Does my auto insurance cover damage to my car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories?
A lot of people ask if auto insurance will cover damage to a car's stereo or other aftermarket accessories. Comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage can cover theft to a car's stereo but not the aftermarket accessories. Full coverage auto insurance can also cover the expenses of the loss of a car stereo.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Maria Hanson grew up with a unique passion and understanding of both the automotive and insurance industries. With one grandfather in auto mechanics and another working in insurance, you could say automotive insurance is in her blood. Her love of research and finance serves her well in studying insurance trends and liability. Maria has expanded her scope of expertise to home, health, and life i...
Maria Hanson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Brad Larson
Updated February 2025
Does auto insurance cover damage to a car’s stereo or other aftermarket accessories? It can be overwhelming to try and deal with the aftermath of damage to a vehicle’s accessories, like a car stereo, for example.
However, you don’t have to shoulder the full cost of repairs or replacement. So let’s explore your options with affordable auto insurance coverage and shed some light on taking care of your stereo and accessories without worrying about who will settle the bill.
- Comprehensive auto insurance will cover the cost of any damages or theft of your car stereo
- If a collision damages the stereo, then collision auto insurance will cover the cost of repairs
- Auto insurance does not typically cover aftermarket accessories, so you may have to cover the costs out of pocket
What types of auto insurance cover damages to your car’s stereo or accessories?
Having your car stereo get damaged can be a harrowing experience. Thankfully, some types of auto insurance coverage will help cover the cost of repair or replacement. But first, let’s cross auto liability insurance off the list, as it only covers damages incurred to another vehicle or passenger.
It comes down to a case of comprehensive vs. collision coverage for your auto insurance. If your stereo or other stock accessories have been damaged through an act of nature, theft, vandalism, or something other than an accident, comprehensive is the way to go.
If an accident damages your car’s stereo, collision auto insurance will help cover the cost of the damages. Of course, as with any insurance, you will likely have to pay a deductible, but that’s far better than having to front the full cost of damages.
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Does auto insurance cover aftermarket accessories?
Auto insurance coverage does not typically cover aftermarket accessories. However, you may be able to purchase manufacturer’s insurance for permanently installed additions to your vehicle. For example, if you’ve had an expensive sound system installed, insurance plans may be directly available from the manufacturer.
Understanding auto insurance may seem difficult, but most insurance companies don’t cover aftermarket additions to your vehicle because they did not come pre-installed by the auto manufacturer.
The Final Word on Covering Damage to Your Car’s Stereo
There are options for covering the damages to your car stereo, although the major drawback is the stereo has to be a stock component of your vehicle. However, comprehensive and collision auto insurance coverage can help cover the expense of your vehicle’s original sound system.
If you want to combine the two, you might consider seeking affordable full coverage auto insurance. Full coverage auto insurance provides comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance, which might be a perfect fit if you’re concerned about damages to your car’s stock accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover aftermarket stereos?
Typically, auto insurance won’t cover any aftermarket accessory installation. If it isn’t considered a stock component of the vehicle, you’ll have to seek alternative coverage methods to cover the actual damages.
Will comprehensive auto insurance cover a partial theft of an original car stereo?
Yes, comprehensive auto insurance should provide the means to cover a partial theft. Partial theft, in this case, is something like the central stereo unit or some of the other parts stolen from the vehicle, but not the full system.
As with any auto insurance coverage, you’ll have to contact your insurance company and start the process of a claim. Your auto insurance representative will be able to guide you through the process in full.
What auto insurance coverage will I need if parts of my vehicle’s sound system are damaged in an accident?
Collision auto insurance covers all accident-based incidents.
However, as with comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to file a claim to get everything started on covering the cost of your stock components. In addition, other documentation may be necessary to assess or prove the damage at the time of the accident.
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