Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance, you may be able to get a new key. It's dependent on the terms and conditions of your policy though.
It is not unusual for insurance companies to pay theft claims without checking the forensic information of the keys.
Theft
Car key theft is a significant issue because it could leave you without a vehicle and in need of a different means of transportation. Your auto insurance policy can assist you in this situation. The nature of the incident, and the terms and conditions of your policy, will determine whether or not you make an insurance claim. If you are in a car accident and your keys were within the vehicle, it may not be considered theft because the vehicle was already being used by another person. In this situation it is recommended to call the police and notify them immediately.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts are on the increase due to vehicles that are not locked and keys left in vehicles. These incidents can lead to higher insurance premiums for auto insurance, so it's important to be aware of the coverages your policy provides.
Most car insurance policies do not cover the cost of replacement keys in the event that they are damaged or lost even if comprehensive insurance is included. Some plans include roadside assistance that covers key replacements up to a certain amount. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider the importance of your car's keys and the amount it would cost to replace them prior to filing a claim.
A lot of modern "smart" key systems rely on commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, explains Thatcham Research. This system is called the controller area networks, or CAN. Thieves have discovered a technique to hijack the signal, which allows them to unlock or start a car from outside of it. To accomplish this, thieves operate in pairs. One thief is outside with a transmitter device in order to pick up the signal, while another tries to steal the key fob.
Also, personal property inside a car is usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If the cost of replacing your car's key fob is less than the deductible and future insurance premiums that could be incurred by filing an insurance claim it could be worth it.
Damage
If a car key is lost and is not replaced immediately the owner could be charged high-priced fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. The cost of repairs can be more than the cost of replacing keys.
Insurance can cover a portion of the damage if you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. However, this isn't always the case. To fully understand the policy, it's crucial to speak with your agent and to take the time to read it thoroughly.
Most insurance policies for cars do not offer the coverage of keys that are stolen. Only if you have roadside coverage will you be able to get insurance for keys stolen. In this case the insurance company will pay to tow your car to a locksmith who will create a new car key. However the driver is responsible for paying for the new key.
You can also check with your landlord or homeowner's insurance provider to see whether they provide personal property coverage. If your key is lost in a purse or backpack you might be able to claim everything in the bag. However, you'll have to pay your deductible, which is likely higher than the cost of the replacement key.
In general, making an insurance claim isn't worth the effort. The replacement costs are usually less than your deductible, and most modern keys require programming, which can be expensive.
If you do decide to file an insurance claim, make sure to save all your receipts. The insurance company may reimburse you if your claim is approved, however it will depend on the specifics of your policy.
If you're unsure whether your home or car insurance covers lost or stolen keys, call your local Hibbs independent insurance agent. We can assist you in choosing the right insurance for your car, renters' or home insurance to safeguard your loved ones. We can help you compare quotes for your insurance policy and select the best policy for your needs.
Replacement
It's important to consider your options in case you've lost or had your car keys stolen. The kind of key you own can determine what kind of insurance policy you can use to replace it and how much the process will cost. It is also important to consider the impact of filing a claim with your vehicle insurance on your cost of insurance.
You'll need to call your dealer if you have an electronic key. In this case, the dealership will need evidence of ownership of the vehicle like the title or registration in order to make an appropriate key for you. It's important that you keep copies in a secure place of your registration and purchase documents.
In some instances, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost for a lost or stolen key. However, you should be prepared to pay the deductible, which is likely more than the cost of an entirely new key. If you have a standard turn-key ignition, it might be easier to find a replacement at a locksmith or auto parts store.
Another alternative for car owners who have a stolen or lost key is to file a claim through their home or renters insurance. This is because personal property coverage in these policies usually covers a specific amount for the loss of keys, or other items that are stored in your home.
You can also contact your local garage to inquire whether they have the tools needed to reprogram your key fob. Some garages offer on-site key programming that could save you money and time. It's important to note that these businesses may not be able to manage advanced smart keys, and you might have to send your key fob to a third party to reprogramme it.
In most instances, it's not worth the time and effort required to submit an insurance claim for a stolen or lost car key. The cost of replacing the key fob is likely be higher than the deductible, and it will remain on your record. This could lead to higher insurance premiums at renewal.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you're a responsible owner of a vehicle you are likely to have a spare key set in a safe place. What happens if they are lost or stolen? It's a stressful situation, and getting replacements may be more expensive.
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover car key loss or theft. They may provide some coverage under comprehensive or collision coverage, but that's only if your vehicle was in use at the time of the theft. It's not certain that the items inside your vehicle will be covered either. You can find policies that offer additional protection for things like electronic fobs however, they are not common.
Typically, you'll need to make a separate claim to your renters or homeowners insurance policy for the items that are in your vehicle that need to be replaced. If you have your policies in a bundle and you're able to save yourself some time by filing both claims at once.
Even the most secure locking system could fail over time. This is why it's important to keep a spare set of keys on hand and to check for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis.
Knowing your options can ease the burden. Find insurance companies that provide roadside assistance plans. They will provide you with new keys in the event you lose your keys. Some of these services include free locksmith services and more info can reset your immobiliser.
These services can be beneficial, but they don't replace the advantages of a comprehensive auto insurance policy with stolen car key coverage. You should speak to an insurance agent who is licensed If you have any doubts about your provider's ability to offer this type of insurance. They can also assist you in choosing the right policy to meet your budget and needs. Contact us today for an estimate for no cost. We can assist you in finding the best coverage at competitive rates including insurance for keys stolen from your car.