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Will My Renters Insurance Cover My Car If It's Broken Into?

Feb 08, 2022

Renters Insurance

Will My Renters Insurance Cover My Car If It's Broken Into?

Does Your Renters Insurance Policy Cover Car Theft, Broken Car Window, or Car Damage? Here Are The Answers To All These Questions.

Renters insurance is meant to protect you if your personal possessions are lost, stolen, or damaged. A renters policy often extends beyond your living space to include areas where you may spend your time, like your dorm room if you are in college and even your vehicle.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Damages To Your Car?

If your vehicle is broken into, you may be covered to an extent by your renters' insurance. While the damage to your vehicle will only be covered by a comprehensive auto insurance policy, your personal items may fall under the coverage of your renters' insurance policy. However, if you only have collision insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket to get your car repaired.

Loss of Your Personal Property

Whether you are traveling to and from work or are on vacation, hundreds of miles from home, your renters' insurance will usually cover your personal items in your car if they are damaged or stolen. If you live in a college dorm and are still insured under your parent's renters insurance, then it is likely that their coverage will extend to wherever you are living. It will also include the contents of your car. If you have your own renters insurance as a student, you will want to check with your insurance agent to make sure you are fully covered.

Read: Property Insurance for Renters: Why Do You Need It?

How To Protect Your Car From Being Stolen?

There are several ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of car thieves. These include:
  • Park in a well-lit area
  • Park in a garage or at least in a driveway and off the street
  • Keep your valuables out of sight at all times
  • Always lock your doors
  • Set your car alarm if you have one
  • Tint your windows
Putting these tips into practice can deter criminals from considering your car as their next target. Read: 6 Unexpected Benefits of Having Renters Insurance

How to File a Claim Against Your Renters Insurance?

If your car is broken into and you know that items are missing, your first phone call should be to the local authorities. Don't touch your vehicle until the police have finished their investigation. This will allow them to collect fingerprints or do whatever they need to do, to find the person responsible for the damage. They will also generate a police report that you will need to present to your insurance agent while filing a claim.

Having your car broken into can be a traumatic experience, especially if items are stolen in the process. Call our experts at John E. Peakes Insurance Agency, Inc. at your earliest convenience. We can help you determine what items are covered by your renters' insurance and will offer you sound advice on filing a claim. Contact us today to learn more.