The term personal possessions when talking specifically about car insurance refers to any personal belongings you may have in your car that is actually not part of the car. Many people assume that if you take out comprehensive car insurance it will also cover any personal possessions that are in your car. With almost all car insurance policies this is NOT the case; even car radios are not included in most comprehensive car insurance policies and you need to specify your radio or sound equipment on your policy and will pay an extra premium on that.

Some specialized insurance policies like executive cover or off-road cover may include a certain amount of personal possessions cover but rather make very sure what is covered and what not. Personal possessions can be covered as part of your household insurance but those items that you take outside the house (the items you will have in your car) must always be specified on the insurance policy.

The best solution is one of precaution so always make sure that expensive personal possessions such as laptops, cell phones, expensive clothing or other belongings are locked in the boot if not kept on your person. Also, make sure you have all risks cover on those items. If you do not have householder’s insurance there are separate insurance for portable possessions available from some insurance companies.