What’s excluded from personal possessions cover?

All policies vary but some insurance providers exclude certain items such as cash, credit or debit cards. Plus, if you use your car for business purposes and it contains stock, samples or tools, then these items might not be covered either.

As always, it’s important to read your policy document to check what you’re covered for, especially if you’re driving around with expensive kit.

What can invalidate my personal possessions cover?

Many policies will stipulate that your belongings need to be ‘in a locked or concealed compartment’, so in the glovebox or, ideally, locked in the boot of your car. If your possessions are in full view – say, you’ve left your purse or wallet on a seat – chances are, your insurance provider won’t pay out.

Also, be careful to lock your car – leaving your keys in the car or leaving your car unlocked will almost certainly invalidate any claim.

How much does personal possessions cover cost?

Some level of personal possessions cover usually comes as standard on most comprehensive car insurance policies. If insuring your personal possessions in your vehicle is important to you, then it definitely pays to compare car insurance as this is a great way of finding the right cover for your circumstances at a price you can afford.

What should I do if my car contents are stolen?

There are two options, depending on when you discover the theft:

• If you’ve caught someone trying to steal your car or its contents, dial 999 and speak to the police. They’ll give you a crime number, which you’ll need when you contact your insurance provider.
• If there’s no immediate emergency but your car’s been damaged and the contents stolen, contact the police on the non-emergency number 101.

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

According to the police, it can take as little as 10 seconds to break into a car. Obviously, the best way to protect your belongings is to lock your car whenever you leave it, but think about taking a few other simple precautions:

• Keep your car keys out of sight.
• If you have a keyless fob, make sure it’s out of range of your car when not in use.
• Add a secondary security device to your car, like an immobiliser.

• Don’t leave valuables, such as cash, your phone, purse or wallet, in sight.
• Secure your belongings in the boot or glove box, and don’t forget to lock them.
• If you have to leave valuables, such as a laptop or tablet, in your car, mark them with your home number and postcode.
• Keep your garage secure.