Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
The idea of putting your car keys in the ignition might seem like a bad idea, but does insurance cover cars that are stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. However, there are a few exceptions.
First, make sure your vehicle is indeed missing prior to filing a claim. Understand that the claim process will start with a police report and a detailed description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
It is crucial to take preventative measures to safeguard your car and its contents. Car theft is increasing across the country and Colorado is ranked first in per capita thefts. This includes locking your vehicle and setting up an alarm and taking all keys and fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's a good idea to store valuables in the vehicle, or better to remove the vehicle altogether. However, even if you've taken precautionary steps, you might be a victim of a crime of opportunity. If your vehicle is stolen and you have your key inside, follow these steps to report it to the police and to your insurer.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, you must contact the police immediately to submit a theft report. The more details you can give the police about your car including its model and make, as well as license plate number or VIN, the better the chance of it being returned to you. Let the police know whether your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.
After you've filed a report, contact your insurance company to notify them of the theft. You'll be able to do this over the phone or online, depending on the policies of your insurance company. Input your policy number, your car's model and make, as well as any identifying details (like large damage or custom-made add-ons) and the date and location of the theft. Let your insurance agent know that you have other technology on your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system, that could help them locate it.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company the exact information, as any discrepancies can hinder the process of processing your claim. In addition, if you are in significant debt, the insurance company could use this information to determine whether to cover your claim or not. It is best not to leave any personal documents or information in your vehicle, such as receipts for credit cards, numbers on credit cards and pay stubs. If you do leave this information in your car, be sure to notify your bank, credit card company and other entities of the theft so that they can put a halt to any unauthorised charges and notify their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is increasing. In fact thousands of vehicles are stolen with the owner's keys inside each year. So, it's not just a matter of luck. You can help prevent this from happening by putting more deterrents between your car and potential thieves.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft occurs. You can get a car rental from your insurance company while you wait to retrieve your vehicle or get 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 submit a police report that includes the name and number of the officer who inspected the incident, as well as the date and time of the theft.
Include all pertinent information regarding your vehicle, including the model and make of your vehicle, and an extensive description of the items that were taken. Make sure to include your name number, address and any other information about anyone who may have had access to your vehicle or the valuables inside. This information will assist the police investigate and eliminate fraud attempts. It is possible to conduct a credit report as well. This is to ensure that you don't have an excessive amount of debt which could create suspicions and make it harder to get an equitable settlement for your vehicle.
Your insurance company will provide you with the name and number of a representative to assist you in the claims process. They will have a variety of ways to reach them, from a telephone number to a chat service and you can talk about the incident at your convenience.
It can be a hassle to file a claim for car insurance with your insurance company and the police, but it is important to do so as soon as you can. It's not just about making sure your car receives the attention it needs and deserves, but it also helps you avoid being victimized by a scam or being denied coverage due to an error that isn't too difficult to spot.
3. File a Claim
Your insurer will want to know all the facts as soon as possible So ensure that everything is put in order. This includes where your car was prior to and after it was taken away, any photos you might have, as well as the contact information of everyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company will also require a precise description of your vehicle, including any upgrades and options you may have. Keep receipts.
You may have to submit two claims. One for your auto insurance policy and another for renters or homeowners for any personal items that were in the car. If you do have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy should be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. Your policy's limits as well as your deductible are still in place.
After your claim is processed, your insurance company will either reimburse you the value in cash of the vehicle, if the car has been deemed to be totaled, or pay the full cost in the event that the car was recovered and then returned. You'll then be responsible for your deductible in the event that you decide to repair the vehicle, which is typically not feasible.
It can take up to 30 days or more for an insurance company to settle a stolen car claim. While you wait for the settlement, it may be difficult to navigate, so check to see whether your policy provides rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, but coverage can vary based on the policy and provider.
Report your vehicle to the police immediately if not found. This will add your vehicle to national and state databases which will make it harder for thieves to try to sell your vehicle. Additionally you'll be able make a police report with the insurance company you have with your vehicle and have it added to your policy.
The act of leaving keys in your car could result in a car being stolen and it's best to keep them in a secure location and lock the vehicle when it is not being used. You can also stop theft by parking your vehicle in well-lit areas and keeping your keys with you.
4. Recover Your car
When you're certain your car has been stolen with keys inside, you should call the police to file a report. This will add the details about your vehicle to state and federal databases which makes it harder for thieves to steal. Contact your insurer immediately to report a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will cover the cost of replacing your vehicle stolen, less depreciation. The insurer will consider the value of your car by taking into account things like similar vehicles in your region and the mileage on your odometer and other factors. However, you'll need to pay the $500 deductible.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage that was caused when your car was stolen even when the keys were inside. If you're using a device to track your car that tracks your vehicle, it could assist police find your car once it's found.
It's crucial to act quickly after your car is stolen with the keys inside because delays could result in your claim being denied or even investigated as fraud. In some cases you check here might be required to attend an examination under oath, where you'll be asked questions by a representative from your insurance company under swearing.
You may need to file a claim on any additional items you have stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your car. These items will probably be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on where you kept them. However, if you have your auto and home insurance policies combined typically, you can make both claims simultaneously.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys when you're not driving it. Keep your spare key in a safe place away from your car. Don't write your name or address on your car keys and select parking spaces that are well-lit, monitored and off the street as much as possible. You should also make sure your car is parked in a secure, well-lit spot and that you're not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.