Claiming for a stolen car

Which levels of cover pay for a stolen car?

Third party fire and theft and comprehensive both cover theft. Third party only does not, and pays nothing towards a stolen car. That is the whole difference between the bottom level and the middle one, and it is decided when you buy rather than when the car goes.

How much do I get for a stolen car?

Not whatever the car seems worth on the day. The value basis on your schedule decides it, set when you took the policy out and reset at each renewal. Agreed value pays the figure written on the schedule. Market value pays what the vehicle was worth just before the loss, worked out afterwards.

The value basis on your schedule, set when you took the policy out and reset at each renewal. Consumer Protection's definitions:

“Market value — what your vehicle is worth just before it is damaged. Agreed value — a value you and your insurance company agree on when you take out your policy and each time it renews.”

— Consumer Protection (MBIE), Car insurance, read 2026-09-16

If the policy is agreed value, the figure on the schedule is the figure. Cove states it directly: “The Cove car insurance policy is an agreed value policy. This means that in the event of a total loss claim we'll pay you the sum insured you've selected and is recorded on your policy”. If the policy is market value, the figure is worked out after the loss, from what the car was worth just before it. [Agreed value vs market value](/guides/agreed-value-vs-market-value) sets out which of the eight insurers publishes which.

Do extra excesses apply to a theft claim?

Your standard excess applies. Whether an additional driver excess also applies varies by wording: Cove publishes that its driver excess and inexperienced driver excess will not apply on a theft or malicious damage claim, leaving only the standard one. That is one insurer's wording, not a general rule.

Whether an additional driver excess also applies varies. Whether an additional driver excess also applies varies: Cove's wording states that its driver excess and inexperienced driver excess “will not apply (only the standard excess will)” on a theft or malicious damage claim. That is one insurer's wording, not a general rule — ask about yours.

What if the keys were left in the car?

Read your own wording before assuming anything. Wordings commonly deal with theft differently when the keys were left in or with the vehicle, the specific clause differs between insurers, and we do not hold a verified quote from every one of the eight — so this site will not state a general rule.

Wordings commonly deal with theft differently when the keys were left in or with the vehicle. The specific clause differs between insurers and we do not have a verified quote from every one of the eight, so this belongs on the list of things to read in your own wording rather than something to assume from a page.

If the claim is declined and you disagree

Consumer Protection sets out the order to do this in:

“If you have had a claim refused and disagree with your insurer's decision, first take it up with their complaints team. If you can't sort it out directly, ask your insurer which dispute resolution service they belong to and get advice from them.”

— Consumer Protection (MBIE), Car insurance, read 2026-09-16

Of the eight insurers on this site, only one names its scheme in its own policy wording. Cove's wording names the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman and sets a timing point: "If after two months, you are still unsatisfied, or we have confirmed to you that we have reached the end of the complaints process via a letter, you may refer your complaint to the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO)". Tower's and Trade Me Insurance's wordings say only that they will tell you how to reach "our external disputes resolution provider". So the reliable step is the one above: ask which scheme, in writing.

The IFSO Scheme describes itself as "an approved Dispute Resolution Scheme" and says: "We resolve complaints about insurance and financial services. Our service is independent, fair and free for consumers." It also sets out what it does not do: "We are independent and fair. We're not consumer advocates and can't give legal advice. Our role is to assess complaints by looking at the facts, the law, and the contract."