Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
The idea of putting your car keys in the ignition could seem like a bad idea, but does insurance cover cars stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. However, there are some caveats.
First, make sure your vehicle is indeed missing before you file claims. The claim process begins with a police declaration and a thorough description of the vehicle.
1. Contact the police
It is essential to take preventative measures to safeguard your car and its contents. Car theft is on the rise across the country, and Colorado is ranked first in per capita thefts. This includes locking your car and setting up an alarm and removing all keys or fobs from the vehicle while you're not driving. It's a good idea also to store valuables in the vehicle, or even better take the car out of your sight. Even if you take precautions, you could still become the victim of a crime-of-opportunity. If you have a key inside of your vehicle and it's stolen and you want to report it, here are the steps to take to inform the police and your insurance company.
You should notify the police as soon as your vehicle is reported stolen to make a formal report. The more details you can provide the police about your car, such as the model and make as well as the license plate number or VIN, the higher chances of it being returned to you. Also inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with a GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, contact your insurance company and inform them of the theft. Based on the policies of your insurance company, you might be able to notify them via phone or online. Please provide your policy number, make and model of the vehicle as well as any identifiable information (like large dents, custom additions, etc.) and the exact location and time of the theft. Let your insurance agent know whether you have any other technological features on your vehicle, for instance a GPS tracking system that can assist in finding it.
Don't forget to give your insurance provider and the police the same information. Any discrepancies could delay the process of processing your claims. If you're in significant debt, the insurance company will utilize this information to decide whether to settle your claim or not. This is why it's advisable to keep all personal documents or other information in your vehicle, like credit cards, receipts and paycheck stubs. If you do decide to leave this information in your car, be sure to inform your bank, credit card company and other companies of the theft, so they can stop any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurer
Car theft is on the rise. Each year, thousands of vehicles with keys inside are stolen. It's not just luck. You can reduce this crime by adding more security measures to your vehicle.
Contact your insurance provider immediately after the theft. Your insurance company will be able to provide you with a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be recovered or compensate you if it isn't. They can answer all your questions and provide you with the details of your insurance policy. It's also important to file a police report with the name and number of the officer who inspected the incident, as well as the date and time of the theft.
Include all relevant details about your vehicle, such as its make and model and an in-depth description of the items that were taken. Also, make sure to include the name and contact number of any person who had access to the vehicle, or any valuables inside it. This information will assist police investigate the claims and eliminate those who are trying to commit fraud. It could be necessary to run a credit check in addition. This is to ensure that you are not in significant debt, which would raise suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult for you to secure an acceptable settlement for your car that was stolen.
Your insurance company will provide you with the name and phone number of a representative who will help you navigate the claim process. You can contact them in various ways, such as by phone or via online chat.
If filing a claim for car insurance with the police and insurer can be a hassle and it's important to file it as swiftly as you can. This will not only ensure that your car receives the attention it deserves however, it will also help you avoid being caught in a scam or being denied coverage due to a simple mistake.
3. Claim your Benefits
You will need to provide all the information as quickly as you can. Include any photographs, the location of your vehicle before and after the theft, and the contact details of those who had access to it. Your insurance company will need to have a clear description of your vehicle, including any options and upgrades you may have. You should also keep receipts.
You may be required to make two claims: an auto insurance claim for the vehicle itself and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for any personal belongings inside the vehicle. If you do have a comprehensive insurance policy the auto insurance policy should be able to 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 pay you back the actual cash value of the vehicle if it's deemed totaled or pay the entire cost if your car is recovered and returned. If you decide to repair your vehicle, which isn't always feasible, your insurance will be able to charge you for the deductible.
An insurance company could take up to 30 days to settle an insurance claim for a car that has been stolen. In the meantime it can be difficult to navigate so make sure to check whether your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, although coverage is contingent on the provider and policy.
Report your car to the police immediately if not found. This will place your vehicle in databases of the state and national levels which makes it much more difficult for thieves to sell your vehicle later. Additionally, you'll be able to file a police report with your auto insurance company and have it added to your policy.
If you don't want your vehicle to be taken away, keep your keys out of view and lock your vehicle when it's not in use. You can also try to prevent theft 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
If you are certain that your car has been taken with keys inside, call the police to file a complaint. This will add your vehicle's information to state and national databases, making it harder for thieves to make a deal with it. It is also recommended to get in touch with your read more insurance company as soon as possible to file a stolen vehicle claim.
If you have comprehensive insurance and your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing your stolen vehicle minus depreciation. The insurer will consider the value of your car by weighing factors like the number of similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on your odometer, and many other factors. You'll still have to pay a $500 deduction.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage caused while your vehicle was stolen, even if the keys were still inside. If you're using an electronic device that tracks your vehicle it can help police find your car once it's recovered.
If your vehicle has been stolen with your keys inside, you need to respond immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be denied or be investigated as fraud. In some cases an insurance agent could be able to ask you questions under the oath.
You may need to file another claim for any items that were stolen from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your car. These items are likely covered by homeowners or renters insurance, depending on the place they were stored. However, if you have your home and auto insurance policies bundled and you want to submit both claims simultaneously.
Always lock your car and take the keys when you're not driving it. If you have a spare key, keep it in a safe place away from your car. Do not write your name or address on your keys to your car. Rather, select parking spaces that are well-lit, monitored and off-street as much as possible. You should also ensure that your car is parked safely and clearly visible, and not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.