If someone breaks into your car, does insurance cover it?

Insurance covers car break-ins if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers things like shattered windows, broken locks, and disassembled ignition systems. Your insurance company will use your comprehensive coverage to reimburse you for the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is stolen.

Despite the fact that comprehensive coverage is not mandated by state law, it may be a good idea to include it if you reside in a high-crime region. If your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, comprehensive coverage may be able to protect you.

Keep reading to learn about the kind of car insurance that covers break-ins and what you can do to recover stolen property from your car. 

Auto Insurance May Cover Break-ins and Vandalism

If you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage on your policy, auto insurance will cover vandalism and auto theft. This type of coverage typically includes repairs or replacements if your car is damaged due to a break-in. For instance, insurance coverage for a smashed car window is included under comprehensive insurance.

However, it’s important to note that comprehensive coverage generally has a deductible that you must pay before the insurance starts covering costs. If the repair costs are less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

In the event of a break-in, comprehensive auto insurance will also cover the repair or replacement of broken windows caused by theft. If personal items are stolen during the break-in, you should check whether your personal items are covered by auto insurance. Typically, comprehensive insurance does not cover personal belongings, but policies can vary.

Also, some insurers like Geico offer special provisions; for example, Geico will waive your deductible for glass repairs if the damage is minor, such as a crack smaller than a dollar bill or a chip smaller than a quarter. This approach is intended to encourage prompt repairs to avoid more significant and costly damage.

What Comprehensive Insurance Does not Cover

Comprehensive insurance does not cover aftermarket parts or personal things, despite the fact that it covers a wide range of damages and scenarios. Scroll through the sections to see what isn’t included in comprehensive insurance.

Comprehensive Insurance May Not Cover Stolen Aftermarket Automobile Accessories and Stereos

Consult an insurance representative if you have aftermarket parts to make sure your policy covers them. In most cases, aftermarket or custom parts on your vehicle are not covered by comprehensive coverage. 

For specialized parts, you might be able to purchase supplemental coverage. For example, Progressive custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage covers aftermarket car radio upgrades and non-manufacturer-installed items. Learn more about auto insurance for custom vehicles.

Comprehensive Insurance Does Not Cover Theft of Personal Items

No, personal property stolen is not covered by auto insurance. However, you can file a claim with your renters or homeowners insurance for any possessions stolen from your car, like laptops, iPads, cell phones, jewelry, purses, or wallets. 

Be aware that you will likely need to file two separate claims, one for the auto insurance repairs and another for the stolen personal items.

Subsequently, when examining what comprehensive insurance does not cover, it’s important to recognize the limitations of this coverage. While comprehensive insurance covers theft, it does not always extend to all types of damage.

For example, Geico insurance covers the theft of catalytic converters, but comprehensive insurance may not cover all theft-related scenarios. If someone breaks your car window, does insurance cover it? is a crucial question, as comprehensive insurance generally covers specific types of damage but may not include every form of vandalism or accidental damage.

Additionally, comprehensive insurance has its limitations in certain situations. For instance, liability insurance covers break-ins which might not be included in comprehensive coverage if the break-in leads to damage affecting other vehicles or property. Allstate insurance covers broken windows, but this might fall under a different policy rather than comprehensive insurance.

Damage to the ignition from a car break-in might be addressed through specific claims, but a car was broken into, but there is no insurance coverage in cases where the policy does not explicitly include such incidents. To ensure full protection, it’s essential to understand insurance coverage in case of a break-in and consider additional policies beyond comprehensive insurance.

The Price to Repair a Broken Window or Keyed Car

For car owners, vandalism is a frequently expensive kind of damage. The Highway Loss Data Institute estimates that a vandalism claim will cost an average of $1,528. However, only those incidents where policyholders filed a claim are represented by this sum. 

You will generally file a claim if the repair cost exceeds your deductible. 

This amount also fluctuates depending on a number of personal variables, such as:

• The make and model you drive
• The cost of labor in your city
• The type of glass used in your vehicle
• Whether your windows automatically or manually open

For instance, a six-inch-long crack or shorter in a piece of glass can typically be repaired quickly — often in less than 30 minutes. You may need to replace the item if you have more damage, such as a smashed windshield or a door with numerous dents. This will raise the cost of repairs.

Remember, only file a car insurance claim after a break-in if the cost to repair the damage exceeds your deductible. Most comprehensive deductibles are between $500 and $1,000 — if the damage costs $1,500, and you have a $1,000 deductible, you may want to pay for repairs out of pocket, so you don’t increase your insurance rates. 

Learn more about what an auto insurance deductible is and how it can help you save money on car insurance coverage for break-ins.

What to do if Someone Burglarizes or Breaks Into Your Car

You must assess and record all damage to your car before having it fixed or making any claims so that you can react appropriately. Inquire with the police about sending an officer to inspect the area, then do the following actions.

