Progressive Auto Insurance: Understanding Theft Coverage

Progressive auto insurance offers comprehensive coverage that protects your vehicle from theft and other events outside of your control, such as fire, vandalism, and more. This coverage is optional and can help pay for your stolen vehicle if it is not recovered. Comprehensive coverage can also cover stolen catalytic converters and any resulting damage from their removal. It is important to note that personal property stolen from your vehicle, such as laptops or cell phones, is typically not covered by auto insurance but may be protected under a home, renters, or condo policy.

Comprehensive coverage

If your vehicle is recovered but damaged, comprehensive coverage can pay for repairs up to any limits and minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage also covers car vandalism and glass breakage, which can coincide with theft. It is typically inexpensive, costing about $12 per month on average at Progressive.

In addition to theft, comprehensive coverage can also protect you from other events outside your control. For example, it can provide coverage for a stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal. It can also cover damage to your vehicle caused by events such as fire, falling objects, floods, and collisions with animals.

Stolen catalytic converters

Catalytic converters are a prime target for thieves. They are easy to remove, located on the underside of the vehicle, and contain valuable metals. Older cars are particularly vulnerable as their converters contain a larger amount of these metals. Additionally, cars with high ground clearance, like SUVs, are more susceptible to theft as they provide easier access to the catalytic converter.

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you should report the theft to the authorities and take your car to a mechanic. Driving without a catalytic converter is hazardous and can result in a fine. The average cost of replacing a catalytic converter is around $1,000, but the price varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Comprehensive car insurance typically covers the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter and repairing any related damage. Progressive auto insurance offers comprehensive coverage, which includes protection against catalytic converter theft. This optional coverage can be added to your policy for an average of $148 per year or $12 per month.

To prevent catalytic converter theft, you can take several measures. These include installing a theft protection device, painting the converter with a bright colour, parking in a secure garage or well-lit area, and setting your car alarm to react to vibration. Additionally, engraving your vehicle's VIN or other identifiers on the converter can help authorities trace it back to you if it is stolen.

Items stolen from vehicles

Progressive auto insurance does not cover personal items stolen from your vehicle, such as your laptop, briefcase, or cell phone. However, renters or homeowners insurance policies may cover personal belongings stolen from your car, even if they were taken while the car was not on your property. You can also get separate electronic device insurance to cover stolen cell phones, laptops, and other devices.

Renters insurance typically covers items stolen from vehicles, storage units, or while traveling, up to specified coverage limits minus your deductible. This includes items like handbags, smartphones, and laptops.

Progressive's Roadside Assistance covers lockout services, so if you accidentally lock your keys in your car, you can get back into your vehicle. This service is included in Progressive's auto insurance policies.

If you have custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, it can help pay to repair or replace items that you add to modify your car, like a stereo, navigation system, custom wheels, or even a paint job. CPE coverage typically has a $5,000 limit. At Progressive, comprehensive coverage will insure up to $1,000 in repair or replacement costs for custom parts and equipment. Repairs or replacements above and beyond $1,000 require CPE coverage, which is typically inexpensive.

Vehicle protection plans

Comprehensive Coverage for Stolen Vehicles

Comprehensive coverage is an essential component of vehicle protection plans. It provides coverage for car theft, including situations where the keys were left inside the vehicle. This coverage is optional but highly recommended for added peace of mind. Comprehensive coverage will compensate you for the actual cash value (ACV) of your stolen vehicle, minus your deductible. Additionally, if your vehicle is recovered but has sustained damage, comprehensive coverage will take care of the repairs, ensuring you're not left with unexpected expenses.

Protection for Custom Parts and Equipment

Coverage for Stolen Catalytic Converters

Theft of catalytic converters is becoming increasingly common due to the valuable metals they contain. Comprehensive coverage typically includes protection for stolen catalytic converters, covering the cost of replacement and any related damage caused by their removal. Given the ease of stealing catalytic converters, this coverage is crucial for vehicle owners.

Protection for Personal Items Stolen from Your Vehicle

While your auto insurance won't cover personal belongings stolen from your car, a vehicle protection plan can be complemented by renters or homeowners insurance. These policies typically include personal property coverage, safeguarding items like laptops, smartphones, and handbags stolen from your vehicle. This ensures that you're not only protected against the loss of your vehicle but also the valuable items within it.

Additional Benefits of Vehicle Protection Plans

In summary, vehicle protection plans provide comprehensive coverage for car theft, custom parts, and equipment, as well as additional benefits like roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage. By opting for comprehensive coverage and complementing it with renters or homeowners insurance, you can ensure that your vehicle and personal belongings are protected in the event of theft or damage.

Anti-theft discounts

Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that can help pay for your stolen vehicle if you don't recover it. It also covers car theft or damage to your car caused by theft or break-in. Progressive offers an anti-theft discount in some states. This discount is available for vehicles with manual and passive alarms or tracking devices. You may also be eligible for a discount if your car's vehicle identification number is engraved on the window or door glass. However, eligibility for the anti-theft discount varies by state and requires comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage is highly recommended for your protection and peace of mind in case your vehicle is stolen. It costs about $12 per month on average at Progressive. It also covers car vandalism and glass breakage, which can coincide with theft. You can get a free car insurance quote online or over the phone to see how affordable it can be.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, Progressive offers custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, which can be added to your policy for an additional cost. This coverage is important if you have custom parts or equipment on your vehicle, such as rims, a custom paint job, or a stereo system. CPE coverage will help pay for the repair or replacement of these items in the event of theft or damage. At Progressive, comprehensive coverage will cover up to $1,000 in repair or replacement costs for custom parts and equipment. Repairs or replacements above $1,000 will require CPE coverage, which is typically inexpensive.

If your vehicle is stolen, it is important to take immediate action. First, rule out the possibility that your vehicle was towed away, repossessed, or impounded. If you suspect that your vehicle has been stolen, file a police report immediately. Having a tracking device on your vehicle may help the police recover it. After filing a police report, contact your insurance company to file a car theft claim. If your vehicle is recovered but has sustained damage, your comprehensive coverage can pay for repairs up to any limits and minus your deductible.

Frequently asked questions