Ask an Agent

Have a question? We're here to help.

Ask an agent for free

Question

Whose insurance is liable if my car was broken into at a tow yard?

My car was towed after an accident and is sitting in the tow yard until my insurance company decides what to do with my vehicle. While at the tow place my car was broken into and some of my things were stolen. Am I responsible for the break-in? Or is the tow company responsible since it was in their lot at the time?

Aug 13, 2024 Topeka, KS

Answer

Author profile picture
The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

If your personal items were stolen then you'd have to claim that on your home or renters insurance policy. If you're trying to hold the tow company liable for the loss of your items, you may have to hire an attorney. I would recommend contacting your auto company first and then your renters or home insurance provider to cover your loss. They will then subrogate with the insurance company of the tow yard if necessary.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Can I file a claim with my insurance company if I've already paid for repairs to my vehicle?

Even if you have paid for the repairs on your vehicle, your insurance company should cover the damage you caused to the other driver if your policy was active at the time of the crash. I would recommend not paying the other party anything until you've contacted your company to start the claims proc…
Apr 19, 2023 Jacksonville, FL

Do I need a police report to file a claim with insurance if I damaged my own vehicle?

You do not need a police report to open a claim. Since it was a single-vehicle accident, you will be charged as at-fault if the claim is paid, which would result in a higher premium. I would get an estimate for the damage and see if it's worth filing a claim for, and possibly pay out-of-pocket to a…
Aug 13, 2024 Hillsboro, OH

Why did Liberty Mutual raise my rate after a $25 towing claim?

Insurance companies, including Liberty Mutual, base their rates on the risk of paying any claim, so unfortunately, the information you were given is true. However, five years is usually the longest you should be impacted.The good news is that most companies do not charge that much for a towing clai…
Mar 19, 2026 Albany, OR

I cut down a big tree and it fell on my truck. Will insurance cover that?

Your insurance should cover the damages minus your deductible. In this case, you would file a comprehensive claim for the damage. A comprehensive claim does not raise your rate as much as a collision would — about 4.35% for your first comp claim.As a warning, they may investigate and take extra tim…
Aug 8, 2025 Missoula, MT