Posted by The increase in the cost of gas has gotten everyone on alert to secure their gas. While this is on, there have also been high cases of theft reported. Thieves take advantage of this situation. But does auto insurance cover gas theft? Your car insurance policy may cover gas theft, depending on the specific coverage options you’ve chosen.
Check your policy details to see if you’re protected against fuel theft. If your fuel tank is damaged by thieves, your comprehensive auto insurance coverage will cover the repairs to your fuel tank. Unfortunately, auto insurance does not cover the cost of the stolen gas but covers the cost of damaged parts.
Comprehensive insurance offers coverage over issues such as floods, hail, car theft, vandalism, fire, depreciated objects, and collisions. In the case of gas theft, your comprehensive auto insurance coverage covers your gas tanks. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question ‘Does auto insurance cover gas theft?’ and provide valuable insights to help you understand your coverage options.
What Type of Auto Insurance Policy Covers Gas Theft?
There are different auto insurance policies you can acquire for your vehicle. These policies cover damages to a car due to accidents or collisions. In cases of stollen gases, the auto insurance policy that covers the damages made is comprehensive coverage.
It covers the cost of repairs to damaged gas tanks due to theft. It doesn’t refund the cost of the gas stolen, but instead, it covers the damages made. Comprehensive coverage is mostly sold alongside collision coverage. It covers you not only from theft but also from accidents.
Can I File a Claim for Gas Theft?
Yes, you can file a claim for gas theft. To file a claim, you will need to provide proof of the theft. You also need to provide proof that you are not responsible for your gas theft. Getting proof can be easily done by adding a police report to your claim form. Most times, getting CCTV footage of the crime scene can be used as proof.
When Should I File a Claim for Stolen Gas?
In some situations, it makes sense to file a claim for a gas theft. For someone who buys gas in bulk, you should file a claim when you are a victim of gas theft. Immediately after the incident, inform the police and your insurance company about it.
Begin the claim filing process as early as possible. Add every detail about the theft to your claim. Some of this information includes the location and time of the theft, along with any description of the thief. Ensure you get a copy of the police report concerning the theft; it will be needed during the filing of your claim.
How to File a Claim for Gas Theft
It is very easy to file a claim for gas theft. Under your comprehensive insurance coverage, you can file a claim after the occurrence of your gas theft. Using the below steps, you can file a claim for gas theft.
- Put into the record the damages made to your gas tank: Here, pictures, videos, and even CCTV footage are effective.
- Inform the police: Call the police emergency number or visit any local police department to file a report. A copy of this report will be needed by your insurer during your claim filing.
- File a claim: get in touch with your auto insurance company or file a claim through their online platform.
If you do not have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, you cannot file a claim for gas theft. However, the policyholder will be left to handle their comprehensive auto insurance deductible if the damage to their gas tank is a result of theft.
How to Prevent Gas Theft
It is one thing to get insurance coverage for your car, and it is another to know how to protect your car from damage. Protecting your car from gas theft can be done in different ways. Some of these steps include:
- Parking your car in a secure place, like a private garage,.
- When parking at a public garage in a busy area, ensure you park well.
- If you are parking on the driveway, select a spot close to your house.
- Turn on your car’s alarm system after parking it.
- Also, ensure that your car’s gas tank door faces the street if you are parking on a street.
- Do not park your car in the same spot for too long.
- Also, if your car’s gas tank has a lock, make sure you use it, and if it doesn’t, purchase one.
- If you ever decide on getting a new car, it is advisable to get an EV.
Through these processes, you can avoid gas theft and damage to your gas tank.