Does car insurance cover theft?

Does Car Insurance Cover Theft? Everything You Need to Know

Yes - if you have the right policy. Both Third-Party, Fire & Theft and Comprehensive cover from 1st Central protect you if your car is stolen. What’s included and how claims are handled will depend on the type of cover you choose.

Key points:

• Theft cover is included with both Third-Party, Fire & Theft and Comprehensive policies.
• You’ll need to report the theft to the police and provide a crime reference number when making a claim.
• Courtesy cars and personal possessions may only be included under certain cover levels.

What to Do Immediately if Your Car Is Stolen

1. Contact the police and get a crime reference number.
2. Notify 1st Central directly and as soon as possible via Make a claim or through Your Account.
3. Inform your finance company if your vehicle is on finance.
4. Avoid touching the vehicle if it’s found, to preserve evidence.

Read our related FAQ for more detailed information on what to do if your vehicle is stolen.

Understanding Car Theft Insurance

Comprehensive

• Covers theft, attempted theft, accidental damage, fire, vandalism and more.
• Includes standard extras like Windscreen Cover, and access to an approved repairer network.

Third-Party, Fire & Theft

• Covers liability to others, plus theft, attempted theft and fire damage to your own car.
• Does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.

Exclusions may apply if a vehicle was left unlocked, keys were left inside, or other negligence is proven.

Compare cover levels available at 1st Central.

Making a Stolen Car Insurance Claim

1. Report the theft via Your Account or call the claims team 24/7.
2. Provide your crime reference number, policy details and proof of ownership.
3. Your claim will be assessed - 98% of claims were paid in 2023. 
4. If eligible, you may receive a courtesy car while your claim is processed.

See our how to make a claim guide for more information.

What’s Covered – and What’s Not

Will a Stolen Car Affect My Premiums?

Yes, a theft claim is likely to increase your future premium. Insurers consider:

• Where you live and park
• Your car’s make and model
• Any previous claims
• Security features fitted

Fitting alarms, immobilisers and parking securely may help reduce costs at renewal.

How to Reduce the Risk of Car Theft

• Park in well-lit, secure areas.
• Use steering-wheel locks, alarms and immobilisers.
• Keep keys away from doors and windows.
• Consider modern anti-theft tech like trackers.

Read more on how to avoid being a victim of car cloning.

Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle

Theft can’t always be prevented, but the right cover means you won’t face it alone. Acting quickly, keeping your documents to hand and understanding your cover can make the claims process smoother. Combine the right policy with simple security steps, and you’ll reduce both risk and disruption.

Get a car insurance quote today from 1st Central and check your theft protection.

FAQs

Does comprehensive insurance cover car theft?
Yes. Both our comprehensive (fully comp) and Third Party Fire & Theft 

How long will it take for my insurance to pay out if my car is stolen?
Claim timelines vary. Simple cases may settle in 30–45 days; complex ones may take several months. Insurers must pay within a reasonable time - usually within 3 months. 1st Central paid 98% of claims in 2023. 

Are personal items in my car covered if it’s stolen?
Some comprehensive policies include personal possessions. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to claim under home contents insurance instead-but not both.

What happens if my financed car is stolen?
Notify your finance company right away. Your insurer handles the claim payout, but your finance agreement still needs to be settled.

Does car insurance cover attempted theft damage?
Yes. Both Third Party Fire and Theft and Comprehensive policies cover damage from attempted theft.