have comprehensive coverage.
  3. Be prepared for extensive investigation from your insurance company. Stolen car claims get looked at very carefully by insurers. The most frequently asked questions are:
  • What was the date and time of the theft?
  • What is the year, make, model, and mileage of your stolen vehicle?
  • Where was your car located when it was stolen?
  • Did you file a police report?

Insurance companies don't immediately file claims for stolen cars. Your car might get recovered by the police investigating your theft. Wait at least 30 days before you start the process of receiving your insurance payout.

Settling your total loss claim

Your insurance company files a total loss claim if 30 days pass with no trace of your car. You're required to speak with your insurance adjuster about the current value of your car.

Once the amount gets agreed upon, you receive that amount, minus your deductible. Unfortunately, it isn't a penny over what your car is worth, so don't expect an upgrade.

If you have a lienholder, get them to sign the title over to your insurance provider. When your insurance claim gets settled, you no longer have ownership over your stolen car. If your vehicle gets recovered, it belongs to your insurance company.

3 things to consider about making a stolen car claim

  • You can buy back your car from the insurance company if it's recovered.
  • If it's found that you have faked your claim for any reason, you face jail time.
  • Valuables that get stolen from your car aren't covered by your auto insurance. The only item that gets covered is the vehicle itself.

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