Having a car is an important part of managing your day-to-day life. Though it’s a necessary tool for transportation, owning a vehicle means the possibility of theft or break-ins. If you’ve ever had your car stolen or experienced a break-in, here are some essential tips about auto insurance and theft that every driver should know.
Most commonly stolen cars
Though all drivers should protect their vehicles from break-ins, not all cars are targeted equally. In 2023, pickup trucks and sedans topped the list as the most stolen cars in the US. Common models that are susceptible to theft include are:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford F150
Since 2020, there has been an annual increase in car thefts overall. Multiple factors are responsible for this uptick, including the rise of keyless vehicles, social media trends, and the value of car parts like catalytic converters.
Believe it or not, social media plays a significant role in the rise of car theft. In 2020, TikTok videos of Kia and Hyundai models circulated the internet for a surprisingly simple hack. By using a small USB device, robbers can break into these vehicles and start the ignition. This unfortunate weakness affects Kia and Hyundai models from 2011 to 2021, which has skyrocketed these vehicles' thefts nationwide.
Automobile thieves are also more advanced than they were in the past. With keyless entry systems becoming the norm, people can use specific devices that capture a key fob’s signal and use it to unlock your car. To combat this, some car owners have kept their key fobs in metal boxes to ensure bad actors can’t access the signal.
Trucks are highly susceptible to theft due to their overall utility. These vehicles are known to be stolen to commit more heinous crimes or to flee a crime scene. Alongside their usefulness, pickup trucks are a highly purchased car in America, which naturally increases the frequency of their theft.
Does insurance cover theft?
There are plenty of reasons why certain cars are susceptible to theft, but drivers can take measures to protect their property. Auto insurance may help cover drivers from damage during a collision, but does insurance cover car break-ins, too? Knowing what insurance options, you have will help you navigate any theft scenario.
If your car was damaged during a break-in, comprehensive coverage is an insurance coverage that can help. Typically, this type of coverage can help pay for car damage that occurs outside of a road collision. Comprehensive coverage may cover broken door locks, smashed windows, or a damaged ignition system in a break-in situation.
If a thief managed to break into your car and steal your personal items, drivers might wonder if comprehensive coverage will help. Unfortunately, this coverage won’t reimburse you for stolen phones, laptops, or Air Pods. Comprehensive coverage can only aid with physical damage to initially installed parts of your car, like an ignition system, rearview mirrors, or windows.
But there’s hope! A renters, homeowners, or condo insurance policy can fill the void that comprehensive insurance can’t. If expensive devices were taken from your car, file a claim to see if your renters, homeowners or condo insurance company can help cover those stolen items.
Comprehensive coverage can also help if your car is stolen. Usually, an auto insurance company can help pay the driver for the car’s cash value, which is the vehicle’s market value at the time of theft. If you have a car model that is a target for theft, making sure you have comprehensive coverage is the safest option.
Filing a claim for theft or break-in
So, now that you’ve experienced theft or loss, what is the next step? With comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim to see if you’ll get reimbursed for the damages. Essential steps for filing a claim are:
- Taking photos: Document the car damage by taking multiple photos of the break-in. You won’t even have to clean up the glass beforehand; just snap as many pictures as you can to prove your case to the police or your insurance company.
- List of stolen items: If you’ve had physical things stolen from your car, write down everything that’s been taken. For those with rental, homeowners, or condo insurance, a proven record of these items and good photos can help your claim’s success.
- File a police report: After proper documentation, your insurance company will usually want you to file a police report. Submitting a police report can help create an official record of the theft, including the crime's date, time, and place. A police officer will need the photos, the list of stolen items, and your auto insurance card to complete a record.
Tips to help prevent car theft and break-ins
Dealing with car break-ins can be challenging. Fortunately, drivers can do more than lock their doors to prevent car theft. Staying aware of what’s in your car and how it’s parked can improve its general safety.
- Hide valuables: Before leaving your car, look around to see what’s visible. Even a phone charger can give thieves the momentum to break into your vehicle. Try to hide all cords, chargers, water bottles, and bags to ensure nothing is visible to a potential burglar.
- Remove electronics: Leaving a smartphone or tablet in your vehicle, even for a coffee run, can lead to an unfortunate break-in. Anytime you leave your car, remove any electronics that would entice a car thief.
- Thoughtful parking: Parking on the street is usually safe, depending on where you leave your vehicle. Car break-ins often happen in dimly lit areas, so try to park in a visible place with heavy foot traffic, good lighting, or a surveillance camera.
- Install an alarm: If you have an older car model, install an alarm to stop thieves from trying to break in. You should also place a security system sticker on your car’s windshield to advertise your working car alarm.
- Update your insurance: Make sure you have the right coverage for a potential break-in. Check your insurance payments, too, because you won’t want your coverage to unexpectedly pause during a theft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my car is stolen or vandalized?
Document the car damage before you file a police report or a claim. For both vandalism and stolen vehicles, call the police first and then make a claim through your insurance company.
Does liability insurance cover theft?
No, this type of coverage won’t help with car theft. Liability insurance typically covers damages or injuries that you cause another person during a collision. Purchasing a comprehensive coverage for your policy, which is part of what is known as full coverage insurance (which includes comprehensive and liability), can help with car theft or damage.
Does auto insurance cover the theft of personal items from my car?
Auto insurance usually doesn’t cover personal items stolen from your vehicle. If you’re concerned about having your valuables stolen, renters, homeowners, or condo insurance may cover items outside of installed car parts.
Does filing a theft claim affect my insurance rates?
Yes, filing a theft claim for your car can affect your insurance rates. When you file a claim, especially for theft, your insurer might view you as a higher risk. It's a good idea to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider to understand how a claim might affect you specifically.
Can I get coverage for custom parts and accessories?
Yes, there are insurance options available specifically for custom parts. Purchasing special equipment coverage can help pay for expensive, custom accessories from damage and theft.
To find out more about special equipment coverage or any auto insurance package, Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc has plenty of friendly, knowledgeable agents who can help. Theft and break-in coverage can be confusing to navigate, so contact an IIA agent at 1-855-478-3705 to discuss a quote!