How to make sure your personal items are safe with car insurance

When we think of car insurance, the first thing that comes to mind is keeping the car from being stolen, damaged in an accident, or damaged by bad weather. But what about the things you use every day in your car, like your laptop bag, sunglasses, phone charger, or even your gym gear? Will personal items be covered in your car insurance?

The things that are inside our cars can sometimes be just as valuable as the cars themselves because they are such an important part of our daily lives. There is a way to keep those things safe, though. Do you wonder what is the “loss of personal belongings" in your car insurance? How does this cover actually work? Why does anyone need to consider adding it to their policy?

What does personal belongings cover mean in car insurance?

In the context of getting car insurance, “personal belongings” only include things that you keep in your car for personal use. They don't include things that are permanently linked to the car or built into its system. Some of these are:

●       Macs and tablets

●       Handy phones

●       Totes, wallets, and briefcases

●       Glasses or sunglasses

●       Things like driver's licenses and papers for registering a car

●       Headphones, chargers, and other small electronics

●       Home gym sets or sports gear

Please keep in mind that this definition does not include things like jewellery, cash, or business tools. Car insurance only covers things that you need for everyday life, not valuables or things that are used for work.

Understanding “Loss of Personal Belongings” in car insurance

Even the most standard comprehensive car insurance plans only cover damage or loss to the car itself. Someone breaks your car window and takes your laptop from the front seat. Your insurance may cover the broken window, but not the laptop. However, you can opt for add-on like Loss Personal Belongings in your policy. Please check your policy or speak to your insurer to confirm availability. Because it reimburses people for losing or damaging personal items because of:

1. Taking something from the car

2. Damage from an accident or break-in

3. Fires that happen

4. Natural disasters (if your things get damaged in the car)

It protects you more than your car's steel and glass, and it helps you recover money lost on daily items. A small fire engulfs your car near the neighbourhood parking lot.

Why do we need this cover?

If this kind of loss doesn't happen very often, you might wonder if you need extra security. This is what might happen in the real world:

1. For ten minutes, you've left your car on a busy street. The window is broken and your rucksack is gone when you get back.

2. A small fire breaks out in your car near the neighbourhood parking lot. The car sustains damage, but it also loses your personal papers and laptop.

3. You encounter an accident that damages your car and sends your phone flying and breaking the screen as well.

4. If you don't have personal goods cover, your regular car insurance won't pay for any of the things above.

Because it's so common to keep important things in the car, this add-on adds a meaningful layer of financial protection.

What does it usually cover?

Different insurance providers may have a different list, but most policies with this add-on will cover:

1. Personal electronics (not including accessories that stay in place)

2. Clothes, bags, and other things

3. Things for school or work (like books and paper)

4. Simple travel things kept in the trunk or cabin

5. ID and paperwork are put in the glove boxes.

Usually, the maximum compensation is set in advance, and there may be lower limits for each item.

What it doesn’t cover?

It's also important to know what personal items the policy doesn't cover. Some common exceptions are:

●       Money, credit or debit cards, or useful things

●       Watches or expensive jewellery

●       Things left in a car that isn't being watched or locked

●       Things that are used for business or work reasons

●       Things are broken because of carelessness or normal wear and tear

Always check your insurer’s full list of inclusions and restrictions — and when in doubt, ask.

How does the claims process work?

If your belongings are stolen or damaged while in the insured car, here’s what usually needs to be done:

1. Inform your insurer quickly, either online or through customer service.

2. In the event of theft, you should file an FIR. Most insurance providers will require a police report.

3. Show proof that you own the things, like original bills or other proof that you own them.

4. Review and approval: The insurance provider may send a claims adjuster or ask for pictures of the damage.

There is a settlement if everything goes well with your claim. You get money back based on the value of the item and the terms of the insurance.

Some insurance providers let you file a claim at a partner station without having to pay cash. For personal items, however, you usually receive a refund after verification.

How much is it?

Usually, it doesn't cost much to add this coverage to your full-coverage car insurance. Depending on the insurance provider and the type of car you own. The scheme is a beneficial safety net for most city drivers because laptops, smartphones, and other everyday things can cost thousands of rupees.

How to keep yourself safe

Insurance providers expect customers to be careful even with this add-on. So claims don't get turned down:

●       Even if you're only going to leave your car for a short time, you should always lock the doors and close the windows.

●       Don't leave items that can be seen inside.

●       When you can, keep important papers with you, like your ID or PAN card.

●       For valuable things you keep in your car, keep purchase records or papers.

Smart insurance for everyday risks

When most of us buy car insurance, we only think about big accidents or natural disasters. But small risks that happen every day, like a broken window or a stolen bag, can be just as annoying and cost a lot of money.

By adding a Loss of Personal Belongings add-on to your policy, you make it cover real-life events that have a direct effect on your way of life. It costs a little more, but the peace of mind it gives you is well worth it.

Want to make your auto insurance plan better and more complete? Zurich Kotak General Insurance has plans and add-ons that are flexible enough to cover your car and everything important inside it.