Hiding Christmas gifts in your home isn’t always the most effective way to keep them out of sight. Hiding them in your car isn’t a great idea either. Many people put them in the trunk of their vehicles, thinking that their insurance will replace them if the car is broken into and the gifts are stolen. However, does car insurance cover theft of personal items? Does car insurance cover Christmas gifts or any other gift items stolen from the car? Depending on what type of policy you have, you may not be covered at all. It’s important to talk to an agent and determine just what kind of coverage you have in place.
Know the Type of Coverage You Have
If you have a loan on your vehicle, you will be required to carry comprehensive insurance. Owning your vehicle means you can choose whatever type of car insurance you want. Collision insurance will only cover damages and personal injuries if the car is involved in a collision. Cosmetic damages and theft of anything left in the car are not covered. If you have purchased PL/PD insurance, the only damages and injuries that will be covered are those of the other party.
What Type of Coverage Covers Break-Ins and Theft
The only type of coverage that may be effective for break-ins and theft is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive is the most expensive type of insurance for a reason. It covers a “comprehensive” list of damages that other types of insurance won’t. It might not cover damages and theft if your car is broken into and all your Christmas presents or any items in the car are stolen. Your insurance agent can help you determine what coverage is best for you and your family. Comprehensive coverage is considered “full” coverage because it will cover almost any type of damage to your car caused by an accident, a break-in, theft, or vandalism.
Understand Your Deductibles
A deductible is an amount you will pay on your own if you file a claim against your auto insurance policy. Higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. If you want to lower your premium, you will have to choose a much higher deductible. Putting your Christmas presents in your car for safe-keeping will still cost you if you have comprehensive coverage. Ensure your deductible is less than the value of your gifts, or you will still be losing money.
Tips to Keep Your Gifts and Car Safe
Federal records show that generally, thieves steal items from cars instead of the vehicle in question. Unfortunately, it has also been observed that car break-ins and thefts are more common during the Christmas holidays. That is why it is advisable to keep your car and the gifts safe to avoid the eventuality of loss of your gifts and vehicle.
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of your gifts being stolen from your car:
• Put all the gifts and valuable items in your trunk or at least conceal them well.
• Lock your vehicle and roll up the windows if you leave it in the parking lot.
• To avoid car thieves lurking in the parking lot, do not unload gifts, and leave your car in the same parking spot.
• Avoid leaving gifts in the car overnight.
Along with the safety of your gifts, the following tips will help to keep your car safe:
• Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended and running.
• Conceal all valuables well out of view.
• Install an anti-theft system in your car.
• Do not park your car in the dark at night.
• On each window, etch your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). Thieves will not prefer to steal a car if they need to replace all the glass.
The ISU-Wissink Agency insurance agents offer their clients sound advice when purchasing the right type of policy. If you are concerned about what will be covered if your vehicle is broken into, you need to call and talk to an agent at your earliest convenience. Don’t wait until your Christmas is ruined. Talk to an agent today so you can have the peace of mind you need and want for your family.