Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It may seem like a negative thing to leave your car keys in the ignition however, is insurance covered for cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. However there are some caveats.
First, make sure your vehicle is truly missing prior to filing claims. Be aware that the claim process will start with a police investigation and a detailed description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
It is essential to take preventative measures to protect your car and its contents. Car theft is on the rise across the country and Colorado ranks #1 in per capita thefts. 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 a good idea also to hide valuables in the vehicle, or even better take the car out of your sight. Even if you take the necessary precautions however, you could be the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If you have a key inside of your vehicle and it's stolen, here are the steps to follow to inform the police and your insurance.
Immediately after your vehicle is reported stolen, contact the police immediately to file an official theft report. The more details you provide to the police regarding your vehicle like its make and model and the license plate number, or VIN, the higher the chance of it being returned to you. Also, inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with the GPS device.
After you've filed your police report, you need to contact your insurance company and inform them of the theft. You should be able to do this by phone or online, depending on your insurance company's policies. Input your policy number, the vehicle's model and make, any identifying details (like large scratches or custom-designed add-ons) and the date and location of the loss. Inform your agent if the vehicle has any other technology such as GPS tracking, which could help them locate your car.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company the exact details, as any ambiguities can delay the process of processing your claim. In addition, if you are in substantial debt, the insurance company can utilize this information to decide whether to cover your claim or not. This is the reason it's best to not leave any personal documents or other information in your vehicle, like credit cards, receipts and pay stubs. If you do leave this information in your vehicle, make sure to notify your bank, credit card companies and other entities of the theft so they can stop any unauthorised charges and notify their security departments.
2. Contact Your Insurer
It's no secret that car theft is increasing. In fact, thousands of cars are taken with the owner's keys inside each year. This isn't just a matter of luck. You can do your part to avoid this crime by putting more deterrents between your car and potential thieves.
The first thing you have to do is contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Your insurance company can provide you with a rental vehicle while you wait for your car to be returned or compensate you if it isn't. They can give you the specifics of your policy as well as answer any questions. You must also submit a police report with the name and contact number of the officer that investigated the incident as well as the date and time.
Include all pertinent information regarding your vehicle, including its make and model and a detailed description on the items that were stolen. Remember to include the name, number and any other information about anyone who may have had access to your vehicle or the valuables inside. This get more info will help police investigate and eliminate fraud attempts. It is possible to conduct a credit check in addition. This is to ensure that you are not in significant debt which could lead to suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for the car you stole.
The insurance company may also provide you with the name and number of a representative to assist you through the claim process. You can contact them in many ways, including by phone or online chat.
If making a claim for insurance on your car with the police and insurer is an inconvenience it is essential to complete the process as fast as you can. Not only does it ensure your car receives the attention it needs and deserves, but it also helps you avoid being 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. Include any photographs as well as the location of your vehicle before and after it's loss, and the contact details of those who had access to it. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your vehicle, including any upgrades or options you might have. You should also keep receipts.
You may have to make two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a renter or homeowner insurance claim for any personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you have a comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy it will cover the cost to replace your property. However, the policy's limits and deductibles will apply.
Once your claim is completed the insurance company will either pay you back the cash value of the vehicle, if the car has been deemed totaled, or cover the entire amount in the event that the vehicle was recovered and returned. If you decide to repair your car, which is not always feasible, your insurer will charge you for the deductible.
An insurer may take up 30 to 60 days to settle a claim for a car that has been stolen. In the meantime it can be difficult to navigate and you should check whether your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, though coverage is contingent on the policy of the provider and.
Report your vehicle to the police immediately if it's not found. This will place your vehicle in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car later on. You can also include the police report to your auto insurance policy by filing it with your insurer.
If you don't want your car to be taken away Keep your keys out of view and secure your vehicle when it's not being used. You can also prevent theft by parking your car in well-lit areas and keeping your key in your pocket.
4. Recover Your Car
As soon as you are certain that your car was stolen with the keys inside, notify the police and file a claim. This will add the information about your vehicle to both federal and state databases which makes it harder for thieves to steal. You should also get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to file a stolen vehicle claim.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will replace your car minus depreciation. The insurer will assess the value of your vehicle by taking into account factors such as similar vehicles in your area and the mileage on your odometer, and many other factors. You'll still need to pay a $500 deductable.
In addition to paying to replace your vehicle the insurance company will also repair any damage that was caused when your car was stolen with the keys inside. If you own a device to track your car it can help police locate your vehicle once it's recovered.
If your vehicle has been taken with your keys inside, you need to act immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be denied or investigated as fraud. In certain instances you might be required to undergo an examination under oath, where you'll be asked questions by a representative from your insurance company under oath.
You may need to file a claim on any additional items that have been stolen from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your vehicle. These items are most likely to be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on the place they were kept. If you have both your homeowners and auto insurance policies combined and you want to make both claims at the same time.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys from it when not driving it. Keep your spare key in a safe location away from your vehicle. Never put your name or address on your car keys and choose parking spaces that are well-lit, monitored and off-street whenever possible. Also, ensure that your car is in a secure, well-lit location and that you're not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.