Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It might seem like a negative thing to leave your car keys in the ignition but is insurance coverage for vehicles that are stolen with keys inside them? Generally, yes. However there are a few caveats.
Before you file an insurance claim, you must first ensure that your vehicle is actually missing. The claim process starts with a police declaration and a detailed description of your vehicle.
1. Call the Police
With car theft spiking nationwide and Colorado being ranked first in per capita thefts, it's important to take preventive measures to protect your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your vehicle and setting up an alarm, and taking all keys or fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's also a good idea to keep valuables out of the vehicle, or better, remove the car altogether. However, even having taken preventive steps, you might be a victim of a crime of opportunity. If your vehicle is stolen and you have the key inside follow these steps to report it to the police and your insurance company.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, contact the police immediately to make a theft report. The more information you can provide to the police regarding your vehicle, including make and model, license plate number, VIN and other identifying characteristics, the better chance it will have of being returned to you. Also inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with a GPS device.
After you've filed a report, call your insurance company to inform them of the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by telephone or online. Please provide your policy number, the make and model of the vehicle, any identifying information (like large scratches, custom-made additions or custom additions, etc.) and the location and time of the theft. Inform your agent if the vehicle has any other technology like GPS tracking, which could aid in locating your car.
Don't forget to give your insurance company and police with the same information. Any discrepancies could delay the process of processing your claims. Insurance companies may also make use of this information to determine whether or not to make a claim in the event that you owe a large amount of money. This is why it's advisable to not leave any personal documents or data in your vehicle, like receipts, credit cards and paycheck stubs. If you do leave this information in your car, be sure to inform your bank, credit card company and other entities of the theft so that they can stop any charges that are not authorized and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is increasing. Every year, thousands of vehicles with keys inside are taken. It's not just bad luck. You can reduce this crime by adding more security measures to your vehicle.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft has occurred. You can get a rental vehicle from your insurer while you wait to retrieve your vehicle, or receive compensation if you do not. They can give you the specifics of your policy as well as answer any questions. It is also essential to file a police report with the name and number of the officer who investigated the incident, as well as the time and date of the theft.
Include all pertinent information about your vehicle, including its make and model and a detailed description on the items that were stolen. Be sure to include the name as well as the number and details about anyone who might have had access to your vehicle or the valuables inside. This information will help police investigate the claims and eliminate people who may be attempting to commit fraud. It is possible to conduct a credit report as well. This is to make sure you aren't in a significant amount of debt which could lead to suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult to negotiate an acceptable settlement for your stolen car.
Your insurance company can also provide you with the name and number of a representative who will assist you through the claims process. You can reach them in a variety of ways, including via phone or via online chat.
It may be an inconvenience to submit a claim for your car insurance with your insurance company and the police, but it is crucial to file it in the earliest time possible. It's not just about making sure your car gets the attention it needs, but it can help you avoid getting victimized by a scam or being denied coverage because of a simple mistake.
3. File a Claim
You'll need to give all the information as soon as you can. This includes where your car was prior to and following the time it was taken away, any photos you might have, and contact details for anyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your car, including any options and upgrades you might have. If you have receipts for your purchase, these are important too.
You may be required to submit two claims. One for your auto insurance policy, and the other for renters or homeowners to cover any personal belongings in the vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, it should cover the cost to replace your property. However, the limits of your policy and deductibles will be in effect.
Once your claim has been processed the insurance company deactivate stolen car key fob will either pay you back the actual cash value of the car if the car has been deemed to be totaled, or pay the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was recovered and returned. Then you'll be accountable for the deductible if you decide to repair the vehicle, which is usually not feasible.
An insurance company could take up 30 to 60 days to resolve the claim for a vehicle that was stolen. While you're waiting, it can be a challenge to navigate, so check to see whether your policy provides rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, however coverage is different for each the policy and provider.
If your car isn't found, it's important to report it to the police right away. This will be added to databases of the state and national levels, which will make it difficult for thieves to sell your vehicle. In addition you'll be able to file a police report with your auto insurance company and have it added to your policy.
If you leave your keys in your car can result in a car being stolen, so it's always best to keep them in a secure place and lock the vehicle when it is not in use. You can also deter theft by parking your vehicle in areas that are well-lit and keeping your keys with you.
4. Recover Your car
If you are certain that your vehicle was taken with keys inside, notify the police and file a claim. This will include the information about your vehicle to both federal and state databases making it more difficult for thieves to sell. It is also recommended to contact your insurance company as quickly as possible to file a stolen vehicle claim.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will replace your car with the exception of depreciation. The insurance company will consider similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine the value of your vehicle is. You'll still need to pay a $500 deduction.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage caused while your car was stolen, even when the keys were inside. If you're using a tracking device it can help police locate your vehicle once it's been recovered.
If your car has been taken with your keys inside, you need to take action immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be rejected or questioned as fraud. In some cases you could be required to undergo an examination under oath, where you'll be asked questions by a representative of your insurance company under oath.
You may have to file an an additional claim for any items you have stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your car. These items are likely covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on the place they were kept. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies together, you can make both claims at the same time.
If you're not in your car, always secure it by locking it and taking out the keys. Keep your spare keys in a safe place away from your car. Never put your name or address on your keys. Pick parking spots that are well-lit and monitored, and, if you can, you can park off-street. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is safely parked and clearly visible, and that it's not blocking any mailboxes or driveways.