Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It might appear to be a bad idea to leave your car keys in the ignition but is insurance coverage for stolen cars with keys inside them? Generally, yes. There are some caveats.
First, you must ensure that your vehicle is indeed missing prior to filing a claim. Be aware that the claim process begins with a police report as well as an accurate description of your car.
1. Call the Police
It is crucial to adopt preventative measures to secure your vehicle and its contents. Car theft is on the rise all over the world and Colorado ranks #1 in per capita thefts. This means locking your vehicle and setting up an alarm and taking all keys and fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's also a good idea to hide valuables in the vehicle, or better yet, remove the car altogether. Unfortunately, even if you've taken precautionary steps, you might be the victim of a crime that is a matter of opportunity. If you have a key inside of your vehicle and it's stolen Here are the steps to follow to report the theft to the police and your insurer.
Immediately after your vehicle is reported stolen, you should contact the police immediately to file an official theft report. The more details you provide to the police regarding your vehicle, such as its make and model and the license plate number or VIN, the better the chance of it being returned to you. Also inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with an GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, you need to contact your insurance company and inform them of theft. You should be able to make this call or online, based on your insurance company's policies. Provide your policy number, your car's model and make, as well as any identifying information (like large dents or custom add-ons) and the time and location of the theft. Inform your agent if the vehicle has any other technology such as GPS tracking, which could assist in finding your car.
Don't forget to give your insurance provider and the police with the same information. Any discrepancies could delay the processing of your claims. In addition, if you are in significant debt, the insurance company can utilize this information to decide whether to cover your claim or not. This is the reason it's best to not leave any personal documents or information in your vehicle, such as receipts, credit cards and pay stubs. If you do decide to leave this information in your car, be sure to inform your bank, credit card company and other organizations of the theft, so they can put a halt to any charges that are not authorized and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
It's no secret that vehicle theft is increasing. In reality thousands of vehicles are stolen with owners' keys inside every year. It's not just bad luck. You can prevent this crime by putting in more protections to your vehicle.
Contact your insurance company immediately after the theft. You can obtain an auto rental from your insurance company while you wait to recover your vehicle, or receive compensation if you do not. They can give you the details of your policy and answer any questions. You should also make a police complaint containing the name and contact number of the officer that investigated the incident and the time and date.
Include all relevant details regarding your vehicle, such as its make and model and an in-depth description of the items that were taken. Also, remember to include the name and contact number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables that were in it. This information will help police investigate the claims and eliminate people trying to commit fraud. It is possible to conduct 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 get an acceptable settlement for the car you stole.
Your insurance company can also provide you with the name and number of a representative who can assist you through the claim process. You can contact them in many ways, such as by phone or via online chat.
It can be a hassle keyless cars being stolen to file a claim for car insurance with your insurer and the police, but it is essential to do it as soon as you can. It is crucial to submit a claim as fast as possible. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle receives the attention it requires and you'll avoid being a victim of scams and having insurance denied due to an error that is simple.
3. Claim your Benefits
Your insurance company will want to be informed as soon as they can So make sure you have everything organized. Include any photos and the location of your car prior to and following the theft, and the contact details of anyone who had access to it. Your insurance company will also require a precise description of your car, including any upgrades or options you might have. If you have receipts, they are also important.
You may have to make two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a renter or homeowner insurance claim for personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you do have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the limits of your policy and deductibles will be in effect.
Once your claim has been accepted the insurance company will either reimburse you the actual cash value of the vehicle if the car is totaled, or cover the entire amount in the event that the vehicle was found and then returned. If you decide to fix the vehicle, which isn't always feasible, your insurer will charge you the deductible.
An insurer could take up 30 days to settle a claim for a car that has been stolen. While you're waiting, it can be a challenge to navigate and you should check whether your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, though coverage can vary based on the policy and provider.
If your car isn't found, it's important to report it to the police immediately. This will be added to the databases of both states and national which will make it harder for thieves to sell your vehicle. Additionally you'll be able to file a police report with the insurance company you have with your vehicle and have it added to your policy.
If you don't want your vehicle to be stolen keep your keys away from view and secure your vehicle when it's not being used. You can also stop theft by parking your vehicle in areas that are well-lit and keeping your keys in your pocket.
4. Recover Your car
As soon as you are certain that your vehicle was taken with keys inside, contact the police and file a claim. This will be added to national and state databases, making it harder for thieves to sell it. You should also contact your insurer as soon as you can in order to make a claim for a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive coverage the insurer will cover the cost of replacing the vehicle that was stolen, minus depreciation. The insurance company will consider similar vehicles in your region, mileage on the odometer, and other factors to determine how much your car is worth. You'll still be required to pay a $500 deduction.
Your insurance company will repair any damage that occurred while your car was stolen, even if the keys were still inside. If you're using an electronic device that tracks your vehicle, this could help police find your car once it's found.
If your vehicle has been stolen and your keys were hidden inside, you must act immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be rejected or investigated as fraud. In certain instances an insurance agent could inquire about your claim under an oath.
You may need to file an an additional claim for any items you have stolen from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your car. These items are likely covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the location in which they were stored. However, if you have both your home and auto insurance policies together, you can usually submit both claims simultaneously.
Always lock your car and take the keys from it when you're not driving it. If you have a spare key, keep it in a safe place away from your vehicle. Don't put your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and monitored, and, if you can, park off-street. Also, make sure your car is parked in a secure, well-lit spot and that you're not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.