If something gets stolen in your car, how does insurance work?
Just about everyone leaves personal belongings in their car at one time or another, sometimes for a few hours, sometimes overnight. Perhaps you’re in a rush and it’s inconvenient to start moving things, maybe you simply forget, or you’re tired and just can’t be bothered. You figure since you parked the car close to where you live, your stuff is safe. Not so much. Theft from cars is actually very common, so you need to err on the side of caution.
Fortunately, if you do fall victim to this type of theft, your insurance company can help.
The first thing to do is file a report with the police, since you are dealing with an actual crime. Then it’s a matter of determining which of your policies will cover the theft – your home or your car insurance. It might seem odd for a theft from your car to be covered by your home insurance policy, but that’s often how it works.
If the stolen items are not essential to the operation of the vehicle or physically connected to it, your claim will come under your home insurance policy. Examples of such items include cameras, sporting equipment and computers.
As for your car insurance policy, it will cover stolen items that are necessary to the operation of the vehicle as well as items that are permanently attached to the vehicle, have been temporarily removed from the vehicle, or are used solely for seasonal purposes. Examples include audio systems and bike racks. Items that don’t belong to you are covered under their owners’ insurance policies. If a friend of yours leaves her bicycle in your car and it gets stolen, then she needs to file a claim with her own insurer.
This sort of situation illustrates why it can be a good idea to carry both your home and car insurance with the same company; it makes the claims process easier. Plus, in the event that you do file a claim, you only have one deductible to pay (the higher one). The deductible is the portion of the damages that you are responsible for paying. For example, if you incur damage or loss due to theft amounting to $1200, you might have to pay a $250 deductible, depending on your policy. And by the way you can get a car insurance or home insurance quote online in minutes!
Since invoices and proofs of purchase can expedite the replacement of various items, it’s advisable to keep sales slips, receipts and codes for any major purchases. Remember, by the way, that most claims can be submitted over the phone.
What’s the moral of this story? Don’t leave any valuable belonging in your car, even if you’re parked close to home, even if you live in a quiet neighbourhood, and even if you’re only going to be away from your car for a few minutes. Better safe than sorry, as the saying goes! It’s better, that is, to spend five minutes clearing out your vehicle than to leave your belongings inside only to find your valuables gone upon your return!
Find answers to your insurance questions by exploring our car insurance FAQ or discovering our range of home insurance products.
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