What happens when your car is stolen without insurance? Unfortunately, if your car is stolen and you don’t have insurance coverage, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing your vehicle.
When a car is stolen, the owner typically files a police report and notifies their insurance company. If the car is insured, the insurance company will conduct an investigation to determine the value of the car and whether the theft is covered under the policy. If the theft is covered, the insurance company will provide compensation for the value of the car, minus any deductibles or other policy terms.
We talk about how deductibles work here, if you’d like more information. In most cases, to have your vehicle covered under insurance, you’ll need to make sure you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. We talk more about that here.
However, if the car is not insured, the owner may have to pay out of pocket for the cost of replacing the vehicle. This can be a significant financial burden, especially if the car was expensive or had sentimental value.
Even though the theft is not your fault, you would still be responsible for replacing your vehicle should you not have the appropriate coverage.
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What If I’m Not Driving The Car?
Even if you aren’t driving the vehicle, you’ll still want to maintain basic coverage, in the case it is stolen. Even if it is parked in your garage, there is a chance it could get stolen. By reducing all coverage but keeping comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, you can protect yourself against theft. It doesn’t cost that much to do this. Call your insurance broker and talk about coverage options, but don’t leave your vehicle un-insured.
What Happens If I Have Other Vehicles Insured?
Many people make the mistake of thinking they have some type of coverage on an un-insured vehicle, simply because they have other vehicles insured. This is not the case. If your vehicle is stolen and it is uninsured, it will not be covered. Even if you have 3 cars that are actually insured. Coverage will not transfer to the un-insured vehicle.
How To Report A Stolen Car Without Insurance
Even if you don’t have insurance, it’s still a good idea to file a police report. In our experience, most stolen cars end up being found by the police a few days later. You can call the non-emergency policy phone number and file a stolen vehicle report.
It’s important to understand that car insurance can provide valuable protection against theft, as well as other risks such as accidents, vandalism, and natural disasters. However, insurance policies are not one size fits all. Don’t assume just because you have a policy that you are insured for everything. Consult with an insurance broker and make sure you have all the coverage you need.