Grand Theft Auto 5: Your Guide to Insurance (and Avoiding Total Loss)
So, you’re cruising the streets of Los Santos, living that high-octane GTA life, but the inevitable has happened: your prized vehicle is now a twisted heap of metal. The good news is, even in the chaotic world of Grand Theft Auto 5, you can get insurance. Here’s the lowdown: Insurance in GTA 5 primarily comes through Los Santos Customs, and it’s automatically applied to vehicles you purchase online. Once you buy a vehicle from a website like Legendary Motorsport, Southern San Andreas Super Autos, or Warstock Cache & Carry, it’s automatically insured against destruction and theft. No forms to fill out, no pushy salespeople – just good old automatic coverage.
Understanding GTA 5 Vehicle Insurance
The insurance system in GTA 5 is straightforward but crucial for protecting your investment in your virtual vehicles. Once insured, if your vehicle is destroyed or stolen, you can recover it by contacting Mors Mutual Insurance through your in-game phone. It’s your lifeline when disaster strikes.
How Mors Mutual Saves the Day
Mors Mutual Insurance operates as your dedicated automotive recovery service. If your insured vehicle is blown to smithereens, driven off a cliff, or simply vanished (often due to another player’s sticky fingers), you can call Mors Mutual.
- Contacting Mors Mutual: Open your phone, go to your contacts, and select “Mors Mutual Insurance.”
- Vehicle Retrieval: After a brief conversation, they will inform you that your vehicle is being processed. Head over to the Mors Mutual Insurance Impound Lot, indicated on your map by a car icon.
- Paying the Claim: There’s a small claim fee associated with retrieving your vehicle. This fee is typically a percentage of the vehicle’s original purchase price, so remember that driving a Zentorno carries a higher risk (and higher insurance costs) than driving a Blista Compact.
- Avoiding Premature Claims: Be aware that if your vehicle is merely impounded by the police (due to you getting busted), calling Mors Mutual won’t work. You’ll need to retrieve it from the LSPD Impound instead.
Important Considerations Regarding Insurance
While most purchased vehicles receive automatic insurance, there are exceptions and nuances to be aware of. Understanding these details can save you frustration and prevent the loss of your beloved cars and bikes.
Stolen Vehicles and Insurance
Vehicles you steal directly from the street cannot be insured. This means that if you modify a random car and drive it around, and it gets destroyed, it’s gone for good. Only vehicles you purchase online through in-game websites can be insured.
Customization and Insurance
Customizing your vehicle at Los Santos Customs does not automatically insure it. The insurance comes from the initial purchase through the in-game websites. Modifying a stolen car also won’t let you insure it. Any modifications you make to your insured vehicle are covered by the insurance.
Special Vehicles and Insurance
Some special vehicles, such as those earned through missions or acquired through specific game modes, may have unique insurance rules. Always double-check the vehicle’s status after acquisition to ensure it’s properly insured.
Protecting your investment
The insurance system in GTA 5 is very lenient. You can destroy your vehicle repeatedly and reclaim it through Mors Mutual. There is seemingly no limit to the number of times you can claim on the insurance. However, the cost of the claim will add up over time, so it’s always best to drive carefully (or at least try to!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about vehicle insurance in Grand Theft Auto 5, designed to provide comprehensive guidance:
How do I know if my vehicle is insured?
The easiest way to check is by destroying the vehicle and then attempting to call Mors Mutual. If they answer and acknowledge your vehicle, it’s insured. If they don’t, you’re out of luck. Generally, if you bought it online, it’s insured.
What happens if I destroy another player’s insured vehicle?
You’ll be charged for the insurance claim cost via your in-game bank account. Think of it as a “griefing tax.” Be prepared to pay up if you’re trigger-happy with explosives.
Can I insure aircraft or boats?
Yes, the same principle applies. Aircraft and boats purchased online through websites like Elitas Travel and Docktease are automatically insured, and you can reclaim them through Mors Mutual after destruction.
What happens if I don’t have enough money to pay the insurance claim?
Mors Mutual won’t release your vehicle until the claim is paid. You’ll need to earn some cash through missions, heists, or less-than-legal means before you can retrieve your ride.
Can I insure vehicles I find in Story Mode?
No, the insurance system is primarily designed for online vehicles. Stolen vehicles in Story Mode cannot be insured, so treat them with extra care.
If another player steals my insured vehicle and destroys it, do I still have to pay the claim?
No, the player who destroys the vehicle is responsible for paying the insurance claim, not the original owner. Mors Mutual will come after them.
Does the insurance cover vehicle upgrades and modifications?
Yes, modifications you make at Los Santos Customs are covered. If your insured, upgraded vehicle is destroyed, Mors Mutual will return it to you with all the same upgrades.
Are there any vehicles that cannot be insured, even if purchased?
Some very rare or special vehicles obtained through glitches or exploits might not be eligible for insurance. Always proceed with caution when acquiring vehicles through unofficial channels.
Is there a limit to how many insured vehicles I can own?
Yes, there’s a limit to the number of vehicles you can store in your garages and apartments. This effectively limits the number of insured vehicles you can own. However, with multiple characters and properties, you can amass a substantial collection.
What if my vehicle is glitched and disappears?
Try switching sessions (joining a new online game). If the vehicle is still missing, contact Mors Mutual. If they don’t recognize it, you may be out of luck. Sometimes, Rockstar Support can assist with these issues, but there’s no guarantee.
Does insurance transfer between characters in GTA Online?
No, insurance is tied to the specific character who purchased the vehicle. If you have multiple characters, each will need to purchase and insure their own vehicles.
Is there any way to reduce the cost of insurance claims?
Unfortunately, no. The insurance claim cost is a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s original purchase price. Driving more cautiously is the only way to reduce your overall insurance expenses.
Grand Theft Auto 5’s insurance system is a critical component of managing your vehicle collection and avoiding permanent loss. By understanding how it works, you can navigate the treacherous roads of Los Santos with a little more confidence, knowing that Mors Mutual Insurance is just a phone call away, ready to bring your beloved cars back from the brink. Drive safe (or at least, strategically).
Leave a Reply