- Division of Insurance
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 1 million vehicle thefts reported in 2023.
The standard private passenger auto insurance policy will only provide coverage if your vehicle has been stolen if you have purchased comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage pays for direct and accidental damage or loss to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision, such as vandalism, fire and theft, falling objects, larceny, or contact with a bird or animal. This coverage is not one of the compulsory coverages required under Massachusetts law, and you will only have this coverage if you or your agent added it to your policy for an additional cost.
While many consumers may find that purchasing this coverage is beneficial for a number of reasons, some may decide that they do not need it. To help guard against vehicle theft, the NHTSA offered the following tips:
- Park in well-lit areas
- Close and lock all doors and windows.
- Hide valuables out of sight (it’s best not to leave anything of value such as laptops and cell phones in your car)
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle or leave an unattended vehicle running. But remember to never leave a child or pet alone in a hot car!
For more information about auto insurance, visit our website Automobile Insurance | Mass.gov. For more vehicle and road safety tips, visit NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
