Does car insurance cover theft?

Your car insurance policy can help protect your car from damage. But what happens when your car is stolen? Does car insurance cover theft? We’ll answer those and other common questions you might have regarding car theft and insurance.

What does car insurance cover in a car theft claim?

Car theft may be covered under your insurance if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your car not caused by a collision with another car or object.

This coverage is not mandatory, but may be required by lenders if your car is financed or leased. It will typically cover the theft and damage to the covered car and permanently attached parts like the catalytic converter, wheels and the battery. 

Does car insurance cover belongings in a stolen car?

Personal property stolen from a car may not be covered under comprehensive. Instead, they may be covered under other policies like your homeowners or renters insurance.

What if I left my keys in the car?

You should never leave your keys in your car unattended, even for a few minutes. Turn off the engine and lock your doors every time you need to step out of your car. Keep additional keys, like valet keys, outside of your vehicle.

However, if you happen to leave your keys in your car and it was stolen, you’ll be covered for any unintended theft.

When to file a police report

If your car isn’t where you thought you left it, make sure that your car was actually stolen. Double check for “no parking” or “tow away zone” signs, as your vehicle may have been towed. Check that no one borrowed your car without asking for permission, too.

Contact your local police department and report the theft. Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) hand, along with any other information that can help identify your car.

If you still owe money on your car

If you owe money on the car, you should notify the lending company that your car has been stolen. Typically, lenders will require payment in full for the car if it’s been stolen. If you leased your car, you’re still obligated to pay for the monthly installments on your stolen car. Theft doesn’t void a lease contract.

Does gap insurance cover a stolen car?

Comprehensive coverage can only pay up to the fair market value of the car at the time of theft. If your car cannot be recovered and you financed or leased it, you could owe more than what it’s worth.

Owing money on a stolen car is not an enviable position to be in. You can protect your investment with Loan/Lease Gap coverage. This coverage pays for the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on it. It can help free you from having to make payments on a car you can no longer drive.

What if my vehicle is found after a claim is resolved?

To resolve a theft claim, you’ll need to transfer the title of your vehicle at or before time of payment.  This means that if your car is found after your claim has been resolved and paid out, your insurance company will take ownership of it.

Other helpful coverages

We offer great additional coverages in our Assurance Packages that can help you if your car is stolen. Our packages offer a variety of coverages, features and benefits so that you can build a policy that best meets your needs

New Car Replacement Coverage pays for the cost of replacement for the same make, model, and year, if you experience a total loss within the first two years as the original owner of your car.

Substitute Transportation/Rental Reimbursement helps compensate you, up to your limit, when you need transportation while your claim is being investigated. This can help pay for a car rental or transportation costs such as taxi, bus and train fare.

How can I save on insurance with anti-theft devices?

Anti-theft devices not only help deter theft, they can also give you a discount on your car insurance. Modern cars typically come with anti-theft measures installed from the factory, but older cars can be retrofitted with them as well.

Plymouth Rock offers discounts for anti-theft devices. If your car has an active alarm, tracking system or a steering wheel lock, you can save on car insurance. Not only does securing your car help prevent your car from being stolen, you can secure some car insurance savings.

How to file a claim

Having your car stolen is stressful enough; filing your claim shouldn’t be. That’s why we designed our auto claim services to simplify the claims process and get you back on the road in no time. Here’s what to do if you believe your car was stolen:

1. Be sure that your car was stolen, and not borrowed without permission or towed.
2. Report the loss to the police, and obtain a police report.
3. Have your policy number ready. The easiest way to file a claim is online, but you can also file a claim by phone. We’ll assign you a friendly representative to walk you through your policy coverage and answer any questions you may have.
4. Once your claim is filed, our theft adjusters will investigate your claim and review your policy provisions. Track the status of your claim online, 24/7. View and access your claim representative’s contact information, payments we’ve issued and claim forms. Check with police for updates on your vehicle’s status.
5. If you have an outstanding loan or lease, we will notify any financial lenders
6. If your vehicle is recovered, it will be returned to you. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages, if any. If your vehicle is not recovered, or if it has been recovered and damaged to the point of a total loss, you’ll receive a claim settlement offer for your vehicle.

Conclusion: Does your insurance cover a stolen car?

It’s important to protect your car with anti-theft measures and the right insurance coverage. The prospect of having your car stolen can be scary, which is why carrying comprehensive coverage on your car is so important. Get peace of mind and rest assured you’ll have top notch coverage with even better service with Plymouth Rock.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a statement of contract. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by your insurer. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult with a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.

PA RESIDENTS: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN