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 is insurance covered for cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. There are a few caveats.
Before filing an insurance claim, make sure you ensure that your vehicle is indeed 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 essential to take preventive measures to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This means locking your vehicle, setting up an alarm and taking all keys or fobs out of the vehicle when you're not driving it. It's also a good idea to store valuables in the vehicle, or better yet take the car out of your sight. Even if you take precautions, you could still become the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If your car is stolen and you have your keys inside, follow these steps to notify the police and to your insurance company.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, you must call the police to make a theft report. The more information that you can give the police regarding your vehicle including the model and make as well as the license plate number, or VIN, the higher chances that it will be returned to you. Also let the police know if your vehicle is equipped with the GPS device.
After you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to inform them about the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by phone or online. Please provide your policy number, the make and model of your car and any other identifying information (like large damage, custom modifications, etc.) and the time and location of the theft. Let your insurance agent know whether you have any other equipment in your vehicle, for instance a GPS tracking system, that could assist in locating it.
Be sure to give the police and your insurance company the same details, as any ambiguities can hinder the process of your claim. In addition, if you are in significant debt, your insurance company can make use of this information to determine whether to pay your claim or not. This is why it's advisable to not leave any personal documents or data in your vehicle, like receipts for credit cards, receipts for purchases and paycheck stubs. If you do leave such information in your vehicle, make sure to inform your bank, credit card company and other organizations of the theft so that they can put a halt to any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
It's no secret that vehicle theft is increasing. In reality, thousands of cars are stolen with the owner's keys inside every year. This isn't only a case of luck, but you can do your part to stop this crime by putting more security measures in place between your vehicle and thieves.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Your insurance provider will be able to provide you with a car rental while you wait for your vehicle to be returned or compensate you in the event that it doesn'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 that was involved in the investigation and the time and date.
Make sure you include all the relevant details of your vehicle, such as its model and make as well as a thorough description of the items stolen. Also, make sure to include the name and phone 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. You may also want to check your credit report. This is to ensure you aren't in a significant amount of debt, which would raise suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for your stolen car.
The insurance company may also provide you with the name and number of a representative who will assist you in the claims process. They will have a variety of ways to reach them, ranging from a phone number to a chat service to discuss the incident whenever you want.
When making a claim for insurance on your car with the police or your insurer can be a hassle it is essential to complete the process as fast as possible. It is crucial to file a claim as soon as you can. Not only will it ensure that your car gets the attention it deserves and you'll avoid being caught in fraud and having your insurance denied due to an unintentional error.
3. Claim your Benefits
Your insurance company will want be informed as soon as they can So ensure that everything is in order. This includes where your car was before and after it was taken away, any photos you might have, as well as the contact information of everyone who was able to access the vehicle. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your vehicle including any upgrades and options you might have. If you have receipts for your purchase, these are essential as well.
You may need to make two claims. One for the auto insurance policy, and the other for renters or homeowners to cover any personal items that were in the car. If you do have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your property. The limits of your policy and your deductible will still apply.
After your claim is completed the insurance company will either pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle, if the car is totaled, or pay the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was recovered and returned. If you decide to repair the car, which isn't always possible, your insurer will charge you the deductible.
An insurer may take up 30 days to settle an insurance claim for a vehicle that was stolen. It isn't easy to travel while you wait, so make sure your policy will cover rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, but coverage varies depending on the policy and provider.
Report your car to the police immediately if it is not found. This will be added to the databases of both g28carkeys states and national which will make it harder for thieves later on to try to sell your vehicle. Additionally, you'll be able to make a police report with your insurance company for your car and have that added to your policy.
The act of leaving keys in your car can lead to a stolen car and it's best to keep them in a secure location and lock the vehicle when it is not in use. You can also prevent theft by parking in well-lit areas and carrying your keys with at all times and avoid putting valuables inside the car.
4. Recover Your Car
If you are certain that your car was stolen with keys inside, contact the police to 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. Contact your insurer immediately to report a stolen car.
If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will cover the cost of replacing your vehicle stolen, less depreciation. The insurer will consider the value of your car by weighing factors like the number of similar vehicles in your region as well as the mileage on your odometer, and other aspects. You'll still be required to pay a $500 deductable.
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 tracker, it can aid in locating your vehicle after it has been recovered.
If your car has been taken with your keys inside, you should respond immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be rejected or questioned as fraud. In certain cases you could be required to take an examination under oath in which you're questioned by a representative from your insurance company under 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 will probably be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the location you kept them. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies together and you want to make both claims at the same time.
When you are not driving your vehicle, make sure you lock it and take out the keys. Keep your spare keys in a safe location away from your car. Don't put your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spots that are well-lit and controlled, and if possible, you can park off-street. You should also make sure your car is parked in a safe, easily visible place and that you're blocking any driveways or mailboxes.