Does insurance cover a stolen car battery?

Yes. If you have comprehensive coverage, auto insurance may cover your stolen car battery and any related vehicle damage. If you don't have comprehensive coverage, you'll be responsible for replacing your stolen battery and paying for the damage a thief might cause while removing it.

3 min to read

Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

Why do thieves steal car batteries?

As long as they can get the hood open, car batteries are pretty easy for thieves to remove and then sell. That makes them a common target for thieves, right alongside catalytic converters, which are one of the most stolen car components. Learn about catalytic converter theft.

How to secure a car battery

Replacing a stolen car battery can be a hassle. Here are a few tips to help you prevent battery theft:

Buy a battery lockbox: Installing a battery lock box won't prevent would-be thieves from popping the hood, but they will have to work harder to get the battery out.
Get an alarm: Place window alarms under the hood so they go off when someone opens it. Hopefully, the sound will be enough to prevent battery theft.
Use a hood lock: Get a hood lock that further secures the hood.
Rethink how you park: Park in a spot that makes it challenging for someone to gain access to the car or may be too public to risk a theft.
Install a security camera: The presence of visible security cameras may help with car battery theft prevention.
Enlist your neighbors: Alert your neighbors to a recent theft or attempt so they can be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

Learn about how car insurance covers theft.

What to do when someone steals your car battery

The first thing you should do is file a police report. You may not get your battery back, but reporting the incident lets police in your area know to be on the lookout for the perpetrators, especially if such thefts are becoming frequent.

Should I file an insurance claim for a stolen car battery?

If your comprehensive car insurance deductible is higher than the cost to replace the battery, then it's generally not worth filing a claim. But if the thief scratched the paint or damaged the hood, the repair bill may be much higher. In that case, it might make sense to file an auto insurance claim. But first, you need to determine the cost of a new battery and get a quote for any other repairs. Compare the total to your car insurance deductible to decide whether filing a claim is worth it.