The holiday season is a time for joy, but it’s also a time when car break-ins and theft spike. With holiday shopping in full swing, thieves are looking for vehicles packed with gifts and valuables.
Luckily, there are practical ways to safeguard your car, your presents and your peace of mind. This article will explain how car insurance can protect you from theft and offer tips to deter holiday-season burglars.
- Comprehensive coverage protects your car from theft and damage during break-ins.
- Personal property stolen from your car is typically covered by homeowners or renter’s insurance, not auto insurance.
- Filing a claim requires prompt action, detailed documentation and coordination with your insurance provider.
Why car theft increases in December
- High-value targets: Cars are often loaded with expensive items like electronics, toys and jewelry during the holidays.
- Crowded shopping areas: Parking lots become prime hunting grounds for thieves due to the sheer number of vehicles and potential valuables inside.
- Shorter daylight hours: Thieves take advantage of the cover of darkness that arrives earlier in winter.
Comprehensive coverage: How car insurance protects you from theft
Comprehensive car insurance is your best defense against theft-related incidents. Unlike liability insurance, which only covers damages or injuries caused to others, comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle in non-collision scenarios, including theft.
Here’s how it works:
- Theft of your car: If your vehicle is stolen, comprehensive coverage reimburses you for the car’s current market value minus your deductible.
- Damage from break-ins: If a thief breaks a window, damages the locks, or vandalizes your car, comprehensive coverage covers the repair costs.
- Additional options: Some policies allow you to add endorsements for extra protection, like roadside assistance for stolen vehicles or rental car reimbursement while your claim is processed.
While comprehensive car insurance protects your vehicle, it generally does not cover items stolen from inside your car, such as holiday presents, electronics or personal belongings. However, other policies, such as homeowners or renter’s insurance, may still cover you.
These policies often include off-premises coverage, meaning your personal belongings are covered even if stolen from your car. Coverage typically applies after you pay your deductible, and there may be limits on high-value items like jewelry or electronics.
How to file a claim for theft
When theft occurs, acting quickly and following the correct steps ensures a smoother claims process. Here’s what to do:
- Report the theft to the police immediately. File a detailed police report, including the time, location and a description of the stolen items or damages. Obtain a copy of the report, as most insurance companies will require it to process your claim.
- Document what was stolen and take photos of any damage. Create an inventory of stolen items, including their estimated value and purchase receipts if available. Photograph any visible damage to your car, such as broken windows or scratched paint, as evidence for the claim.
- Contact your insurance provider with the details. Call your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide the police report, photos, and documentation of stolen items or damages. Be prepared to answer questions about your policy details, including your deductible and any applicable coverage.
- Work with your claims adjuster. An adjuster may inspect your vehicle to assess damages and verify your claim. For stolen vehicles, some insurers may require you to wait a certain period (e.g., 30 days) to see if the car is recovered before processing the reimbursement.
- Follow up on stolen personal property. If using homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, file a separate claim with that provider. Provide receipts, serial numbers, and other proof of ownership for high-value items.
Real-world insights: Vehicle break-in experiences shared on Reddit
Theft from a vehicle can happen anytime, and if you don’t have homeowners or renter’s insurance, you could be out of luck if your holiday presents get stolen.
Reddit user and Texas resident PokeMom95 shared an experience of her car getting broken into and her Christmas gifts stolen on Reddit.
“I live in an apartment complex. I had my car broken into earlier this week. All my son’s Christmas gifts were stolen. 1 large Lego set that costs $60. Two smaller Lego sets that cost $20 each. That’s all I was able to afford my son for Christmas. I’d locked them in my car because my son is VERY nosy and looks through closets to try and find stuff. And considering he gets home from school maybe 10 minutes before I get home from work, I didn’t want him looking for anything when I wasn’t home.”
Preventing car theft during the holidays
- Don’t leave valuables visible: Always store shopping bags and gifts in the trunk or under a cargo cover.
- Park wisely: Choose well-lit, busy areas, and avoid secluded spots in parking lots.
- Lock and secure your vehicle: Double-check that all doors and windows are locked.
- Invest in anti-theft devices: Steering wheel locks, alarms and GPS tracking systems can deter thieves.
- Be mindful of holiday distractions: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when loading or unloading your car.
Tips for shopping safely in December
- Shop strategically: Make high-value purchases last so they’re not sitting in your car for long periods.
- Keep receipts and serial numbers: Documentation can help you file a claim in case of theft.
- Use curbside pickup: Many retailers now offer secure, contactless pickup options that eliminate the need to leave valuables in your car.
Final thoughts: Stay safe and covered this holiday season
While the holiday season brings plenty of joy, it also comes with risks. By taking preventative measures and ensuring you have the right car insurance coverage, you can protect your vehicle and your holiday presents from theft.
Whether you’re hitting the mall or traveling to visit family, a little extra caution can go a long way in keeping your holidays merry and theft-free.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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