What are the steps to take if my personal property inside the car was damaged or stolen during a collision or car theft?

Your auto insurance policy generally does not cover personal items stolen from or damaged inside your car. Coverage for these items typically comes from your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Here are the steps to take to recover your losses: Step 1: File a Police Report Immediately Contact the local police department (or California Highway Patrol if the incident occurred on a freeway) to report the car theft or collision. A police report is critical documentation for any insurance claim and creates an official record of the incident. Be sure to obtain the police report number. Step 2: Document All Lost or Damaged Property Create a detailed, itemized list of every personal item that was stolen or damaged. For each item, write down a description, its estimated current value, the original purchase price, and the approximate date of purchase. If you have them, gather receipts, credit card statements, or photos of the items to prove ownership and value. Step 3: Review Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance Policy Carefully read your homeowners or renters insurance policy. This is the policy most likely to provide coverage. Look for a section on "personal property" or "off-premises coverage," which protects your belongings even when they are away from your home, such as in your car. Step 4: File an Insurance Claim Contact your homeowners or renters insurance company to file a claim. You will need to provide the police report number and your detailed list of lost or damaged items. Follow their instructions precisely and submit all required documentation promptly. Important Details and Nuances Your homeowners or renters policy will have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage begins. Compare the total value of your lost property to your deductible amount to decide if filing a claim is financially worthwhile. For a collision, you must still file a separate claim with your auto insurer for the damage to the vehicle itself. Warnings and Limitations Insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting a loss and filing a claim, so you must act quickly. Be aware that some policies have lower coverage limits for certain categories of high-value items, such as jewelry, electronics, or cash, unless you have purchased additional coverage. Filing a claim may lead to an increase in your insurance premiums at your next renewal. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, especially those involving significant property loss or disputes with an insurance company, consult with a qualified California attorney.