Many people assume their homeowners’ insurance will cover anything stolen or damaged on their property, including their car. But insurance can get tricky, different types of coverage apply depending on whether your car itself was stolen, your belongings inside the car were taken, or your car was damaged by natural disasters like flooding or earthquakes.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Stolen Car?
The short answer is no. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover vehicles. Your car, truck, or motorcycle is specifically excluded from your home policy, even if it was stolen right out of your garage or driveway.
To be protected if your car is stolen, you need comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft, vandalism, and other non-collision damages. If you only carry liability coverage (the minimum required in many states), your stolen car will not be reimbursed.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Items Stolen From Your Car?
Here’s where homeowners (or renters) insurance can step in. While the car itself isn’t covered, your personal belongings inside the car may be covered under your homeowners’ policy.
For example:
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A thief smashes your window and steals your laptop and clothes.
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Auto insurance (comprehensive) covers the broken window.
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Homeowners’ insurance covers the stolen laptop and clothes.
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It doesn’t matter if your items were taken from your car at home, at work, or even in another state—most home insurance policies cover your belongings anywhere in the world.
However, be aware of:
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Deductibles: If your deductible is $1,000 and the stolen item was worth $800, it may not make sense to file a claim.
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Coverage limits: Some categories, like electronics, jewelry, and cash, may have limits unless you buy extra coverage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Car Damage?
This is another area where people get confused. Homeowners’ insurance does not cover damage to your car, even if the damage happened while it was parked on your property.
Examples of what home insurance won’t cover for your car:
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A tree from your yard falls on your car.
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A fire spreads from your garage and damages your car.
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Hail cracks your windshield while your car is parked at home.
All of these fall under auto insurance comprehensive coverage, not homeowners’ insurance.
What About Flooding and Earthquakes?
Natural disasters raise even more questions, so let’s clear it up:
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Flooding: If a flood damages your car, homeowners’ insurance does not help. Instead, you’d need comprehensive auto insurance. Flood damage is one of the most common claims under comprehensive coverage.
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Earthquakes: The Same rule applies. If your car is damaged during an earthquake, your homeowners’ policy won’t cover it. Again, only your comprehensive auto insurance policy can pay for the damage.
However, if a flood or earthquake damages personal belongings that were stored inside your home, then homeowners’ insurance (with the right add-ons, since standard policies don’t always cover floods or quakes) could step in.
What Should You Do If Your Car or Items Are Stolen?
If your car or personal belongings are stolen, here’s what you should do right away:
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Call the police – File a report to document the theft. Insurance companies almost always require a police report before processing a claim.
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Contact your auto insurance company – If your car is stolen or damaged, this is where coverage applies.
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Contact your homeowners’ insurance company – If items inside your car were stolen, this is where you can file a claim for personal property.
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Keep receipts and records – Proof of ownership and value will make your claim smoother.
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Check your deductibles – Sometimes the deductible is higher than the value of the stolen item, so weigh whether it’s worth filing.
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
It can feel frustrating when you realize your homeowners’ insurance won’t cover your car. But understanding the difference between auto insurance and home insurance saves you from surprises later.
Think of it this way:
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Auto insurance protects your vehicle.
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Homeowners insurance protects your personal belongings and your house.
They work together, but they don’t overlap when it comes to your car itself.
Need Legal Help After a Theft or Accident?
Sometimes theft or damage to your car isn’t just an insurance issue—it can also connect to negligence, liability, or disputes with insurance companies who refuse to pay fairly. That’s where legal help comes in.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we’ve helped countless people in Florida fight for their rights after accidents, thefts, and insurance disputes. If you’re struggling with your insurance company or have questions about your claim, call us today at (844) 643-7200.
Speak with an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who understands how to protect your rights and help you recover compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does homeowners’ insurance cover my car if it’s stolen from my driveway?
No. Homeowners insurance will not cover a stolen car. You need comprehensive auto insurance for theft protection.
2. If items are stolen from my car at home, will homeowners’ insurance cover them?
Yes, personal belongings like laptops, clothes, or bags stolen from your car are usually covered under your homeowners’ insurance, subject to your deductible and policy limits.
3. What happens if my car is damaged while parked at my home, like by a tree falling on it?
That would not be covered by homeowners’ insurance. Comprehensive auto insurance covers falling objects, storm damage, vandalism, and similar situations.
4. Does homeowners insurance cover my car if it’s damaged by a flood or earthquake at home?
No, homeowners’ insurance does not cover car damage. Floods and earthquakes that damage vehicles are only covered under comprehensive auto insurance.
5. Does homeowners’ insurance cover vandalism to my car?
No. Vandalism to your car is covered under comprehensive auto insurance, not homeowners’ insurance.
6. If my garage burns down with my car inside, is my car covered under homeowners’ insurance?
No. The garage itself would be covered by your homeowners insurance, but your car would only be covered if you have comprehensive auto insurance.
7. Will homeowners’ insurance cover cash or jewelry stolen from my car?
Yes, but only up to certain limits. Many policies cap payouts for jewelry, electronics, or cash unless you’ve added extra coverage.
8. What should I do first if my car or items inside it are stolen?
File a police report, then notify your auto insurance company (for the car) and your homeowners insurance company (for stolen belongings).