What to do if your laptop is stolen
A few simple habits may help protect your laptop from theft with a few simple habits: keep it in secure places and out of sight, use a lock or tracking feature, and guard your data with strong passwords and regular backups. If your laptop is stolen, your home, renters, condo, or electronic device insurance may help cover the cost to replace it, depending on where the theft happened and the type of policy you have.
Explore Progressive's editorial standards for Answers articles to find out why you can trust the insurance information you find here.
Key takeaways
A laptop stolen from your car typically isn't covered by auto insurance, though your renters, condo, or homeowners policy may help
Reporting the theft quickly and keeping proof of ownership can make filing a claim easier
What are some ways to protect your laptop from being stolen?
Laptop theft can be a crime of opportunity, so making your device harder to grab and easier to track may help deter theft. Try these practical steps:
- Store it securely: Keep your laptop in a locked drawer, safe, or cabinet when you're not using it, especially in shared spaces like offices or dorms.
- Keep it out of sight in your car: Avoid leaving your laptop in a parked vehicle. If you have to leave it in your car, lock it in the trunk before arriving at your destination.
- Use a physical lock: A cable lock can tether your laptop to a desk or another fixed object in public or semi-public settings.
- Stay aware in public: Keep your laptop within reach in cafes, airports, and libraries, and avoid leaving it unattended.
- Track the device: Turn on your operating system's built-in "Find My Device" feature so you can try to locate the laptop if it's lost or stolen.
How can you protect the data on your laptop?
Your laptop may hold personal and financial information you want to keep secure. Laptop insurance may help replace a stolen device, but it can't bring back lost data, so these safeguards matter regardless of your coverage.
- Start by controlling who can get in: Use a unique password that's difficult to guess and isn't used across accounts. Adding multi-factor authentication to your important accounts can make it harder for someone to access them with a stolen password alone.
- Next, protect the data itself: Turn on your operating system's built-in full-disk encryption to make your files harder to access if your laptop is stolen. Keep your operating system and apps updated to close any security gaps. Backing up your files regularly helps make sure a stolen laptop doesn't take your work with it.
Pro tip:
Back up your files regularly to an external hard drive or cloud service so your most important files aren't stored in only one place.
Does insurance cover a stolen laptop?
It depends on where the theft happens and the coverage you carry. Here are a few common scenarios.
Stolen from your home
Personal property coverage on a homeowners, condo, or renters policy may help pay to repair or replace stolen electronics, depending on the circumstances.
Your coverage limit and deductible may apply.
Stolen from your car
File a report for a stolen personal laptop. If you're attending school, start with campus security and follow their instructions.
Stolen away from home
With personal property coverage, your possessions may be covered even when you're away from home, though your deductible applies and some categories of items may have lower payout limits.
Covered by electronic device insurance
A standalone computer insurance policy through Progressive's Phone and Electronic Device Insurance by Worth Ave. Group may cover laptop theft, vandalism, and accidents like drops and liquid spills.
What documents do you need to file a laptop theft claim?
Keeping a few documents handy can make the claims process easier:
- Police report: File a report with local law enforcement and keep a copy.
- Proof of ownership: Gather receipts, order confirmations, or credit card statements to show the purchase.
- Serial number: Record your laptop's make, model, and serial number ahead of time.
- Photos: Keep a clear photo of the device.
- Home inventory: A home inventory of your belongings can help verify what you owned and its value when you file.
What should you do if your laptop is already stolen?
If your laptop is stolen, act quickly to protect your information and help improve your chances of recovering it.
- Report it: File a police report right away. If it's a work laptop, notify your employer or IT department. If you're a student, start with campus security.
- Lock down your accounts: Use another device to log out of your accounts remotely, change your most important passwords, and remove any saved payment information.
- Try to locate it: If you've registered the device or use a "find my device" feature through Apple, Microsoft, or a cloud service, you may be able to see its location. Give that information to the authorities.
- File a claim: If your homeowners policy includes applicable theft coverage, consider filing a claim. You can also file with your provider if you have a laptop insurance policy.
How can you insure your laptop and other devices?
Along with laptops, you can insure other electronics through Progressive's Phone and Electronic Device Insurance by Worth Ave. Group.
Learn more about computer and laptop insurance plans and pricing or explore cell phone insurance.
Get a free quote for insuring your phone or electronic device
Learn more about electronic device insurance plans.
