Possessions cover

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It’s important to find out whether your car insurance policy includes possessions cover in case your vehicle is broken into. This is especially important given the high number of theft incidents reported to police in England and Wales, with over 200,000 cases from April 2021 to March 2022 alone.

What is Possessions cover?

Possessions cover refers to a type of insurance coverage that provides protection for personal belongings that may be lost or damaged in certain situations. With respect to car insurance, it may cover personal belongings left in a car that are lost, damaged or stolen due to theft, vandalism or accident.

This type of coverage is usually offered as part of comprehensive car insurance policies, but not typically included in lower-tier policies like third-party or third-party, fire and theft insurance.

Is cover for personal possessions included in my car insurance?

Whether or not your car insurance includes coverage for personal possessions depends on the type of policy you have.

Comprehensive car insurance policies usually provide some level of personal possessions coverage, but it is not typically included in standard third-party and third-party fire and theft policies.

How much could I claim for personal possessions on my car insurance?

If you have personal possessions cover as part of your car insurance policy, the maximum amount you can claim may be capped and will depend on the specific policy you have. It’s possible to increase your coverage amount, but this will likely come with an additional cost.

It’s important to note that there is usually a limit on the amount you can claim for a single item, so if you frequently travel with valuable items such as laptops, phones, or sporting equipment like golf clubs, make sure their full value is covered. This will ensure that you are adequately protected against loss or damage.

It’s also worth considering that your belongings and gadgets may be covered outside of your car insurance policy, such as under your home insurance personal possessions cover. The coverage limits may be higher, so it’s a good idea to check before comparing car insurance quotes to avoid duplicating coverage and potentially overpaying for protection.

Are there any other restrictions on cover for my personal possessions?

When it comes to personal possessions cover in car insurance policies, there are often additional restrictions to be aware of. One such restriction is the percentage value clause, which sets a limit on the amount you can claim based on the value of your car.

For example, if your policy includes personal possessions cover that is capped at £2,000 and your coverage is set at 10% of the value of your car, you would only be able to claim up to £1,000 worth of possessions if your car is worth £10,000.

This means that even if the value of your total belongings exceeds the cap on your policy, the percentage value clause would limit the amount you can claim.

In addition to these restrictions, it’s also important to note that certain items may not be covered under personal possessions cover in car insurance policies. Items such as money, credit cards, and documents may not be included, so it’s important to review your policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

To ensure that you have adequate coverage for your personal possessions while driving, it’s recommended that you review your policy carefully and consider any additional coverage options that may be available.

By understanding the restrictions and coverage options available, you can select the right car insurance policy for your needs and protect your possessions against loss or damage.

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What’s excluded from personal possessions cover?

While personal possessions cover is a valuable addition to any car insurance policy, it’s important to be aware that certain items may be excluded from coverage.

These exclusions can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider, so it’s essential to read your policy documents carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

One common exclusion is cash, credit, or debit cards. Some insurance providers may not cover these items, even if they are lost or stolen from your car.

If you frequently carry these items with you while driving, it’s important to consider alternative ways to protect them, such as a separate travel insurance policy or a secure wallet.

Additionally, if you use your car for business purposes and carry stock, samples, or tools, these items may also be excluded from coverage under personal possessions cover.

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In these cases, it may be necessary to consider a separate business insurance policy or additional coverage options to protect your valuable business equipment.

To ensure that you have the right level of coverage for your personal possessions, it’s crucial to review your policy documents and understand any exclusions or limitations that may apply.

By taking the time to carefully consider your coverage options, you can select the right car insurance policy for your needs and protect your belongings against loss or damage.

What can invalidate my personal possessions cover?

While personal possessions cover can provide valuable protection for your belongings while driving, it’s important to be aware of factors that can invalidate your coverage.

One common factor is the location of your belongings within the vehicle. Many policies specify that your possessions must be in a locked or concealed compartment, such as the glovebox or ideally, the locked boot of your car.

If your possessions are in plain sight, such as on a seat, it’s likely that your insurance provider will not pay out in the event of a claim.

Another factor to consider is the security of your vehicle itself. It’s essential to ensure that your car is always locked and that your keys are not left inside.

Shockingly, almost half of all thefts from vehicles in England and Wales between April 2019 and March 2020 were due to unlocked doors.

If there are no signs of forced entry or if your car was left unlocked or with the keys inside, it’s unlikely that your insurance provider will cover any losses or damages to your possessions.

To ensure that your personal possessions cover remains valid, it’s important to follow best practices for vehicle security and to store your belongings in a secure location within your car.

By taking these steps, you can protect your possessions and ensure that you have the coverage you need in the event of a loss or theft.

How much does personal possessions cover cost?

The cost of personal possessions cover in car insurance policies can vary depending on several factors, including the level of coverage, the insurance provider, and the type of policy you choose.

In most cases, some level of personal possessions cover comes as standard on comprehensive car insurance policies.

However, if you require additional coverage for your personal belongings, it’s important to compare car insurance policies to find the right level of coverage for your needs at a price you can afford.

