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.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2024
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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: Oct 13, 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.
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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.
- 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
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.
Comprehensive auto insurance can cover both vandalism and break-ins, but it's crucial to understand your deductible and whether personal items are included in your coverage.
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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.
Furthermore, when considering the price to repair a broken window or keyed car, understanding your insurance coverage is crucial. Geico coverage for catalytic converter theft and the Geico policy on stolen catalytic converters provide specific protection against expensive parts theft, which can significantly impact repair costs.
Additionally, State Farm covers items that are stolen from your car, which is important if personal belongings are taken during a break-in. If someone breaks into your car, it’s essential to know how your insurance policy will help with the costs of repairs.
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.
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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.
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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.
In addition, when dealing with a car break-in, understanding your insurance coverage is crucial for managing the aftermath effectively. Coverage for break-ins is essential as it helps address the damage and losses incurred when someone unlawfully enters your vehicle. For instance, Geico coverage for a stolen car can be particularly beneficial if your car is taken during the break-in.
If the incident involved attempted theft, check if your policy insurance covers attempted car theft, as this will affect how you handle your claim and repairs. It’s important to confirm that car break-ins are covered by insurance so you can manage the financial impact and repair any damage.
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.
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.
Will my insurance go up if someone breaks into my car?
Yes, your insurance rates may increase if you file a claim for a car break-in. When you make a claim, insurance companies assess the risk associated with insuring you. Frequent claims, including those for break-ins, can lead to higher premiums because the insurer may view you as a higher risk. Additionally, the cost of the claim can be spread across all policyholders, potentially raising rates for everyone.
What should you do if someone breaks into your car?
If someone breaks into your car, start by contacting the non-emergency police line to report the incident. This step ensures that there is an official record of the crime. Avoid touching or moving anything in the car, as it might be considered evidence. Take detailed photographs of any damage and list any stolen items. You’ll need this information for both the police report and your insurance claim. Once the police report is filed, contact your insurance company to start the claims process and discuss the next steps for repairs and compensation.
What does insurance cover if your car is broken into?
Insurance coverage for a car break-in typically includes repairs and replacement costs related to the incident. If you have comprehensive car insurance, it usually covers damage caused by a break-in, such as broken windows or locks. It may also cover the theft of personal items inside your car, depending on the policy specifics. To get the full extent of coverage, review your policy details or speak with your insurance provider.
Does car insurance cover the theft of personal items?
Whether car insurance covers the theft of personal items depends on your policy. Comprehensive coverage often includes protection for personal belongings stolen from your car. However, not all policies offer this benefit, so it’s important to confirm with your insurer. If personal item theft is covered, you will need to provide a detailed list of the stolen items and their value to support your claim.
Does comprehensive car insurance cover vandalism?
Yes, comprehensive car insurance covers vandalism. This type of insurance is designed to handle non-collision damages, including those caused by vandalism. Whether your car is keyed, spray-painted, or otherwise damaged, comprehensive coverage typically helps pay for repairs, minus any applicable deductible.
Does full coverage insurance cover vandalism?
Yes, full coverage insurance covers vandalism. Full coverage generally includes both liability and comprehensive coverage. The comprehensive portion of full coverage insurance specifically addresses damages from vandalism and other non-collision incidents, helping you repair or replace your vehicle as needed.
Does Geico cover catalytic converter theft?
Yes, Geico covers catalytic converter theft under its comprehensive insurance policy. Catalytic converters are valuable and prone to theft, so if yours is stolen, Geico can help with the cost of replacement. Ensure your policy is up-to-date and includes comprehensive coverage to take advantage of this protection.
Does liability insurance cover a broken window?
No, liability insurance does not cover a broken window. Liability insurance is designed to cover damage you cause to other people’s property or injuries they sustain in an accident for which you are at fault. Damage to your own vehicle, such as a broken window from a break-in, is typically covered under comprehensive insurance.
Does third-party car insurance cover theft in Michigan?
No, third-party car insurance does not cover theft in Michigan. Third-party insurance only covers damage and injuries to others when you are at fault. Theft coverage requires comprehensive insurance, which is separate from third-party policies and needed to protect your own vehicle from theft and related damages.
Does vandalism raise your insurance rates?
Yes, vandalism can raise your insurance rates. Filing a claim for vandalism can lead to higher premiums as insurers view frequent or high-cost claims as increased risk. Insurance companies may adjust your rates based on the number and nature of claims, including those related to vandalism.
How much does a new car window cost?
The cost of a new car window varies significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as the type of window. On average, a new car window can cost between $200 and $1,000. Factors such as window size, tinting, and installation complexity can affect the total cost.
How much does it cost to fix a broken car window?
The cost to fix a broken car window depends on the extent of the damage and the type of window. Typically, repairs can range from $100 to $500. This includes the cost of labor and materials. For more extensive damage, such as broken mechanisms or shattered glass, costs may be higher.
How can you catch someone who broke into your car?
To catch someone who broke into your car, gather and review any surveillance footage available from security cameras in the vicinity. This can help identify suspects. File a detailed report with the police, including descriptions and evidence. Cooperation with law enforcement and providing them with as much information as possible can aid in apprehending the perpetrator.
How do you start a car with a broken key in the ignition?
If you need to start a car with a broken key in the ignition, consider using a spare key if available. If no spare is present, you may need to have a locksmith extract the broken key and create a new one. In some cases, it might be necessary to repair or replace the ignition cylinder, especially if the damage is severe.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
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.