Consumers lose countless amounts of money in cash and property due to car break-ins each year. Sadly, most car insurance policies will not cover the cost to replace anything that was stolen from your vehicle. This intensifies the need to consider including property insurance on the items located inside your car. The following are some questions you may have in the event you have valuables stolen from your vehicle:

What Type Of Property Insurance Will Cover Replacement Values For Valuables?

In order to be compensated for property stolen from your car, you will need to carry property insurance through your homeowners or renters insurance. Property insurance will cover both the cost of items stolen as well as those that were damaged as a result of the break in. Policies will typically cover belongings that are temporarily outside of your home for a certain percentage of the combined value of your items. This percentage will depend on your insurance provider. Your car is an extension of your house and will help compensate you for anything stolen from it just as it would the items inside your home after a burglary.

How Does The Claims Process Work?

To make a claim, most insurers will require you to make two claims and pay two deductible payments in order to be compensated for theft and damage. The damage to the vehicle due to the break-in will have to be made to your car insurance policy. The stolen property will have to be made through your home insurance policy. If you have the same carrier for both policies, this process should not take a long time to complete, and you may only be responsible for one deductible dependent on your insurer.

What About Proof Of Loss?

Most insurers will require that you provide some type of proof of loss in order to make a claim for property stolen from a vehicle. One of the easiest ways is to simply provide photographs showing that your car was broken into, such as a damaged window or lock. You can also submit receipts for your stolen property as proof of loss. Any items that were damaged but not stolen can be substantiated with pictures of the damage.

In order to prevent this from happening, take care to do your due diligence when it comes to your property. Always take your valuables with you when you leave the car. If that is not possible, lock them in the truck or place them where they cannot be seen. Also, always park your vehicle in a populated, well-lit area to protect yourself. For more information, talk to a car insurance professional.