A lot has to do with the policy, the salesman and the adjuster.
For example, I used to be a producer at AAA NorCal. The POLICY states anything permanently installed on the vehicle is considered part of the vehicle. Now, I worked as a claims adjuster and in claims, the company always sided when possible in favor of the insured (yes, catch your breath, I know how that sounds) so if you could point to an amplifier location and show me holes where you screwed in onto the car and maybe a cut wire, I could help you. Lights, GPS etc...as long as it was permanently installed.
So I would tell you things like a GPS that is removable, not covered. Roof Rack that is removable and not locked on, may not be covered. And as a sales agent, I would be able to help you make the items conform to the policy language. Items not covered could be covered under your Homeowners policy, you just had to make sure if they were high dollar that the HO policy knew they were there.
Now, I was a claims guy, so I knew the results and therefore I had a benefit as a sales guy. I knew how it worked at my company.
So back to policy, agent and adjuster.
The policy will clearly define what is covered and more important, what is NOT. Read a policy, if you are unclear ask questions. General good faith rules is if it does not specifically exclude something, it should be covered. However, the defenition of what is "the vehicle" is the question. So look for language the excludes "non factory" or "not dealer installed" wording. On Motorcycle insurance, especially H-D's dressers, this is always the issue it seems...
Agents may or may not be clear on the special needs of your vehicle. If they don't understand, you need to find someone who does. It's not the agents fault they don't know everything, they are human, but if they don't understand clearly what you need, they can't ask the right questions to make sure you get the answers you need. Really, it is more a claims issue, so they have little experience with it.
And adjuster. IF the policy and the agent say it should be covered, the adjuster (who may be a low pay drone) may not be really familiar with the policy and how it relates to your special items. So, make sure you explain the protion of the policy you think applies and then illustrate to them how it applies....
for example: You have an integrated in car GPS/Computer. It is mounted on a base and hard wired to the vehicle. The wireless keyboard and mouse are in the car and the whole thing is stolen. When I was an adjuster I needed to see where the mount was taken from the car. What type of computer was it. Where were the wires cut? Do the mouse and keyboard go with that computer only? Then I can make a decision.
It is really is a benefit to you to know your policy inside and out.
Now all that being said, all policies are NOT the same, do the research so you don't get hosed.
