Possessions cover with car insurance
With over 340,000 incidents of vehicle crime reported in England and Wales during 2024, you need to know if your personal possessions will be covered if your car is broken into.
With over 340,000 incidents of vehicle crime reported in England and Wales during 2024, you need to know if your personal possessions will be covered if your car is broken into.
60-second summaryWant the scoop on possessions cover with car insurance? Here’s a quick snapshot:
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Is cover for personal possessions included in my car insurance?
It depends on your level of cover. Comprehensive car insurance policies will typically include some level of personal possessions cover.
But it’s worth noting this type of cover doesn’t usually come as standard on third party and third party, fire and theft policies.
How much could I claim for personal possessions on my car insurance?
The maximum amount you can claim depends on your car insurance policy. There’s usually a cap on personal possessions cover, although you may be able to increase the limit for an extra fee.
There’s usually also a maximum amount you can claim for one single item – known as the single-item limit.
It’s worth knowing that your belongings and gadgets may be covered outside your home under your home insurance personal possessions cover. And the cover limits may be higher.
Check what cover you already have before you compare car insurance quotes to avoid doubling up.
Are there any other restrictions on cover for my personal possessions?
Your insurance provider might set a cover limit based on the value of your car. This is known as the percentage value clause and it could lower the limit for a claim.
For example, if your possessions were covered up to 10% of the value of your car, you could only claim for £1,000 worth of possessions in a vehicle worth £10,000.
If you had more than £1,000 worth of possessions stolen, you’d potentially end up worse off with a percentage value clause than if you had an overall cover limit of, say, £2,000. Always check the policy details.
What’s excluded from personal possessions cover?
Exclusions vary between policies. Some insurance providers exclude cash and credit or debit cards, for example.
Also, if you use your car for business purposes and it contains stock, samples or tools, these items might not be covered either.
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 state that your belongings need to be in a locked or concealed compartment. For example, in the glovebox or, ideally, locked in the boot of your car.
If your possessions are in full view – you’ve left your purse or wallet on a seat – chances are that your insurance provider won’t pay out.
And make sure you lock your car. According to experts from Thatcham Research and the AA, a large proportion of thefts involve unlocked cars.
Leaving your keys in the car or leaving your car unlocked will almost certainly invalidate any insurance claim. And if there’s no sign of forced entry, your insurance provider is unlikely to pay out.
Will I need to provide receipts when I’m making a claim?
Insurance providers usually ask for proof of purchase to check that you owned the items you’re claiming for.
To make the process as smooth as possible, keep receipts and take photos of any possessions that you regularly keep in your car.
You may also need to provide a crime reference number, which you can get from the police if you’re reporting a theft.
How much does personal possessions cover cost?
This will vary depending on the car insurance provider. Some level of personal possessions cover comes as standard on most comprehensive car insurance policies.
But if you feel you need a higher cover limit, it definitely pays to compare car insurance.
Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great way of finding the right cover level at a price you can afford.
Do I need personal possessions cover?
It depends on your circumstances. If you play golf at the weekend but leave your clubs in the boot all week, for example, then personal possessions cover could make sense.
It’s also worth thinking about any upgraded technology or gadgets you’ve had fitted in your car, such as a stereo or sat nav.
While factory-fitted technology is usually covered by your car insurance as standard, anything fitted retrospectively might not be included.
Check your policy or call your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for any top-of-the-range tech additions.
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. But don’t put yourself in danger.
The police will give you a crime reference 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 101 number.
Once you’ve spoken to the police, you’ll need to inform your insurance provider within their policy’s stated time limit if you want to make a claim.
How can I protect my possessions when they’re in my car?
The best way to protect your belongings is to lock your car whenever you leave it. But there are a few other things you can do to keep your possessions safe:
- 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 – including cash, your phone, purse or wallet – in sight
- Take belongings out of your car at night
- Secure your possessions in a locked boot or glove box
- Keep your car in a secure garage overnight.
Is a keyless car less secure?
As attractive as a state-of-the-art car is, keyless cars are increasingly becoming targets for thieves.
Here’s how you can protect your keyless car and its contents:
- Keep your key fob well away from your car when you’re at home
- Keep your keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch. Check that it’s working every few months
- Switch off the wireless fob signal when your keys aren’t in use
- Reprogramme the key fob if you buy a second-hand car.
Frequently asked questions
When is my car mostly likely to get broken into?
From April 2022 to March 2023, 72% of all vehicle-related thefts in England and Wales happened during the week, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Some 78% of them took place in the evening or at night.
]These numbers show the importance of finding a secure place to park your car overnight. Not only will it lower your chance of having your car broken into, it could also help lower your car insurance premiums.
Where is my car most likely to be broken into?
The vast majority of vehicle-related thefts happen either on the street or in a ‘semi-secure’ location, according to government figures.
This includes areas just outside of the home, or garages and car parks nearby but not connected to the home.
What are the most common items stolen from cars and other vehicles?
Valuables, including jewellery, handbags, purses, wallets and shopping bags, are some of the most common items stolen from vehicles in England and Wales.
Other commonly stolen items include exterior car fittings (like hub caps, wheel trims and number plates) and electronic equipment such as computers, gadgets and sat navs.
Is damage to belongings covered by possessions cover?
If your car insurance includes possession cover, it will typically cover theft from the vehicle (where there’s sign of forced entry) and fire damage.
In some cases, possessions cover may also cover belongings that are damaged in a car accident, or by flooding or vandalism. Check any policy exclusions before you buy.
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Julie Daniels - Motor insurance expert
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News and Capital FM, about car and home insurance, as well as our rewards scheme.