Does Car Insurance Cover Car Theft?

What is Car Theft?

Car theft is a crime that affects people of all walks of life. It involves the unauthorized taking of a car for either the purpose of joyriding or to carry out other criminal activities, such as robbery or burglary. Car theft is one of the most prevalent and costly crimes in the United States. In 2017, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that there were more than 773,139 motor vehicle thefts in the country. It is important to note that car theft is a crime of opportunity and the best way to protect yourself is to take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of it happening to you.

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

When it comes to car insurance, there are several types of coverage available. These include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Liability coverage pays for damages that you are legally responsible for. This can include damage to other people’s property or injuries to other people. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your own car if you are involved in an accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by something other than an accident, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for medical expenses and property damage if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Does Car Insurance Cover Car Theft?

The answer is yes, car insurance can cover car theft. However, the extent of coverage depends on the type of coverage you have. Generally, liability coverage will not cover theft of your car. Collision and comprehensive coverage, however, will cover the theft of your car. Comprehensive coverage is the only type of coverage that will cover the theft of your car. It is important to note that comprehensive coverage does not cover the theft of any personal items that were in the car when it was stolen.

How Can I Protect My Car from Theft?

The best way to protect your car from theft is to take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of it happening to you. Some of the steps you can take include always locking your car and parking in well-lit areas. You should also invest in an alarm system or other anti-theft device for added protection. Additionally, you should always keep your car’s registration and insurance card with you at all times, so that it can be easily identified if it is stolen.

Conclusion

Car theft is a serious crime that can have serious consequences. It is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your car from theft. Car insurance can cover car theft, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of coverage you have. Comprehensive coverage is the only type of coverage that will cover the theft of your car. Additionally, you should always take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of your car being stolen.