Most of us carry a varied assortment of personal possessions in our cars, and all too often we don’t stop to consider their value or if they will be covered in the event of theft or accident.
By taking out personal possessions cover your belongings can be protected when left in your vehicle. If you have comprehensive cover you may have this type of cover inbuilt into your policy but it is less likely to be a standard feature on third party, fire and theft policies and it could only be modest cover.
When taking out personal possessions cover with car insurance, be careful to understand the various clauses and exclusions inbuilt into the policy. It could be more advantageous to have your personal items covered by your home insurance.
The provider will ask you for the value of your vehicle, to ascertain the right cover for you. Take a few minutes to compile a list of all the items you regularly keep in your boot, glove compartment, back seat, under seats and in seat pockets and think about whether you need to have them covered.
You may have expensive electronic gadgets, tools, documents, clothing, and accessories and if you lose these through theft, check to see your home or car insurance or another policy will provide for them.
Always check with your insurer how much personal possessions cover is included with your car insurance.
Cover for Satnavs and car stereos
The good news is that the majority of providers recognise that keeping Satnav systems and stereo equipment in a car is popular and cover is more likely to be included for these items. Some providers, though, will differentiate between inbuilt Satnav systems and those that can be easily removed. In the case of fixed items, cover is likely to be more, especially with comprehensive policies.
What exclusions apply?
It is commonplace for exclusions to apply for personal possessions in cars and you are likely to need proof of value and purchase such as certificates and receipts.
Excluded items often include money, credit cards, vouchers, documents and trade or business goods.
Receipts and photographs will be required if you make a claim and deductions may be automatically made to allow for wear and tear, unless you are covered for new for old.
Unforced entry
In the event of theft from, your provider may include a forced entry clause to establish if you left your vehicle unlocked, allowing easy access by criminals. If this is found to be the case, you may be refused a pay-out
Items left in view
Similarly, some insurance companies will ask that you keep valuable items concealed from public view, in a locked boot or glove compartment. This does not mean hiding items beneath a jumper, coat or bag.
Tip
It is a good idea to empty the boot or the glove compartment and leave the hinge open if you are going to leave the car unoccupied for a while and consider making it obvious there is nothing of value worth stealing.
Give your car a clear-out from time to time to remove unnecessary clutter; this could include electronics, tools and clothing.
Clause for percentage value
Some providers impose a restriction for cover of personal possessions and apply another limit for the value of the vehicle. This may be something like up to £1,000 of possessions, or up to 10% of the value of the vehicle.
Therefore, if your car is worth £5,000 and £1,000-worth of goods is taken by theft, your claim would cover you for only a value of £500 of goods.
Personal possessions in your car covered by home insurance
Contents insurance for your home often offers an extra add on option for personal possessions outside the home, typically for items you are likely to carry around with you such as jewellery and equipment or electronics.
Be careful you don’t double up and complicate by having cover from both car and home insurance for the same thing. You could find yourself paying two excess amounts too. Check, too, if you have insurance as part of a separate package you might have taken out on purchase, such as a smart phone insurance.
Excess and future premiums
Whether you make a claim for personal possessions under your car insurance or your home insurance, you will almost certainly need to pay an excess fee. In addition, you could lose your no claims bonus and raise the cost of future premiums.
You could waive insurance on personal possessions altogether and if their value is relatively low, consider if it would be cheaper for you to pay for replacement.
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