If someone breaks into your car, does insurance cover it?
If someone breaks into your car, insurance may cover it if you have comprehensive coverage. Vandalism repairs average $1,500, and typical deductibles are $500-$1,000. Comprehensive pays for vehicle repairs after a break-in, less the deductible. Learn more about car insurance coverage for break-ins.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Contact the police and make a report if your automobile is broken into, but you should call the non-emergency line
- Take pictures of any damage you find, both inside and outside, and choose whether to submit a claim to your insurer
- Contact your credit card issuers, banks, lenders, and any other organizations if you suspect that the break-in might lead to identity theft
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. Comprehensive policies do, however, have a deductible that must be met before the coverage begins. It can be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself if it costs less than your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage will replace or pay for repairs if your car is destroyed in an accident or stolen. In case of a break-in, comprehensive auto insurance covers broken windows from theft.
However, depending on your company, your policy might cover repairs for a chip in your windshield without any deductible. For instance, Geico will waive your deductible for glass repairs when a crack is shorter than a dollar bill, and a chip is smaller than a quarter. This is meant to remind you to have these fixes done as soon as you notice them to prevent more extensive and costly damage.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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.
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.
🤯Did you know that replacing your catalytic converter can cost upwards of $2,500?❌Don’t get caught without coverage. Visit https://t.co/27f1xf131D to get auto insurance quotes today! Need more info on this type of theft? 🚗🚧Check out this article: https://t.co/GkLRGTrNIZ. pic.twitter.com/X1pt2bLqZi
— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) February 25, 2023
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.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover break-ins?
Comprehensive insurance does protect against break-in damage and auto theft, but it excludes theft of your personal belongings from your vehicle. Instead, your homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover these products.
Should you make a claim after someone breaks into your car?
If you wish to make a claim with comprehensive insurance, you’ll probably have to pay a deductible. If the cost of the repairs is close to your deductible, it might not be worthwhile to file a claim.
One window chip, for instance, might only cost you about $100 to fix. Due to the deductible you would have to pay, which is often around $500, plus the potential rate increase if you file a claim, fixing the window yourself might make more sense in this situation.
Does liability insurance cover break-ins?
The majority of states mandate that you carry liability insurance, which pays for damage to other people’s property and injuries you may cause. Typically, the bare minimum of auto insurance won’t shield you from theft. You most likely won’t be protected against theft and a stolen car if you only have liability insurance.
How can a car break-in be avoided?
Never leave valuables on display in your vehicle, have a functional car alarm, and park in a well-lit, secure location. Consider cleaning out your garage if you don’t use it to make space for your car so you won’t have to park on the street.
Does auto insurance cover broken windows from theft?
Basic liability coverage won’t cover theft-related damage. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer will be responsible for covering the actual cost of the break-in damage to your vehicle.
Does insurance typically cover car break-ins?
Yes, car break-ins are generally covered by auto insurance policies. However, the extent of coverage and the specific details may vary depending on the type of insurance coverage you have and the terms outlined in your policy.
Which type of auto insurance coverage usually covers car break-ins?
Comprehensive coverage is the type of auto insurance that typically covers car break-ins. Comprehensive insurance provides protection against damage or loss caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and animal damage.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent insurance brokerage. His company specializes in insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast Modern Li...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.