By reviewing different policies from different insurance providers, you can find the best deal for your circumstances and ensure that your possessions are protected while driving.

When comparing car insurance policies, it’s important to consider not only the cost of personal possessions cover but also other factors such as the excess, any additional coverage options, and the reputation of the insurance provider.

By taking a comprehensive approach to comparing car insurance policies, you can select the right policy for your needs and protect your possessions against loss or damage while on the road.

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Do I need personal possessions cover?

If you frequently leave personal items in your car, such as golf clubs, laptops, or other gadgets, it’s worth considering whether you need personal possessions cover as part of your car insurance policy.

Personal possessions cover can provide valuable protection for your belongings in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

When deciding whether to add personal possessions cover to your policy, it’s important to consider all of the personal items that you frequently carry in your car.

For example, if you often leave golf clubs in the boot of your car, or a laptop on the passenger seat, personal possessions cover can help to protect these items against loss or damage.

It’s also worth noting that personal possessions cover may not automatically cover any technology or gadgets that you’ve added to your car after purchase. If you’ve upgraded your stereo or added a sat nav system, it’s important to check your policy or contact your insurance provider to ensure that these items are covered under your policy.

By considering your individual needs and reviewing your policy options, you can ensure that you have the right level of coverage to protect your personal possessions while driving.

What should I do if my car contents are stolen?

If your car contents have been stolen, it’s important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your property. Here are the steps to take if you discover that your car contents have been stolen:

Contact the police: Depending on the situation, dial either 999 for emergency assistance if you’ve caught someone trying to steal your car or its contents or call the non-emergency number 101 if there’s no immediate emergency but your car has been damaged and its contents stolen. In either case, the police will give you a crime reference number, which you’ll need when you contact your insurance provider.
Inform your insurance provider: You’ll need to inform your insurance provider within the policy’s stated time limit if you want to make a claim. Your insurance provider will likely require your crime reference number and a detailed description of the items that were stolen.
Document the damage: Take pictures of any damage to your car and make a list of the stolen items, along with their approximate value. This information will be useful when filing your claim with your insurance provider.
Secure your vehicle: If your car has been damaged or the locks have been compromised, it’s important to secure your vehicle to prevent further theft or damage.

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By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your property in the event of car contents theft. It’s important to act quickly and report the theft to the police and your insurance provider to ensure that you have the best chance of recovering your stolen items and receiving compensation for any damages.

How can I protect my possessions when they’re in my car?

Keeping your personal belongings safe and secure in your car is essential to avoid becoming a victim of theft. Here are some tips for protecting your possessions when they’re in your car:

Lock your car: Always lock your car whenever you leave it, and make sure all windows and sunroofs are closed.
Keep your car keys out of sight: Avoid leaving your car keys on tables, countertops, or any other visible places.
Use a secondary security device: Adding an immobiliser or a steering wheel lock to your car can act as an extra layer of security.
Don’t leave valuables in sight: Never leave valuable items such as cash, phones, or wallets visible in your car.
Clear your car at night: Remove all belongings from your car when parked overnight or for an extended period.
Secure your belongings: Keep your belongings in the boot or glove box, and make sure they are locked.
Keep your garage secure: If you have a garage, keep it secure by locking it and installing security measures such as motion sensors and CCTV.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car theft and protect your possessions from being stolen.

Frequently asked questions

When is my car most likely to get broken into?

Based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) between April 2019 to March 2020, the highest likelihood of car break-ins in England and Wales occurred during the week, with almost 80% happening during the evening or at night.

This highlights the significance of securing a safe parking spot for your car overnight, not only reducing the chances of it getting broken into but also potentially decreasing your car insurance rates.

Where is my car most likely to be broken into?

Based on ONS data covering police-reported incidents between April 2009 to March 2020, the highest likelihood of car theft in England and Wales is in the vicinity of our homes.

This includes street parking near our homes, as well as garages or car parks located nearby but not directly connected to our homes.

What are the most common items stolen from cars and other vehicles?

In England and Wales, the most commonly stolen items from vehicles are valuable personal belongings such as jewellery, handbags, wallets, and purses that may contain cash and credit cards.

Additionally, briefcases with important documents, shopping bags, and clothing are frequently targeted. Along with these, exterior fittings like hub caps, wheel trims, and number plates, electronic gadgets like computers, sat navs, and tools are also among the commonly stolen items from vehicles.

Will possessions cover my belongings for damage?

Possessions cover included in your car insurance policy generally covers theft from the vehicle, as long as there is evidence of forced entry, and damage caused by fire.

In certain cases, possessions cover may also extend to belongings damaged due to a car accident, flooding, or vandalism.

To ensure you understand what is covered and excluded in your policy, it is advisable to review the terms before purchasing.

What does personal belongings cover mean in car insurance?

In car insurance, personal belongings cover refers to the protection offered by a comprehensive policy, which covers the loss or damage of personal belongings that occur due to fire, theft, or accidental means while the items are located inside or on your vehicle.