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On a 5-degree morning, it’s tempting to start the car, leave it running in the driveway, and head back inside for coffee. Police around the Denver metro area call these idling cars “puffers,” and car thieves look for them every winter.

What Colorado Law Says

Colorado law prohibits leaving a motor vehicle running and unattended. Since 2017, the law has made an exception for cars started with a remote starter or a keyless system, as long as the vehicle is locked and the key isn’t inside. Leaving the key in the ignition with the engine running is still a traffic violation, and it can hurt your theft claim.

Car Theft in Colorado

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Colorado had the highest vehicle theft rate in the country in 2022. Thefts have dropped since then, thanks in part to new state laws and local task forces, but the Denver metro area still sees thousands of stolen vehicles a year. Pickups, older Hondas, and certain Kia and Hyundai models are frequent targets, and catalytic converters are often stolen right off parked cars.

How Insurance Handles a Stolen Car

Comprehensive coverage pays for theft of your vehicle and for damage caused during a theft or attempted theft, minus your deductible. Liability-only policies don’t cover theft.
If the car isn’t recovered, Comprehensive pays its actual cash value, not what you owe on the loan. Gap coverage helps if you owe more than the car is worth.
Rental reimbursement helps pay for a rental while your claim is handled.
Belongings stolen from the car are usually covered by your homeowners or renters policy, not your auto policy.

Does Leaving It Running Affect My Claim?

Most auto policies still cover a car stolen while it was left running, but it depends on your policy wording, and a ticket for leaving a vehicle unattended doesn’t help. Some carriers have exclusions or limits for vehicles left with the keys inside. The simplest fix is not to give a thief the opportunity.

Ways to Protect Your Car This Winter

Use a remote starter, and keep the doors locked while it warms up.
Park in a garage when you can, which also protects against hail.
Never leave keys, key fobs, or garage door openers in the car.
Consider a steering wheel lock or GPS tracker, especially for frequently stolen models.
Ask about anti-theft discounts on your auto policy.

Sources

Have questions about your coverage? Call Johnson Insurance Agency at 303-768-8130 or stop by our office at 14 Inverness Dr. E, Suite G236, in Englewood. We compare coverage from multiple carriers for families and businesses across the Denver metro area and Colorado.