We are proud to announce that our founding partner Greg Monforton is currently being featured in a segment on The Weather Network involving vehicle warm-up thefts.
During the winter months in Canada, many motorists leave their cars running to try to warm up the inside of the car prior to driving off. However, cars left running and unattended are targeted each year by thieves in crimes of opportunity. If this happens to you, you may be wondering whether or not your auto insurance policy will cover you in the event of a theft?
In the segment, Greg discusses that generally you may still be covered under your policy even if the keys were in the car or the engine was left running when the car was stolen. It does not make you ineligible for coverage, but some auto insurance providers may make it harder to receive a payout.
That is why it is important to review your insurance policy and know what is covered. Theft of your car could be covered if you have comprehensive coverage (pays for the cost to repair or replace your car not due to a crash) or all perils coverage (a combination of collision and comprehensive coverage). Both types of coverages are optional but can help provide additional protection.
What if your car was not stolen but certain items inside were? Auto insurance providers will not cover such theft. In these situations, Greg says, you may be covered by your homeowner’s policy. As long as you are a homeowner or renter, this policy will help provide coverage for items stolen from your car.
The best way to avoid a vehicle warm-up theft is to keep your car locked at all times. If it does happen, be sure to contact the police and insurance company. An experienced lawyer can also review the terms and limits of your policy to help optimize coverage in these situations.