COLUMBUS, Ohio — Stolen cars continue to be an issue throughout central Ohio. So if you find yourself in this position, will your insurance cover it?
Kara Hitchens, a public affairs manager with AAA, said it depends on the type of coverage you have. She said taking steps like locking your car and removing any valuables is the first step in avoiding the problem altogether.
"Depending on the type of insurance that you have, can help you if your car is stolen,” Hitchens said.
Drivers in Ohio are required by law to be insured to drive.
Hitchens said selecting comprehensive car insurance coverage is your best bet so you aren’t left paying out of pocket.
"It covers everything, it will cover theft, it will cover any kind of damage whether it's your fault, or unfortunately, if you do hit an uninsured driver, which there shouldn't be any uninsured drivers out there, but you know, we know that that happens, it will cover that,” Hitchens said.
The coverage is for any damages to your car. But if a suspect causes other damage while driving your stolen vehicle, the cost of those repairs falls on the driver and their provider.
"The car owner should not be liable as long as they have filed a police report that the car was stolen. That way it proves that you are not the person at fault and it should not be your responsibility to cover those losses,” Hitchens said.
Hitchens also suggested taking other measures like parking in an area that’s covered or enclosed like a garage, as well as looking into after market products like a steering wheel lock or car alarm as extra protection.