Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Leaving your car keys in the ignition might appear to be a bad idea but is insurance coverage available for cars that are stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. However there are some cautions.
Before filing a claim, first confirm that your vehicle is actually missing. Know that the claim process begins with a police report and a detailed description of your vehicle.
1. Call the Police
With car thefts increasing across the country and Colorado being ranked first in per capita thefts, it's essential to take precautionary measures 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 keep valuables out of the vehicle, or better yet to remove the vehicle altogether. Unfortunately, even having taken preventive measures, you could be a victim of a crime of chance. If your vehicle is stolen and you have the key inside Follow these steps to notify the police as well as your insurance company.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, call the police to submit an official theft report. The more details you provide to the police about your car including the model and make as well as the license plate number, or VIN, the higher chances of it being returned to you. Also inform the police whether your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to notify them of the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able to notify them via phone or online. Provide your policy number, the car's model and make, any identifying information (like large damage or custom-made add-ons) as well as the date and the location of the theft. Inform your agent if your vehicle is equipped with any other technology, such as GPS tracking, which could aid in locating your vehicle.
Make sure you give the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any discrepancies can delay the process of processing your claim. In addition, if you are in significant debt, your insurance company can use this information to determine whether to cover your claim or not. This is why it's advisable to avoid leaving any personal documents or data in your vehicle, like receipts, credit cards and paycheck stubs. If you do leave such information in your car, notify your bank and credit card company, and all other organizations regarding the theft. This will enable them to stop any unauthorised charges and notify their security department.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the rise. In fact, thousands of cars are stolen with owners' keys inside every year. This isn't just a case of luck, but you can take steps to stop this crime by putting more deterrents between your car and potential thieves.
Contact your insurance company right away after the theft. You can request a rental vehicle from your insurer while you wait to retrieve your vehicle, or receive compensation if you don't. They will be able to provide you with specifics of your policy and answer any questions. It is also recommended to file a police complaint with the name and contact number of the police officer who investigated the incident and the date and time.
Make sure to include all the relevant details of your vehicle, such as the model and make, and a detailed 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 that were in it. This information can help police investigate the incident and identify those who are trying to commit fraud. It is possible to conduct a credit check as well. This is to make sure you are not in debt to the extent of which could lead to suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult for you to secure a satisfactory settlement for the car you stole.
You can also get the name and number of the representative from your insurance company to help navigate through the claims process. They will have multiple ways you can reach them, from a telephone number to a chat method, so you can discuss the incident at your convenience.
It can be a hassle to make a claim for car insurance with your insurer and the police, but it's essential to do it as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that your car receives the attention it deserves and deserves, but it also helps you avoid being involved in a scam, or being denied coverage because of an error that isn't too difficult to spot.
3. Claim your Benefits
You'll need to give all the information as soon as you can. This includes where your vehicle was before and after it was stolen, any photos you may have, and contact details for anyone who was able to access the vehicle. Your insurance company requires a detailed description of your vehicle, including any upgrades or options. Keep receipts.
You could be required to make two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for personal items that were inside the car. If you have a comprehensive coverage on your auto policy it will be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. However, your policy's limits and deductibles will be in effect.
Once your claim is processed and your insurance company is notified, they will either pay you back the actual cash value of the vehicle if the car is totaled, or pay the entire amount in the event that the vehicle was recovered and then returned. Then, you'll be responsible for your deductible if you choose to repair the vehicle, which is usually not feasible.
An insurer could take up 30 days to pay the claim for a stolen car. It isn't easy to travel during the waiting so be sure that your policy covers rental reimbursement. Most do, although coverage can vary based on the provider and policy.
If your car isn't found, it's crucial to report it to the police right away. This will put your vehicle in the national and state databases, which makes it harder for thieves to steal your car later. Additionally you'll be able to make 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 taken away Keep your keys out of view and lock your vehicle when it is not being used. You can also deter theft by parking your car in areas that are well-lit and keeping your key in your pocket.
4. Recover Your car
When you are certain that your car was stolen with the keys inside, notify the police and file a claim. This will add your vehicle's details to state and national databases, making it more difficult for thieves to sell 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 insurer will replace the vehicle you lost with the exception of here depreciation. The insurer will consider similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine how much your car is worth. You'll still need to pay a $500 deductable.
In addition to the cost to replace your vehicle, your insurance company will repair any damage that was caused when your vehicle was stolen with keys inside. If you have a tracker, it could aid in locating your car once it's recovered.
It is crucial to act swiftly after your car is stolen with the keys inside as delays can lead to your claim being denied or even investigated as fraud. In certain cases you could be required to attend an examination under oath, in which you're questioned by a representative from your insurance company under swearing.
You may need to file an another claim for any items that were stolen from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your vehicle. These items are likely to be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on where they were stored. However, if you have your home and auto insurance policies together typically, you can submit both claims simultaneously.
When you are not driving your vehicle, you must always secure it by locking it and taking out the keys. If you have a spare key, keep it in a secure place away from your car. Do not write your name or your address on your keys. Pick parking spots that are well-lit and monitored and if possible, you can park off-street. Also, make sure your car is in a safe, visible place and that you're blocking any driveways or mailboxes.