Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Leaving your car keys in the ignition could sound like a bad idea but does insurance cover cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. However, there are some caveats.
Before you file an insurance claim, you must first confirm that your vehicle is actually missing. Be aware that the claim process starts with a police report as well as an accurate description of your 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 alert and removing all keys or fobs from the vehicle when you're not driving. It's a good idea to store valuables in the vehicle, or better yet take the car out of your sight. However, even having taken preventive measures, you may still be a 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 report the theft to police and your insurance company.
You should notify the police immediately after your vehicle has been reported stolen in order to file a report. The more information you can provide to the police about your vehicle, including its model and make, license plate number, VIN number and other identifying characteristics, the better chances of being returned to you. Inform the police if your vehicle is equipped with an GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, call your insurance company to inform them of theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by phone or online. Please provide your policy number, make and model of your car, any identifying 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 any other technology such as GPS tracking, that might assist in finding your vehicle.
Don't forget to provide your insurance company and the police with the same information. Any discrepancies could hinder the processing of your claims. The insurance company could also make use of this information to determine whether or not to make claims if you owe a lot of money. It's best not to leave any personal information or documents in your car including receipts for credit cards, numbers on credit cards and pay stubs. If you do leave such information in your vehicle, be sure to notify your bank, credit card companies and other companies of the theft, so they can stop any unauthorised charges and notify their security departments.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the increase. Every year, thousands cars with the keys inside are stolen. This isn't only a case of luck, but you can help stop this crime by putting additional deterrents in place between your vehicle and thieves.
The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance provider immediately after the incident. You can obtain an auto rental from your insurance company while you wait for the return of your vehicle or get compensation in the event that you do not. They will provide you with the specifics of your policy and answer any questions. You should also make a police complaint containing the name and number of the officer that investigated the incident as well as the date and time.
Make sure to include all the relevant details of your vehicle, such as the model and make and a full description of the items taken. Also, remember to include the name and contact number of anyone who had access to the vehicle, or any valuables inside it. This information can help police investigate the incident and identify people who may be attempting to commit fraud. It is possible to conduct a credit report as well. This is to ensure that you are not in significant debt which could lead to suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult for you to secure an acceptable settlement for the car you stole.
The insurance company may also provide you with the name and number of a representative who can help you navigate the claims process. They'll have several ways to reach them, ranging from a phone number to a chat option to discuss the incident at your convenience.
It could be a hassle to make a claim for car insurance with your insurance company and the police, but it is crucial to file it in the earliest time possible. It's crucial to file a claim as soon as you can. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle gets the attention it deserves but it will also help you avoid being caught in scams and having coverage denied because of an error that is simple.
3. Claim your Benefits
You'll need to give all the information as soon as you can. Include any photos, the location of your vehicle before and after the theft, as well as the contact information of any person who had access it. Your insurance company will also need to have a clear description of your car, including any upgrades and options you might have. If you have receipts, these are also important.
You may have to make two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a homeowner or renters insurance claim for personal belongings inside the vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy it will cover the cost to replace your property. Your policy's limits as well as your deductible are still in place.
Once your claim is accepted and your insurance company is notified, they will either pay you back the value in cash of the vehicle, if the car is totaled, or pay the full cost in the event that the car was found and then returned. If you decide to fix the car, which is not always feasible, your insurance will charge you the deductible.
An insurance company could take up 30 to 60 days to settle the claim for a vehicle that was stolen. It can be difficult to travel during the waiting so be sure that your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, although coverage can vary based on the policy and provider.
Inform the police immediately if it's not found. This will be added to national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves later on to try to sell your vehicle. In addition you'll be able to file a police report with your insurance company for your car and have it added to your policy.
If you don't want your vehicle to be stolen, keep your keys away from view and lock your vehicle when it is not being used. You can also try to prevent theft by parking in well-lit areas, taking your key with at all times and avoiding hiding valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your car
If you are certain that your vehicle was stolen with the keys inside, notify the police and file a complaint. This will add your vehicle's details to national and state databases, making it harder for thieves to make a deal with it. It is also recommended to contact your insurance company as soon as you can to make a claim for a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive coverage and your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing your stolen vehicle minus depreciation. The insurance company will consider similar vehicles in your region, mileage on the odometer as well as other factors to determine how the value of your car is. You'll still be required to pay a $500 deductable.
In addition to paying to replace your vehicle and repairing any damage, your insurance company will repair any damage that occurred while your vehicle was taken with the keys inside. If you're using a tracking device that tracks your vehicle, it could assist police locate your vehicle car keys stolen from house after it's been recovered.
If your car was taken with your keys inside, you need to act immediately. If you delay, it could lead to your claim to be rejected or investigated as fraud. In some cases you could be required to attend an examination under oath, where you're asked questions by a representative of your insurance company under oath.
You may have to file an a claim on any additional items that were stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your vehicle. These items are likely to be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on where they were stored. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies combined you can make both claims at the same time.
Always lock your car and take the keys from it when you're not driving it. If you have an extra key, store it in a secure place away from your car. Don't put your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and monitored, and as far as possible you can park off the street. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is parked safely and clearly visible, and not blocking driveways or mailboxes.