Drivers Urged To Prevent Vehicle Theft, Review Insurance Coverage

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is encouraging motorists to take steps to protect their vehicles from theft and make sure they understand what their auto insurance policies cover during Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.

The department joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's annual awareness campaign, noting that while vehicle thefts declined nationwide in 2025, Missouri remained among the nation's top 10 states for reported vehicle thefts.

According to NHTSA, more than 650,000 vehicles were reported stolen across the United States in 2025, a 23% decrease from the previous year. Passenger cars account for most thefts, and vehicle thefts are most common during the summer months.

"It's encouraging to see vehicle thefts declining nationwide, but hundreds of thousands of drivers still lose their vehicles to theft every year," Department Director Angela Nelson said. "It's important that Missourians stay vigilant and ensure they understand what their auto policy covers."

The department recommends several precautions to reduce the risk of theft, including parking in well-lit areas, locking doors and windows, hiding valuables, never leaving keys inside a vehicle or leaving it running unattended, and considering additional anti-theft devices or electronic vehicle tracking systems if they are available.

If a vehicle is stolen, owners should first contact local law enforcement with the vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number, year, make, model and color before notifying their insurance company.

The department also reminds drivers that theft losses are generally covered only if their policy includes comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage or loss caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism or severe weather.

Drivers who own their vehicles outright may have removed comprehensive coverage to lower premiums, leaving them responsible for replacing a stolen vehicle. Nelson encouraged policyholders to review their coverage with their insurance agent.

"Many people don't think about their insurance coverage until something has happened," Nelson said. "You might think that you are 'fully covered,' but there's no such thing as full coverage, particularly when it comes to auto insurance."

The department also noted that many drivers mistakenly believe their auto insurance covers personal belongings stolen from a vehicle. While auto policies typically cover equipment intended for vehicle use, such as child safety seats, spare tires and jumper cables, personal items like cell phones, laptops, purses and wallets are generally covered, if at all, under a homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Some insurance policies include a waiting period before paying a theft claim in case the vehicle is recovered. If a recovered vehicle has mechanical damage, insurers typically require those problems to be diagnosed before determining whether they are related to the theft. Policyholders are also encouraged to move disabled vehicles to a free storage location whenever possible to avoid unnecessary storage charges.

Consumers with insurance questions can contact the Department of Commerce and Insurance's Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390. For theft prevention information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.