Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It may appear to be a bad idea to leave keys to your car in the ignition however, is insurance covered for stolen cars with keys inside them? Generally, yes. However, there are a few exceptions.
Before filing a claim, first ensure that your vehicle is indeed missing. The claim process begins with a police declaration along with a detailed description of your vehicle.
1. Contact the police
With car theft spiking nationwide and Colorado being the top state for per capita thefts, it's important to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your vehicle, setting up an alarm, and taking all keys and fobs out of the vehicle when not driving it. It's also an excellent idea to lock valuables in the vehicle or, better yet, take them completely from the vehicle. Even if you take the necessary precautions but you may still be the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If your car is stolen and you have the key inside follow these steps to notify the police and to your insurer.
Immediately after your vehicle is reported stolen, you must contact the police immediately to make a theft report. The more information you are able to provide to the police regarding your vehicle, including its make and model, license plate number, VIN and identifying features, the better chance it will have of being returned to you. Let the police know if your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.
After you've filed your police report, contact your insurance company and inform them of theft. Based on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able to do this via phone or via the internet. Input your policy number, the car's model and make, any identifying information (like large dents or custom add-ons) and the time and the location of the theft. Inform your insurance agent if you have any other equipment on your vehicle, like a GPS tracking system, which could help them locate it.
Be sure to give the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any inconsistencies could delay the process of your claim. Additionally, if you have significant debt, the insurance company can make use of this information to determine whether to pay your claim or not. It is recommended not to leave any personal information or documents in your vehicle including credit card numbers, receipts, and paycheck stubs. If you do leave such details in your vehicle inform your bank and credit card company, and all other entities regarding the theft. This will allow them to stop any unauthorised charges, and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the rise. In reality, thousands of cars are stolen with owners' keys inside each year. It's not just bad luck. You can reduce this crime by putting in more deterrents to your car.
The first thing you have to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft occurs. You can request a car rental from your insurer while you wait to retrieve your vehicle, or receive compensation if you do not. They will answer all your questions and provide you with the details of your insurance policy. It is also recommended to file a police complaint with the name and contact number of the officer who was involved in the investigation and the time and date.
Be sure to include all the relevant details of your vehicle, including the model and make, and a detailed description of the items taken. Also, remember to include the name and phone number of anyone who had access to the vehicle, or any valuables inside it. This information will assist police investigate the claims and eliminate people trying to commit fraud. It is possible to run a credit check as well. This is to ensure you are not in significant debt that could raise suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for your stolen car.
The insurance company may also provide you with the name and number of a representative to assist you in the claims process. You can reach them in many ways, including by phone or 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 essential to do it as soon as you can. Not only does it ensure your vehicle receives the attention it deserves and deserves, but it also helps you avoid getting caught in a scam or being denied coverage because of an oversight.
3. Claim your Benefits
Your insurance company will want be informed in the shortest time possible Therefore, make sure you have everything organized. This includes where your car was prior to and after it was stolen, any photos you may have, and the contact information of everyone who was able to access the vehicle. Your insurance company will also require a detailed description of your vehicle including any upgrades or options you may have. Also, keep receipts.
You could be required to file two claims one claim for auto insurance for the vehicle itself and a homeowner or renters insurance claim for any personal belongings that were in the car. If you do have a comprehensive insurance policy the auto insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your property. Your policy's limits and your deductible will still apply.
Once your claim has been completed the insurance company will either pay you the actual cash value of the car if the car has been deemed totaled, or cover the entire amount in the event that the car was recovered and returned. Then, you'll be responsible for the deductible if you decide to repair your vehicle, which is usually here not feasible.
It can take up to 30 days for an insurance company to settle a stolen vehicle claim. In the meantime, it can be difficult to get around so make sure to check whether your policy includes rental reimbursement. Most do, though coverage can vary based on the policy of the provider and.
If your vehicle isn't located, it is important to report it to the police right away. This will be added to national and state databases which will make it harder for thieves to try to sell your vehicle. You can also include a police report to your car insurance policy by filing it with your insurer.
If you don't want your car to be taken away Keep your keys away from view and lock your car when it's not in use. You can also try to keep your keys safe by parking in areas that are well-lit and carrying your keys with your at all times, and avoiding hiding valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your Car
As soon as you're sure your car was stolen with keys inside, contact the police to file a report. This will add your vehicle's information to state and national databases, making it difficult for thieves to steal it. Contact your insurance company immediately to report a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will replace the vehicle you lost without depreciation. The insurer will take into account comparable vehicles in your region, mileage on the odometer as well as other factors to determine how much your car is worth. However, you'll still need to pay the $500 deductible.
In addition to the cost to replace your vehicle the insurance company will also repair any damage that occurred while your vehicle was stolen with keys inside. If you're using an electronic device that tracks your vehicle that tracks your vehicle, it could assist police find your car once it's been recovered.
If your car has been taken with your keys inside, you should take action immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be rejected or investigated as fraud. In some instances, an insurance representative may be able to ask you questions under the oath.
You may have to file an an additional claim for any items that have been stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your car. These items will likely be covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on the location you kept them. If you have your home and auto insurance policies combined and you want to make both claims simultaneously.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys when you're not driving it. Keep your spare keys in a secure place away from your vehicle. Never write your name or address on your keys to your car. Rather, pick parking spots that are well-lit, monitored and off the street as much as you can. Also, ensure that your car is in a secure, well-lit location and that you're not blocking mailboxes or driveways.