I stopped for food after a local Magic: The Gathering tournament. My backpack with my Modern deck (worth $3,000) was in the back seat. When I came out, the window was smashed and the bag was gone. I called my specialist collectibles insurer. They asked, “Was the car attended?” When I said no, they cited the exclusion: “We do not cover theft from an unattended vehicle unless in a locked trunk with visible forced entry.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Unattended Vehicle” Exclusion: Almost all specialty collectible policies (Collect Insure, CIS) exclude theft from a vehicle unless you are in or on the vehicle, OR it is in a locked trunk.
- Back Seat = Denial: Leaving items in the main cabin (visible or not) is often an automatic denial.
- The Trunk Rule: Coverage usually only applies if the item was in a fully enclosed, locked trunk. SUVs/Hatchbacks are tricky because the “trunk” is accessible from the cabin.
- Homeowners Policy Limits: If you fall back on your homeowners policy, the “theft away from residence” and “collectibles sub-limit” ($500) will likely leave you empty-handed.
The “Why” (High Risk Target)
Thieves target cars at card shows and tournaments. Insurers know this.
“Exclusion: Theft from any unattended vehicle unless the property is contained in a locked trunk and there are visible signs of forced entry.”
The Investigation: The Show Loophole
I asked agents about “travel coverage” for card shows.
1. Collect Insure
- Rule: Must be in a locked trunk. If you have an SUV, you must cover it and lock the doors, and there must be forced entry.
2. Heritage Insurance
- Rule: Strict. Unattended vehicle theft is often excluded entirely unless you buy a specific “Salesman” endorsement.
3. Renters Insurance
- Rule: Covered (subject to deductible and limits). Renters insurance is actually more lenient about the “unattended” part, but worse on the dollar limit ($500 cap).
Comparison Table
| Location of Bag | Specialty Coverage | Renters Coverage |
| Back Seat (Locked) | Denied | Covered ($500 limit) |
| Trunk (Locked) | Covered | Covered ($500 limit) |
| Car Unlocked | Denied | Denied (Negligence) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Never Leave It: This is the only 100% solution. Take the bag into Chipotle with you.
- Trunk Before You Park: If you must leave it, put the bag in the trunk before you arrive at the parking spot. Thieves watch people putting bags in trunks at the destination.
- Bolt it Down: If you have an SUV, install a “console vault” or a bolted lockbox. That counts as a “locked compartment.”
FAQ
What if I was valeting the car?
That is “Entrustment.” If the valet steals it, your insurance denies it (voluntary parting). You have to sue the valet company.
[IMAGE: Photo of a smashed car window with broken glass on the back seat]