PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
If a car is stolen from a repair shop, who is responsible?
I had a friend whose vehicle was stolen overnight while it was at the repair shop. In that type of situation, whose insurance covers it? Will the mechanic be responsible or the owner?
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m so sorry that happened to your friend! If a car is stolen from a repair shop, the mechanic may be held responsible under certain circumstances—but the answer isn’t always straightforward.
For example, if the mechanic was careless and left the keys inside an unlocked vehicle, the owner of the car can hold the mechanic responsible. However, if the mechanic did everything they could to ensure the vehicle’s safety and it still got stolen, they likely won’t be held liable for theft or losses.
Some repair shops have insurance coverage that may be able to help the owner recover some of the costs. The shop could be held liable for a stolen vehicle or parts, for instance. But it’s unlikely they would be responsible for stolen personal items within the vehicle, like electronics or sunglasses.
Many states also have laws requiring shops to carry garage keeper liability coverage that protects vehicles and their parts. Under these laws, a mechanic may be held responsible if a car’s tires, stereo, or other parts are stolen.
As you can see, it depends on so many variables! You’ll need to speak with the insurers directly to determine what true in your case.
Want to go the extra mile to protect your car? Find an airtight
car insurance
policy that covers a multitude of scenarios—within your budget—with Jerry
. A licensed broker, Jerry helps you compare quotes from over 50 top providers like Nationwide and Allstate in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
