Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It may seem like a bad thing to leave keys to your car in the ignition however, is insurance covered for stolen cars with keys in them? Generally, yes. However there are a few exceptions.
First, ensure that your vehicle is truly missing prior to filing claims. Know that the claim process begins with a police investigation and a thorough description of the vehicle.
1. Contact the police
With car thefts increasing across the country and Colorado ranking #1 for per capita thefts, it's important to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your car, setting up an alarm and taking all keys or fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's also an excellent idea to lock valuables inside the vehicle or better yet, take them completely from the vehicle. Even if you've taken precautions, you could still become the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If you have a key in the interior of your vehicle when it's stolen, here are the steps to take to report the theft to police and your insurer.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, call the police to file a theft report. The more details you provide to the police about your car like the model and make as well as the license plate number, or VIN, the greater chances that it will be returned to you. Also, inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with an GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to notify them of the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you might be able to notify them via phone or online. Please provide your policy number, the name of your insurance company, the make and model of the vehicle, any identifying information (like large dents, custom additions and so on.) and the exact location and time of the theft. Inform your insurance company whether you have any other technological features in your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system that can assist in finding it.
Don't forget to give your insurance company and police the exact same information. Any discrepancies can delay the processing of your claims. Additionally, if you have significant debt, your insurance company can use this information to determine whether to pay your claim or not. It's best not to leave any personal information or documents in your car, such as receipts for credit cards, numbers on credit cards and pay stubs. If you do leave any of these information in your car inform your bank as well as your credit card company, and all other entities regarding the theft. This will allow them to stop any unauthorized charges and also alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurer
Car theft is on the increase. Every year, thousands vehicles with keys inside are taken. It's not just a matter of luck, but you can do your part to stop this crime by putting more deterrents between your vehicle and potential thieves.
Contact your insurance company immediately after the theft. You can get a rental vehicle from your insurance company while you wait to recover your vehicle or get compensation in the event that you don't. They will answer all your questions and provide you with the specifics of your insurance policy. You should also submit a police report with the name and contact number of the officer who investigated the incident and the time and date.
Be sure to include all pertinent details of your vehicle, including its make and model and a full description of the items that were stolen. Also, make sure to include the name and number of any person who had access to the vehicle or any valuables in it. This information will assist police investigate the claims and eliminate those who are trying to commit fraud. You may also need to check your credit report. This is to ensure you don't have a lot of debt that may cause suspicion and make it harder to secure an acceptable settlement for your vehicle.
You can also get the name and contact number of a representative from your insurance company to help get through the claims process. They will have multiple ways to reach them, from a telephone number to a chat method to discuss the incident at your convenience.
When filing a car insurance claim with the police or your insurance company is a hassle, it's crucial to file it as swiftly as possible. It's crucial to make a claim as quickly as you can. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle receives the attention it requires but it will also help you avoid being a victim of a scam and having insurance denied due to an error that is simple.
3. Claim your Benefits
You'll need to give all the details as soon as you can. This includes where your vehicle was before and after it was taken away, any photos you might have, and contact information for everyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company needs an exact description of your vehicle, including any upgrades and options. If you have receipts, they are essential as well.
You could be required to file two claims: an auto insurance claim for the car 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 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 has been processed, your insurer will either pay you back the actual cash value of your vehicle if it's deemed totaled or pay the full cost if your vehicle is recovered and returned. Then you'll be accountable for the deductible if you decide to repair your vehicle, which is usually not feasible.
It can take up to 30 days or more for an insurer to settle a stolen vehicle claim. It can be difficult to travel during the waiting and you should make sure that your policy includes reimbursement for rental. Most do, although coverage can vary based on the provider and policy.
Report your vehicle to the police immediately if it is not found. This will add your vehicle to databases of the state and national levels, which will make it difficult for thieves to try to sell your vehicle. Additionally, you'll be able to submit a police report to your insurance company for your car and have it added to your policy.
If you leave your keys in your vehicle could lead to a stolen car, so it's always best to keep them in a safe location and lock your vehicle when not in use. You can also prevent theft by parking your vehicle in areas that are well-lit and keeping your key in your pocket.
4. Recover Your car
When you are certain that your vehicle was taken with keys inside, call the police and file a claim. This will add the details about your vehicle to both federal and state databases, making it more difficult for thieves to steal. Contact your insurer immediately to report a vehicle that has been stolen.
If you have comprehensive coverage the insurer will cover the cost of replacing 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 much your car is worth. However, you'll need to pay a $500 deductible.
In addition to paying to replace your vehicle, your insurance company will repair any damage that occurred while your car was stolen with the keys inside. If you're using a tracker, it could assist the police in finding your vehicle after it has been recovered.
It's crucial to act quickly after your car is taken with keys inside, as delays can lead to your claim being rejected or even referred to as fraud. In certain cases you might be required to undergo an examination under oath, where you'll be asked questions by a representative of your insurance company under the oath.
You may have website to file an another claim for any items that were stolen from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your car. These items are usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on the location where they were kept. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies together, you can make both claims at the same time.
Always lock your car and remove keys from it when not driving it. Keep your spare key in a secure place away from your car. Do not write your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and controlled, and as far as possible you can park off-street. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is parked safely and clearly visible, and that it's not blocking mailboxes or driveways.