Does Liability Insurance Cover Theft of My Car?

Wondering to yourself, “does liability insurance cover theft of my car?”. In almost all cases, the answer to this question is a hard “no”.

By definition, liability insurance usually covers you against bodily injury or property damage sustained to another party as the result of a car accident you (the insured/policyholder) were at least partially at fault for.

On the other hand, comprehensive insurance often covers car theft and associated damages. For further information on what your specific auto insurance policy covers, refer to the declarations page of your specific policy, or contact your car insurance company.

Our finance & insurance experts may also be able to answer your questions. In the meantime, read on to learn more.

Car Theft Insurance: Learn What’s Covered by Which Policies

Let’s run through what could happen to you if your car has been stolen around Cleveland or Westlake. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you’ll likely be covered for auto theft as a part of your policy on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) basis. This means you’ll be reimbursed for an amount equal to the cost of replacing your vehicle minus depreciation.

Vehicle break-ins are also usually covered under comprehensive insurance policies, as are resulting broken glass, door locks, ignition system, and more.

Wondering if stolen personal items, like your wallet, briefcase, or smartphone are covered when your car is stolen? Usually, the answer is no. These items are most often covered by submitting a claim against your homeowner’s or renters insurance policy.

What to Do When Your Car is Stolen in Avon

Having your car stolen in or around North Olmsted, or anywhere for that matter, is a stressful experience. You’ll have to deal with your loss of freedom resulting from not being able to travel normally from Cleveland to Strongsville. You also may be dealing with stolen personal effects (this is why it’s always recommended to keep your vehicle title separate from your vehicle itself). If your car was recently stolen, here’s what to do:

What to Do When Your Car is Stolen in Avon

Having your car stolen in or around North Olmsted, or anywhere for that matter, is a stressful experience. You’ll have to deal with your loss of freedom resulting from not being able to travel normally from Cleveland to Strongsville. You also may be dealing with stolen personal effects (this is why it’s always recommended to keep your vehicle title separate from your vehicle itself). If your car was recently stolen, here’s what to do:

2. Call the police and let them know all about your vehicle (make, model, color, license plate number, VIN, etc). Also, let them know when and where you last had your vehicle and any information you have on its anti-theft system, GPS, or other systems that could help you locate it more easily.
3. Contact your car insurance provider within 24 hours of the potential theft. They’ll likely want to know about any valuables left in the vehicle, and will probably also want a copy of the police report.
4. Know that your car may never be found. If it is, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect it.
5. Consider purchasing an anti-theft product/service from our finance team for your next vehicle.

Filing a Police Report & Insurance Claim

Make sure to file a police report within 24 hours of the theft, and submit your claim/s to your insurance company during the same time window after your car is stolen. Here’s what you need to do for each of these things:

What to Provide When Filing a Police Report:

• Car’s year, make, and model
• VIN and license plate number
• The location and estimated time of the theft
• Identifying vehicle traits like bumper stickers, pinstripes, or accessories

What to Provide When Submitting a Claim with Car Theft Insurance:

• Certificate of Title
• Location of the car keys before and after the car was stolen
• Names and info of all parties who had access to your car
• List of personal items that may have been stolen with the car
• Vehicle description, i.e. mileage, service records, upgrade, and options
• Financing or leasing company contact info and your account number

Learn More About Car Theft Insurance with Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted

In conclusion, the answer to the question “does car insurance cover theft?” is usually only a yes when referring to comprehensive insurance coverage, not liability coverage. Have additional questions about car insurance or the many finance products we offer at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted to protect your investment in your Mercedes-Benz? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more. We’re here to help with your insurance and finance questions and all your automotive needs.