Car Theft and Break-in

Criminals find it profitable to steal and sell automobile equipment and accessories. This type of loss would be covered under your automobile policy if you bought All Perils, Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage.

However, your personal property in the vehicle, such as audiotapes (except for one in the machine), briefcases, suitcases, golf clubs, skis, bikes, fishing equipment and so on, is not covered under the automobile policy. For these things you need Homeowners, Tenants or Condominium insurance. Personal property is usually insured for up to 10% of the amount of personal property insurance or $1,500, whichever is greater, while this property is temporarily away from your premises, anywhere in the world.

You may have to pay two deductibles. There is a deductible for the automobile policy (except in certain cases such as fire or lightning). Your Homeowners/Tenants/Condominium policy has a separate deductible.

If you leave the keys in the car or leave it unlocked, the vehicle itself (and its accessories) will be covered under your automobile policy if you have purchased coverage. As for the contents, some Homeowners, Tenants and Condominium policies require visible signs of forcible entry into a locked vehicle as a policy condition. Claims from an unlocked vehicle would not be covered by these policies.