Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It may appear to be a bad idea to leave your car keys in the ignition but is insurance coverage for vehicles that are stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. There are some caveats.
Before filing an insurance claim, you must first confirm that your vehicle is indeed missing. Know that the claim process begins with a police report as well as an accurate description of your car.
1. Contact the police
With car theft spiking nationwide and Colorado ranking #1 for per capita thefts, you need to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your car, setting up an alert and removing all keys and fobs from the vehicle when not driving. It's also a good idea to hide valuables in the vehicle, or even better, remove the car altogether. Even if you take the necessary precautions, you could still become the victim of a crime-of-opportunity. If your vehicle is taken and you have your key inside, follow these steps to inform the police and to your insurer.
When your vehicle is reported stolen, contact the police immediately to make an official theft report. The more information you are able to provide to the police regarding your vehicle, such as its model and make, license plate number, VIN number and other identifying characteristics, the better chances it has of being returned to you. Inform the police if your vehicle has a GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, call your insurance company to inform them of theft. You'll be able to make this call or online, depending on your insurance company's policies. Please provide your policy number, the name of your insurance company, the make and model of the vehicle as well as any identifiable information (like large damage, custom modifications and so on.) and the exact location and time of the theft. Inform your insurance agent if you have any other technology on your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system, which can assist in finding it.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any inconsistencies can hinder the process of processing your claim. In addition, if you are in substantial debt, the insurance company can make use of this information to determine whether to settle your claim or not. This is why it's best to keep all personal documents or other information in your vehicle, including receipts for credit cards, receipts for purchases and paycheck stubs. If you do decide to leave this information in your vehicle, make sure to notify your bank, credit card companies and other entities of the theft so that they can stop any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is increasing. In fact thousands of cars are stolen with the owner's keys inside every year. This isn't just a matter of luck. You can help stop this crime by putting more security measures in place between your vehicle and potential thieves.
The first thing you have to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft occurs. You can get a rental vehicle from your insurance company while you wait for the return of your vehicle or get compensation if you do not. They can answer all your questions and provide you with the specifics of your insurance policy. It is also essential to make a police report containing the name and phone number of the officer who conducted an investigation into the incident, along with the time and date of the theft.
Include all pertinent information about your vehicle, such as its make and model and a detailed description on the items that were stolen. Also, make sure to include the name and contact number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables in it. This information will assist police investigate the incident and identify those who are trying to commit fraud. It could be necessary to conduct a credit report in addition. This is to make sure you don't have a lot of debt that may cause suspicion and make it difficult to negotiate a fair settlement for your vehicle.
You can also request the name and phone number of the representative from your insurance company to help navigate through the claims process. You can reach them via a variety of ways, including via phone or online chat.
When filing a claim for car insurance with the police and your insurer can be a hassle and it's important to file it as swiftly as you can. It is crucial to submit a claim as fast as you can. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle gets the attention it needs but it will also help you avoid being a victim of scams and having insurance denied due to an error that is simple.
3. Claim your Benefits
You'll need to give all the information as soon as you can. Include any photographs, the location of your car prior to and following the theft, as well as the contact information of anyone who had access to it. The insurance company will require an exact description of your car including any upgrades and other options. Keep receipts.
You may be required to submit two claims one claim for auto insurance for the vehicle itself and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for any personal belongings inside the car. If you have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy should cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the policy's limits and deductibles will be in effect.
Once your claim has been processed, your insurer will either reimburse you for the actual cash value of the vehicle in the event that it's declared totaled, or pay out the full cost if your car is found and returned. Then, you'll be responsible for your deductible if you choose to repair the vehicle, which is usually not feasible.
It can take up to 30 days for an insurance company to settle a stolen vehicle claim. It isn't easy to travel during the waiting, so make sure your policy includes reimbursement for rental. Most do, but coverage differs by the policy and the provider.
Inform the police immediately if it is not found. This will put your car in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to sell your car later on. Additionally you'll be able file 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 can cause a car to be stolen and it's best to keep them in a secure location and lock your vehicle when it is not being used. You can also keep your keys safe by parking in areas that are well-lit, taking your key with you at all times, and not putting valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your Car
If you are certain that your car was taken with keys inside, contact the police and file a claim. This will add your vehicle's information to state and national databases, making it more difficult for thieves to steal it. You should also contact your insurance company as quickly as you can in order to claim a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will pay to replace the vehicle that was stolen, minus depreciation. The insurer will take into account comparable vehicles in your region, mileage on the odometer, and other factors to determine how the value of your car is. However, you'll still need to pay an amount of $500 for deductible.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage that occurred while your car was stolen, even when the keys were in the. If you own an electronic device that tracks your vehicle it can help police here locate your vehicle after it's found.
It's crucial to act quickly when your car is stolen with the keys inside because delays can lead to your claim being denied or even investigated as fraud. In certain instances an insurance agent could ask you questions under an oath.
You may need to file another claim for any items that were stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your vehicle. These items are usually covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on the location in which they were kept. However, if you have your auto and home insurance policies together, you can usually submit both claims simultaneously.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys from it when not driving it. Keep the spare key in a safe location away from your vehicle. Don't write your name or address on your car keys. Also, pick parking spots that are well-lit, monitored and off-street as much as possible. You should also make sure your car is in a safe, easily visible place and that you're blocking mailboxes or driveways.