Depending on the extent of the break-in, you may need to file claims with more than one insurance company.
For this guide, we reviewed the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s home and tenant insurance guidance to confirm that eligible personal property stolen from a vehicle may fall under a property policy, FSRA’s optional physical-damage coverage guide, and the 2026 Ontario Automobile Policy.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft of Personal Items?
Auto insurance may cover damage to the insured car, but not your phone, laptop, bag or other personal property stolen from inside it.
Items that are part of the vehicle may be covered differently from personal belongings left inside it. You might have coverage for personal items through your home or tenant insurance even if the theft occurs away from home. This can mean a separate claim and deductible.
Read More: Learn How Contents Insurance Protects Your Belongings
What’s Covered by Your Auto Insurance Policy?
Depending on your policy, comprehensive, specified-perils or all-perils coverage may cover damage to the vehicle or certain attached equipment after a break-in. A deductible and exclusions may apply.
Examples include:
- Damage from forced entry, such as broken windows, smashed windshields or pried-open doors
- Stolen or damaged vehicle parts, such as wheels, rims or catalytic converters
- Vandalism, such as slashed tires or graffiti on the car
- Damage from attempted theft, such as a broken ignition or missing keys
The coverage that applies depends on your policy, province and how the damage occurred.
Read More: See How Comprehensive Car Insurance Works in Ontario
What’s Covered by Your Home Insurance Policy?
Home, condo or tenant insurance may cover belongings stolen from your vehicle, even when the theft happens away from home. Your deductible, coverage limits and policy terms still apply.
Claims may be affected by:
- Your deductible: If the stolen goods aren’t worth much more than your deductible, you may receive little or nothing from a claim.
- Coverage limits and exclusions: Jewellery, business property, cash and someone else’s belongings may have limited coverage.
- Proof of loss: You may need receipts, photos, serial numbers or other documentation for the stolen items.
Home, condo or tenant insurance generally doesn’t cover damage to the vehicle itself.
What to Do Immediately After a Break-In
Always put your safety first and avoid disturbing the vehicle until it is safe to document the damage.
- If anyone is in danger or the break-in is in progress, call 911. Otherwise, move to a safe place and follow the local police service’s non-emergency reporting instructions.
- Avoid touching or cleaning the vehicle until you’ve followed the police service’s instructions. Photograph the damage and surroundings when it is safe, and note the time and location.
- List the missing items, approximate values, serial numbers and proof of ownership. Cancel stolen payment cards and report missing identity documents to the issuing authorities.
- Notify the auto insurer about vehicle damage and the home, condo or tenant insurer about belongings that may be covered. Provide the police occurrence number and any documentation requested. Ask before making non-emergency repairs.
Prepare Documentation
Provide the police occurrence number, photos of the damage and proof of ownership, such as receipts, serial numbers or account records. Keep the originals and a dated list of everything submitted.
Credit-Card Purchase Protection
For a recent purchase, check whether your credit card offers purchase protection. Review the reporting deadline, required documents, coverage limits and whether other insurance must be used first.
When a Claim May Not Be Economical
Compare the value of the loss with your deductible and ask how a claim could affect your future coverage or premium.
Your policy may require you to report the loss within a certain period, and vehicle damage can get worse if it isn’t repaired. Ask for the reporting deadline and coverage position in writing.
For employer-owned or business property, notify the owner and the relevant insurers. Coverage depends on who owns the item and the terms of the policies involved.
How to Prevent Future Break-Ins
- Always lock your car, even if you’re parking for only a minute. Roll up all the windows.
- Take valuables with you when you leave your car. Never leave purses, packages, identification or other documents where thieves can see them.
- Park in well-lit, high-visibility areas. Use secured parking whenever possible.
- Consider an alarm, immobilizer or vehicle-recovery system. Ask about installation and subscription fees.