Lots of people carry liability coverage only.
It’s cheaper than comprehensive coverage. And states don’t require it. But liability-only car insurance doesn’t cover loss from car theft or break-ins.
If you would suffer a severe financial hardship if someone steals your car, or someone should break in and steal items out of your car, and you can’t afford to just eat the loss without breaking a sweat, you should consider carrying comprehensive coverage.
Even if you do carry comprehensive coverage, that insurance would only cover “stock” factory-installed parts and gear. If you’ve got a high-end stereo system, added satellite radio, rims, or other customization, a standard car insurance policy won’t cover that, either. You need to account for all the customizations up front, when you buy the policy.
Also, car insurance usually does not cover personal items that get stolen out of your car. Those items are normally handled using renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance policies, rather than car insurance policies.
Most renter’s insurance policies are designed with relatively low deductibles. But you should consider what happens if your MacBook Pro gets stolen from the back of your car and you need it to earn a living? What happens if you have your carpenter’s tools in the back of your truck and someone cracks open your tool container?
You will need to be able to cover your renter’s insurance deductible in order to quickly replace your MacBook or other tools of your trade so you can get back to work.
In addition, you’ll have to repair any damage the thieves did you your car. So at best you’ll need to cover your car insurance deductible at the same time (or drive around with a trash bag covering the window they smashed until you can scrape up the money!
And that’s if you carry comprehensive coverage at all.
Speak to an Independent Car Insurance Professional.
That’s where a professional car insurance expert from an independent (non-captive) insurance agency can help. Our agents are seasoned experts in car insurance and in coordinating coverage between car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and renter’s insurance policies. And unlike a lot of strip mall and call center agents from the Big Name car insurance carriers, our agents aren’t locked in to representing only a single company. Rather Select Insurance Group agents can get you quotes from multiple different carriers. So you know you’re getting the best coverage at the best possible price.
Protect yourself against the risk of car theft and burglary! Contact one of our agents today!
See you on the road!
Steve “Mr. Insurance” Ludwig
CEO, Select Insurance Group
Other stuff you should know:
Insurance Considerations for Custom Cars, Exotic Cars, and Antiques
Car Insurance for College Students: What Parents and Students REALLY Need to Know
How To Save Money on Car Insurance: A Guide to Insurance Discounts
