Motorists left out of pocket by car insurance over key policy
Drivers could face significant financial losses if valuables such as cell phones, laptops or important documents are stolen from their vehicles, according to a new investigation by consumer advocate. he warned.
Analysis of car insurance policies found that while the vehicle itself is often covered, protection of personal belongings is often much less clear.
This issue is particularly important given that one in ten claims in Whichever’s latest survey of car insurance customers involved theft or burglary.
When Which? When he reviewed 66 auto insurance policies last November, he discovered that most included some level of personal property coverage.
However, the consumer group highlighted that policyholders may only see certain items protected. While bags, groceries and strollers were covered by all 55 policies that provide protection for personal items, many did not cover other valuables that are often targeted by thieves.
Importantly, none of the 55 policies analyzed included cash coverage. Additionally, a notable 15 percent of policies did not extend coverage to tablets; The same rate also excludes laptops from the scope of protection.
One in six (16 percent) did not include a mobile phone. The vast majority did not cover credit cards or documents (93 percent and 98 percent, respectively).
Of the 55 policies that included personal property coverage, most (95 percent) included coverage for sporting equipment such as golf clubs.
But Which? Even if certain items are covered by a policy, modest payout limits could still leave customers out of pocket, he warned.
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Which of the Policies? When checked, the most common claim limit was £300 or less, with one couple paying less than £100.
Which? But it found a handful of policies from Axa, Moja, Saga and Swiftcover provided more than £1,000 for personal items.
Some people may find that their belongings are covered by home insurance.
When Which? We reviewed 78 content policies in July 2025, and nearly all (97 percent) offered protection for personal items on someone’s person or stolen from a car.
This can often be achieved via an optional plugin; coverage is generally broader and has higher limits. Which one? in question.
Most of the policies he reviewed covered personal items away from home, with cover limits in the thousands of pounds rather than hundreds, and all included specific devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Most also covered cash, although they had lower limits than other items.
Reena Sewraz, Which One? The money expert said: “In the event of a vehicle theft, many drivers may assume that their vehicle insurance will be on hand to cover any resulting damage, but when it comes to items left inside the car, this is not always the case.
“Our analysis found that common high-value items are often excluded from policies, and even where protection is included, payout limits can be so low that drivers can still face a significant shortfall.
“If you’re shopping for a new policy, always check the Terms and Conditions carefully to make sure it covers everything you expect. If you have gaps in your insurance, consider whether other policies, such as home insurance, include protection for your valuables while you’re away.”
How can you keep your belongings safe in your car?
Here are some tips from Which? To protect items left in the vehicle:
- Check the terms of your policy and don’t assume cover is provided. Not all car insurance policies cover belongings, and this may be one of the features insurers are removing from cheaper policies.
- Check scope limitations. “Personal effects” may include only certain items and a portion of their value. Customers who rely on car insurance for this coverage should ensure that the policy they choose adequately protects them.
- Consider other forms of protection. If a car insurance policy is incomplete, other types of coverage can provide a safety net. People may consider adding personal property coverage to their home insurance if it is not already included. Other alternatives include device insurance or cell phone insurance.
- An insurer may still contest a claim if they believe reasonable steps were not taken to ensure the safety of items, such as leaving items in plain sight while the car was unattended or not securing them in the boot or glove box. Most car insurance policies also have exclusions against theft if the car is left unlocked.
