Your car insurance policy can help protect your car from damage. But what happens when your car is stolen? How does insurance cover a stolen car? We’ll answer those and other common questions you might have regarding car theft and insurance.
The theft of your car may be covered under your insurance if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your car not caused by a collision with another car or object.
Comprehensive coverage is not mandatory, but may be required by lenders if your car is financed or leased.
What is covered in a theft claim?
Comprehensive coverage will typically cover the theft and damage to the covered car and its parts. These can be parts of the car that are permanently attached, like the catalytic convertor, wheels and the battery.
Personal belongings stolen from a car may not be covered under comprehensive, though they may be covered under other policies like your homeowners or renters insurance.
What if I owe money on the car?
Comprehensive coverage can only pay up to the fair market value of the car at the time of theft. If your car cannot be recovered and you financed or leased it, you could owe more than what it’s worth.
If you leased your car, you’ll still be required to make monthly payments or pay all outstanding payments to end the lease. This can become financially significant if your car is stolen soon after purchase. A total loss, like in the case of theft, does not void a lease contact.
Gap insurance is an optional coverage that helps pay for the difference between what your car is worth and how much you still owe on it. Click here for more information on gap insurance by Plymouth Rock.
What if I left my keys in the car?
You should never leave your keys in your car unattended, even for a few minutes. Turn off the engine and lock your doors every time you need to step out of your car. Keep additional keys, like valet keys, outside of your vehicle.
However, if you happen to leave your keys in your car and it was stolen, you’ll be covered for any unintended theft.
What if my car is found after a claim has been resolved?
To resolve a theft claim, you’ll need to transfer the title of your vehicle at or before time of payment. This means that if your car is found after your claim has been resolved and paid out, your insurance company will take ownership of it.
Other helpful coverages
We offer great additional coverages in our Assurance Packages that can help you if your car is stolen. Our packages offer a variety of coverages, features and benefits so that you can build a policy that best meets your needs
New Car Replacement Coverage pays for the cost of replacement for the same make, model, and year, if you experience a total loss within the first two years as the original owner of your car.
Substitute Transportation/Rental Reimbursement helps compensate you, up to your limit, when you need transportation while your claim is being investigated. This can help pay for a car rental or transportation costs such as taxi, bus and train fare.
How can I save money with anti-theft devices?
Anti-theft devices not only help deter theft, they can also give you a discount on your car insurance. Modern cars typically come with anti-theft measures installed from the factory, but older cars can be retrofitted with them as well.
Plymouth Rock offers discounts for anti-theft devices. If your car has an active alarm, tracking system or even a steering wheel lock, you can save on your car insurance. Click here to learn more about how you can secure your car and secure savings with anti-theft devices.
How to file a claim
Having your car stolen is stressful enough; filing your claim shouldn’t be. That’s why we designed our auto claim services to simplify the claims process and get you back on the road in no time.
- Be sure that your car was stolen, and not borrowed without permission or towed.
- Report the loss to the police, and obtain a police report.
- Have your policy number ready. The easiest way to file a claim is online, but you can also file a claim by phone. We’ll assign you a friendly personal representative to walk you through your policy coverage and answer any questions you may have.
- Once your claim is filed, our theft adjusters will investigate your claim and review your policy provisions. Track the status of your claim online, 24/7. View and access your claim representative’s contact information, payments we’ve issued and claim forms. Check with police for updates on your vehicle’s status.
- If you have an outstanding loan or lease, we will notify any financial lenders
- If your vehicle is recovered, it will be returned to you. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages, if any. If your vehicle is not recovered, or if it has been recovered and damaged to the point of a total loss, you’ll receive a claim settlement offer for your vehicle.
The prospect of having your car stolen can be scary, which is why it’s important to protect your assets with the right insurance. Get peace of mind and rest assured you’ll have top notch coverage with even better service at Plymouth Rock.
Get a fast, easy quote online, give us a call at 855-993-4470 or find a local agent to see how much you can save on protecting your car from theft and damage.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a statement of contract. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by your insurer. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult with a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.
PA RESIDENTS: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN
