Does Liability Insurance Cover Theft?

If you are looking to be proactive about your car care, you may be wondering about the extent of your coverage. As a liability insurance holder, you may be curious if it offers car theft insurance. So, does liability insurance cover theft? The simple answer is “no.” Liability insurance is designed to cover bodily injuries or property damage done to others that you have caused. If you were asking “does liability cover theft?” the unfortunate answer is “no.” 

However, comprehensive insurance often includes car theft insurance to cover the losses of a stolen vehicle. Read on below with Acura of Milford to discover what to do when your car is stolen and what can be covered by insurance. 

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?

Does car insurance cover theft? Yes, but it’s important to understand exactly what coverage you have to avoid any surprises should the unfortunate occur. Say your vehicle was stolen near New Haven. With comprehensive insurance, you would be covered up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. Additionally, if your vehicle is harmed during a break-in, you will be covered for the damage. Broken glass, door locks, ignition systems, and more will all be covered under a comprehensive insurance plan.

You may be curious, does liability cover theft of personal items from a vehicle? Personal items including a wallet, purse, or smartphone, are not covered under any auto insurance policy. You would need to submit a claim through your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. If your vehicle is stolen with your personal belongings inside, you will need to submit a claim through both your auto insurance policy and your personal homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

What to Do When Your Car is Stolen

Having a vehicle stolen is an incredibly stressful and traumatic experience to endure. You may have to deal with the loss of your autonomy as a result of losing your ability to travel freely throughout Fairfield. Additionally, you may be reeling after losing personal property (that is why it’s always wise to keep your vehicle and title separate). If your vehicle was stolen, here’s what to do next:

1. Call the police and provide a detailed description of your vehicle (make, model, color, license plate, VIN). Be sure to offer precise information on where you last had your vehicle and any anti-theft or GPS systems installed in the vehicle that would make determining the location easier.
2. Contact your car insurance provider within 24 hours of the potential theft. They will most likely want information on the valuables left in the vehicle and request a copy of the police report.
3. Know that your car may never be found. Sadly, a total loss can be the result of car theft. If your vehicle is recovered, you will want a trusted mechanic to conduct a thorough inspection.
4. Consider adding in anti-theft products/services to your financing agreement on your next vehicle purchase.

Filing a Police Report & Insurance Claim

Should you discover that your vehicle was stolen, it is critical to file a police report within 24 hours of the theft. You will also want to quickly submit claims to each necessary insurance provider to recoup as much of your losses as possible. You will need the following to complete each step:

Police Report

• VIN and license plate number 
• Vehicle’s year, make, and model
• Estimated time and location of the theft
• Identifying vehicle traits, such as modifications, decals, etc.

Insurance Claim:

• Certificate of Title
• Car key location before and after the car was stolen. 
• Names and contact information of all parties who had access to your car 
• Vehicle description, i.e., mileage, service records, bumper stickers, accessories
• List of personal effects you believe to have been stolen with the car 
• Contact information and account number with your financing or leasing company

Get More Insurance Info from Acura of Milford

Now that you can confidently “does liability insurance cover theft?” you are prepared to find the exact coverage you desire. To summarize, does car insurance cover theft? Yes, but only with comprehensive car insurance coverage. Our finance team can help you understand every detail of your insurance options to ensure you have supreme peace of mind on the Bridgeport streets. Contact us today to learn more.