Pet theft from a parked vehicle is upsetting and confusing, especially when it happens quickly and without witnesses. In Indiana, whether auto insurance through Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN, applies depends on how pets are legally classified and what type of loss occurred.

How Pets Are Treated Under Indiana Law

Under Indiana law, pets are considered personal property, even though most owners see them as family members. That legal classification matters when auto insurance coverage is reviewed. Auto insurance is designed to cover vehicles, injuries, and certain types of physical damage, not personal property inside the car. Because of that distinction, theft of a pet is usually not handled under an auto insurance policy.

Why Auto Insurance Typically Doesn’t Apply

If a dog or cat is stolen from a parked vehicle, auto insurance generally doesn’t cover the loss itself. This applies whether the pet is a mixed breed or a pure breed. Even when a vehicle is locked and no damage occurs to the car, the theft of a pet is treated separately from vehicle-related losses. Auto insurance focuses on the car, not what’s inside it.

Where Coverage Questions Often Come Up

Situations involving pure breeds can raise additional questions because these pets are sometimes targeted due to their resale value. While that may affect how the theft is investigated, it doesn’t usually change how auto insurance responds. If the theft involved damage to the vehicle, such as a broken window, auto insurance may address that damage, but not the loss of the pet.

Talk to your auto insurance agent at Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN, today to learn more. There may be other options for you to consider as far as ensuring your beloved pet’s safety, health, and security.