Have you ever found yourself in a car-jacking situation? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, carjackings have been on the rise in recent years and according to the FBI, they accounted for 33% of all robberies in 2016. So if you’re worried about being a victim of carjacking, here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage and whether your policy covers such an event.
What is car jacking?
Car jacking is a term used to describe the crime of stealing a car by force or intimidation. In most cases, the victim is not aware that their car has been stolen until they try to use it and find that it is not working.
Theft of cars is a major problem in the United States. Each year, hundreds of cars are stolen in the United States, and thousands are stolen overseas. Thefts of cars are often committed by criminals who use the vehicles for themselves or sell them on the black market.
In most cases, car jacking is a crime that is carried out by groups of people. Criminals will enter a victim’s car at night and force them to drive to an unknown location. Once there, the criminals may rob the victim or shoot them if they try to resist.
Car jacking can be extremely dangerous for victims. If the victim resists the robbery, the criminals may shoot them or attempt to run them over with the car. If the victim tries to leave the scene without getting their car back, they may be pursued and shot if they get into another vehicle.
If you are involved in a carjacking, you should contact local police immediately.
The different types of insurance policies
If you’ve ever been a victim of carjacking, then you know that the experience can be harrowing. However, not all insurance policies are created equal when it comes to covering such an event.
There are basically three types of carjacking insurance policies: comprehensive, collision, and liability.
Each policy has its own specific benefits and limitations.
Comprehensive coverage means that your insurer will cover any loss or damage to your car, even if you were not at fault for the incident. This type of policy is generally the most expensive, but it can be worth it if you frequently drive in dangerous areas or plan on keeping your car for long periods of time.
Collision coverage protects you financially if your car is damaged in an accident caused by someone else. This type of policy typically covers only the costs associated with repairs to your car, not lost wages or other damages.
Liability insurance protects you financially if you are found responsible for causing an accident. This type of policy covers expenses such as attorneys’ fees and lost wages, as well as damage to your car.
No matter which type of policy you choose, be sure to read the fine print carefully to see what is and isn’t covered
How do you know if your insurance covers car jackings?
When it comes to car jackings, most policies will only cover damage done to your vehicle as a result of being stolen. That means if someone steals your car and then uses a metal pole or other object to smash the window, your insurance may not cover the cost of replacing the window.
If you’re unsure whether your policy covers car jackings, get in touch with your insurer or consult an insurance specialist.
What to do if you’re a victim of car jacking?
If you’re a victim of car jacking, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. First, make sure to take note of the make, model, and license plate of the car that was jacked. If you can keep this information handy, it will help authorities identify the carjacker and potentially pursue criminal charges.
Next, avoid getting into any physical confrontations with the carjacker. If you do get into an altercation, try to keep your composure and use non-violent tactics to try and get away from the situation. If the carjacker is armed with a weapon, try to avoid being in close proximity to him or her.
Finally, remember that insurance may not cover any injuries that you sustained in a carjacking incident. If you believe that your injuries were caused as a result of the carjacking, file a claim with your insurance company.
Conclusion
The short answer to this question is that it depends on the specific insurance policy you have. Some companies may cover car jackings if they are deemed an act of self-defense, while others may not. It’s important to research your particular policy so that you know exactly what is and isn’t covered.