Does car insurance cover theft from my car?

Auto insurance covers your car. Homeowners and renters insurance cover your belongings, including when they're away from home. So if a thief smashes a window and takes a laptop, the window is typically an auto claim under comprehensive, and the laptop is typically a homeowners or renters claim.

• Broken windows, damaged locks and other damage from a break-in, under comprehensive.
• Parts that came with the car, like a factory stereo or wheels, under comprehensive.
• Theft of the car itself, under comprehensive.
• Aftermarket equipment you added may need extra coverage. Ask your carrier.

Most homeowners and renters policies cover personal property off your premises, including items stolen from a car. The off-premises limit may be lower than your main limit. Some items, like jewelry, cash or electronics, can have lower limits unless you schedule them.

Items used for business may not be covered under a personal policy.

If both the car and your belongings were hit, you may pay two deductibles: one on the auto claim and one on the home or renters claim. For a small loss, compare the total with your deductibles and any effect a claim may have on your premium before you file.

• File a police report. Insurers usually ask for one on theft claims.
• Take photos of the damage and make a list of what was taken.
• Gather receipts, serial numbers or photos of the items if you have them.
• Cancel any stolen cards and change passwords on stolen devices.
• Call your auto and home or renters insurers to start claims.

• Keep valuables out of sight, or take them with you.
• Lock the car and close the windows, even for a quick stop.
• Park in a garage or a well-lit, busy area.
• Keep an inventory of valuable items with photos and serial numbers.

Our in-house agency compares coverage across multiple carriers for home, renters and auto, and can quote them together. We review your policy each renewal to make sure you are not paying too much for your insurance.