Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have comprehensive insurance for your car coverage, you might be able to submit claims for the cost of replacing a key. It will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy however.
Unfortunately, it is not common for insurers to settle theft claims without doing an extensive review of the keys' forensic information.
Theft
The theft of keys to your car is a major issue as it can leave you without an automobile. You may need to find a different transportation option. Your auto insurance policy can help you in this situation. Whether or not you make an insurance claim is contingent on the nature of the incident and the specific terms and conditions that are listed in your policy. For instance, if you are in an accident and your keys are in the interior of the vehicle at the time of the accident the incident, it might not be considered a crime since the car is occupied by someone else. In this case it is advisable to call the police immediately.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts are on the rise due to vehicles that are not locked and keys left in the vehicle. These types of incidents can result in high auto insurance premiums therefore it is important to be aware of the coverages your policy provides.
The majority of car insurance policies do not cover the cost of new keys in the event they are lost or damaged even if comprehensive insurance is included. Some policies offer roadside assistance that covers keys replacement within a certain limit. It is essential to consider the cost of replacing your car keys prior to making a claim.
Thatcham Research explains that many modern "smart key" systems utilize commercial radiowaves for communication with sensors or control modules. This system is known as the controller area network, or CAN. The criminals have discovered a way to hijack the signal and unlock or start the car from outside. To accomplish this, thieves usually work in pairs. One thief is outside with a transmitter device in order to detect the signal, while another tries to steal the key fob.
Also, personal property inside the car is typically covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If the cost of replacing your vehicle's key fob is less than the deductible and future increases in insurance premiums that could be incurred when making an insurance claim, it might be worth it.
Damage
If a lost car key is not replaced immediately, the owner may be charged expensive fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These costs could even be higher than the cost of replacing keys.
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle it could help pay for some damage. However, this isn't always the situation. To fully understand your policy, it's important to talk to your agent and to read it carefully.
The majority of car insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen keys. Only if you have roadside coverage will you be able to get insurance for keys stolen. In this case, the insurance company will pay to tow your vehicle to a locksmith for the creation of the new car keys. The driver is accountable for the cost of the new key.
You can also inquire with your landlord or homeowner's insurance to determine whether they offer personal property insurance. You may be able file a claim if your key is stolen from the purse or backpack. You'll need to pay a deductible, which is usually more than the cost of replacing the key.
It's generally not worth the effort to file an insurance claim for missing keys. The replacement cost is usually less than your deductible and a lot of modern keys require programming, which can be very expensive.
Keep all receipts in case you decide to submit an insurance claim. If your claim is accepted by your insurance company, you may be reimbursed. However this will depend on your policy.
If you have questions about whether your car or home insurance covers lost or stolen keys, you can contact your local Hibbs independent insurance agent. We can help you find the best auto, home, or renters' insurance policy to protect your family. If it's time to review your insurance policy We can help you compare quotes and help you choose the best option for your particular situation.
Replacement
If you've lost or have your car keys stolen, it's important to take a close look at the different options for replacing them. The kind of key you own can determine what kind of insurance policy you can use to replace it, and what it will cost. You should also think about whether filing a claim against your vehicle insurance will impact your insurance premiums.
If your car is a more recent model with an electronic key fob you'll probably need to contact the dealer to get a replacement key made. In this case, the dealer will need proof of ownership like the title or registration of the vehicle in order to create the replacement key for you. It is essential to keep a copy in a safe location of your registration and purchase papers.
In some cases comprehensive coverage will cover the cost for a lost or stolen key. You'll have to pay a deductible which is usually more than the cost of an alternative key. If you have an ordinary turn-key ignition it may be easier to purchase a replacement from an auto parts or locksmith store.
A car owner who has lost or stolen key can also file a claim with their renters' or homeowner's insurance. This is because personal property coverage on these policies typically includes a certain amount for the loss of keys or other items that are kept in your home.
You can also call your local garage to inquire whether they have the tools needed to reprogram your key fob. Some garages provide key programming on-site and can save you time and money. However, it's important to keep in mind that these companies typically will not be able to handle more advanced kinds of smart keys. They may need to send the key fob away for reprogramming.
In the majority of cases, filing an insurance claim to replace a stolen or lost key is not worth the effort. The cost of replacing the key fob is likely be more than the deductible, and it will remain on your record. This could result in increased insurance premiums when renewing.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you're a savvy car owner, you probably have a spare set keys in a safe place. What happens if they're stolen or lost? It's a frustrating situation, and getting replacements may be even more expensive.
Standard auto insurance policies don't cover car key loss or theft. They may offer some coverage under comprehensive or collision coverage, but only if your vehicle was in use at the time of the theft. It's also not guaranteed that the items inside your vehicle are covered. There are policies that cover electronic fobs, but they are extremely rare.
You'll typically need to make an independent claim to your renters or homeowners insurance for the things you wish to replace in your vehicle. If you have both policies bundled together, you'll save time by filing both claims together.
Even the most secure locking system can fail over time. It's essential to keep an extra key on hand, and to check for wear and tear often.
Although it's not ideal to lose your keys, knowing what options are available can help ease the stress. Find insurers who offer roadside assistance plans. These will provide you with new keys in the event that you lose your keys. Some of these services will also offer locksmith services and the reprogramming of your immobiliser at no cost.
These services may be convenient but they're not able to substitute the advantages of a comprehensive auto insurance policy that includes stolen vehicle key insurance. If you have questions about whether or not your insurance provider can offer you this type of protection, it's a good idea to talk to a licensed agent to discuss your options. They can also assist you to choose the right policy for your needs and budget. Contact us today for no-cost quotes. We'll help you read more find the best coverage at affordable rates including insurance for keys stolen from your car.