Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Leaving your car keys in the ignition could sound like a bad idea but is insurance coverage available for cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. However there are a few exceptions.
First, you must ensure that your vehicle is truly missing before you file claims. Be aware that the claim process starts with a police report and an accurate description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
With car thefts increasing across the country and Colorado being ranked first in per capita thefts, you need to take precautionary measures to protect your vehicle and its contents. This means locking your vehicle by setting up an alarm, and taking all keys and fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's also recommended to store valuables in the vehicle, or better yet, remove them completely from the car. Even if you take precautions but you may still be the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If you have a key in the interior of your vehicle that's stolen, here are the steps to follow to inform the police and your insurance company.
You should notify the police right away after your vehicle has been reported stolen and submit a police report. The more details you can provide the police regarding your vehicle like its make and model and the license plate number or VIN, the greater chances that it will be returned to you. Also inform the police whether your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, contact your insurance company and inform them of the theft. You can make this call or online, depending on the policies of your insurance provider. Please provide your policy number, the make and model of your car as well as any identifiable information (like large scratches, custom-made additions and so on.) and the location and time of the theft. Inform your agent if the vehicle is equipped with other technologies like GPS tracking, that might help them locate your car.
Be sure to give the police and your insurance company the same information, as any inconsistencies can delay the process of processing your claim. Insurance companies may also utilize this information to decide whether or not to pay claims if you owe a lot of money. This is why it's best to not leave any personal documents or information in your vehicle, including receipts for credit cards, receipts for purchases and pay stubs. If you do leave any of these information in your car contact your bank and credit card company, as well as any other entities about the theft. This will allow them to block any unauthorized charges, and alert their security departments.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Car theft is increasing. In fact thousands of cars are stolen with owners' keys inside every year. It's not just luck. You can prevent this crime by putting in more security measures to your vehicle.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the theft has occurred. Your insurance provider can provide you with a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be returned or reimburse you in the event that it doesn't. They will be able to provide you with specifics of your policy as well as answer any questions. It's also crucial to make a police report containing the name and phone number of the officer who investigated the incident, as well as the time and date of the theft.
Include all relevant details regarding your vehicle, including its make and model and a detailed description on the items stolen. Also, remember to include the name and phone number of any person who had access to the vehicle or any valuables that were in it. This information will help the police investigate and eliminate fraud attempts. You may also need to check your credit report. This is to make sure you are not in debt to the extent of, which would raise suspicions of fraud and make it harder for you to get an acceptable settlement for your car that was stolen.
You can also obtain the name and number of a representative from your insurance company to help you navigate through the claims process. You can contact them in many ways, including via phone or via online chat.
It may be an inconvenience to file a claim for car insurance with your insurance company and the police, but it's crucial to file it as soon as possible. It's crucial to submit a claim as fast as possible. Not only will it ensure that your car receives the attention it requires but it will also help you avoid being a victim of fraud and having your insurance denied due to an unintentional error.
3. Claim your Benefits
Your insurance company will want know the full details in the shortest time possible Therefore, ensure that everything is put in order. This includes where your car was prior to and following the time it was stolen, any photos you might have, as well as the contact information of everyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company requires a detailed description of your vehicle, including any upgrades and other options. You should also keep receipts.
You may be required to make two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for personal belongings that were in the car. If you do have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy will be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the limits of your policy and deductibles will be in effect.
After your claim is completed, your insurance company will either reimburse you the cash value of the vehicle if the vehicle is deemed totaled, or pay the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was recovered and returned. Then you'll be accountable for your deductible if you decide to repair the vehicle, which is often not feasible.
It could take up to up to 30 days for an insurance company to settle a stolen car claim. In the meantime, it can be difficult to navigate so make sure to check whether your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, but coverage varies by provider and policy.
Report your vehicle to the police immediately if it is not found. This will be added to national and state databases which will make it harder for thieves later to try to sell your vehicle. You can also add an official police report to your automobile insurance policy by submitting it to your insurance company.
If you don't want your vehicle to be stolen Keep your keys away from view and lock your vehicle when it is not in use. You can also deter theft by parking your vehicle in areas that are well-lit and keeping your keys with you.
4. Recover Your Car
As soon as you're sure your car was stolen with keys inside, call the police to report the theft. This will add your vehicle's information to national and state databases, making it more difficult for thieves to make a deal with it. You should also get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to file a stolen vehicle claim.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will replace your stolen car without depreciation. The insurer will consider the value of your car by weighing in factors such as 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 repair any damage caused while your car was stolen, even if the keys were still in the. If you have a tracking device it can help police find your car once it's been recovered.
If your car has been stolen and your keys were hidden inside, you need to act immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be denied or investigated as fraud. In some instances an insurance agent may inquire about your claim under the oath.
While your car will be covered by comprehensive auto insurance, you may need to file an additional claim for belongings that were stolen from your vehicle. These items are usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the place they were stored. If you have both homeowners and auto insurance policies together, you can claim both policies at once.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys from it website when you're not driving it. Keep your spare key in a safe location away from your car. Do not put your name or address on your car keys. Also, select parking spaces that are well-lit, monitored and off-street whenever possible. You should also make sure your car is parked in a safe, visible place and that you're blocking any driveways or mailboxes.