Call the Police to Report a Break-In

Instead of dialing 911, call the non-emergency police line. The number to contact is 311 in various cities. If you can’t get through at the regular number, use 911. Refrain from looking around inside or touching anything because it is now a crime scene.

While you wait for the cops to arrive, try to find a security guard if you are in a retail parking lot. You might have to file a report at the closest police station. You will need your license and registration for the police report and insurance claim. 

If you intend to make an insurance claim, you must have a police report. A police report is typically necessary for your insurance carrier to handle any claim you submit. Make a call to the police and request that they come to inspect the damage. If not, you might need to call in a report over the phone or at a nearby station. 

You will require the following details in order to submit a report:

• Pictures of the damage
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance policy number
• Information about your vehicle’s registration
• The theft or act of vandalism’s approximate date and time
• A comprehensive list of any stolen property

Ensure all vehicle damage and stolen property are listed in the report. If the thief is apprehended, you might be able to recover the valuables even if they are not insured.

Track Down the Damage 

Take pictures of every scratch and dent on your automobile before you remove any paint or broken glass. The police report you provide with this paperwork may be necessary to support your insurance claim defense.

Create a List of the Stolen Goods 

Someone who broke your window was likely looking for personal belongings in your car. Make a list of everything you had in your car, including any personal documents you may have kept in the glove box, and go through everything you had there.

When you file your police report and homeowners or renters insurance claim, include this list. Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and freezing your credit card and bank accounts if any sensitive documents, such as those that provide information for a bank account or credit card, were stolen.

Determine the Cost of Repairs

To obtain an idea of the cost of the repairs, speak with your insurance agent or bring your automobile to a reputable body shop. Even if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely have to pay a deductible before you receive any compensation.

Paying for the repairs yourself can make more sense if the costs don’t significantly exceed your deductible and you haven’t already contributed to it with another claim made this year. If you make a claim, your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to inspect the damage and suggest a covered auto body shop where you can have your repairs made.

You ought to have any glass damage fixed as quickly as possible, whether you submit a claim or pay for your repairs out of pocket. In addition to making it difficult to lock your doors, driving while wearing a broken window puts you at risk of getting hurt and causing more harm.

By taking the appropriate steps after a break-in or burglary is essential for effective handling. First, ensure you document all damage to your car and create a list of stolen items, including personal belongings. Progressive car insurance covers the theft of personal items, so include these details in your insurance claim.

If your car’s window is damaged, address it quickly; a temporary fix for a broken car window can prevent further issues, and you may need to consider car window replacement in Houston for a permanent solution. Additionally, if you encounter issues like how to start a car with a broken key in ignition, addressing these problems promptly will help minimize inconvenience.

Understanding whether personal items are covered by auto insurance and navigating the claims process efficiently will ensure you manage the aftermath of a break-in effectively.

How You can be Safe When Your Car has Been Broken Into

The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that 873,080 vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2020, an increase of more than 9% from the previous year.

Follow these tips to ​​prevent burglars from breaking into your car:

• Always lock doors when parking and leaving your vehicle
• Park in well-lit, secure locations
• Put purchases and other valuables in the trunk to keep objects out of sight
• Report any suspicious behavior, including a stranger lingering around your automobile

Be diligent about keeping your car secure to avoid it and other personal items being stolen. 

If you live in a big city or high-risk area, your car insurance rates will be higher to cover the increased risk of break-ins and theft. Further anti-theft protections can earn you a discount on your auto insurance rates. Learn more about which auto insurance discounts you qualify for.

The Bottom Line: Auto Insurance may Cover Break-ins

Comprehensive auto insurance will cover any damages your vehicle sustains from a break-in or theft, including broken glass. It will also pay the actual cash value of your car if the vehicle is unrecoverable. 

Remember, comprehensive insurance does not cover personal items that are stolen from your car. This necessitates additional insurance protection, such as renters or homeowners insurance.

The specific steps you take to protect your vehicle will depend on the make and model, where you live, and your driving habits. We can help you find the right car insurance to cover break-ins from affordable companies in your area. Use our comparison tool below to get free comprehensive insurance quotes today.

Also, when dealing with the aftermath of a break-in, understanding your auto insurance coverage is crucial. Auto insurance for vandalism is vital as it typically includes protection against damages caused by acts of vandalism, such as graffiti or keying. Moreover, full coverage car insurance covers vandalism, which means your policy will handle repairs resulting from such incidents.

If your vehicle’s windows are damaged, it’s important to know that car insurance covers broken windows, helping you with the costs of repairs. Additionally, car insurance covers burglary, which addresses losses and damages when your car is forcibly entered.

In this context, fixing a broken window promptly is essential to secure your vehicle and prevent further damage. By understanding these coverage details, you can manage repairs and insurance claims more effectively after a break-in.