Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It might seem like a negative thing to leave your car keys in the ignition however, is insurance covered for vehicles that are stolen with keys inside them? Generally, yes. There are a few caveats.
First, you must ensure that your vehicle is indeed missing before you file claims. Be aware that the claim process starts with a police report and an accurate description of your vehicle.
1. Call the police
It is crucial to take preventative measures to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. Car theft is on the rise across the country, and Colorado is ranked first in per capita thefts. This includes locking your vehicle and setting up an alarm and removing all keys and fobs from the vehicle while you're not driving. It's also a good idea to hide valuables in the vehicle, or better yet, remove the car altogether. Even if you've taken precautionary steps, you might be the victim of a crime of chance. If your vehicle is taken and you have your keys inside, follow these steps to report it to the police and your insurer.
You should notify the police right away after your vehicle has been reported stolen to file a report. The more information that you provide to the police about your car including the model and make as well as 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 report, contact your insurance company to inform them about the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by telephone or online. Provide your policy number, the vehicle's model and make, any identifying details (like large dents or custom add-ons) as well as the date and the location of the theft. Inform your agent if your vehicle has any other technology such as GPS tracking, which could assist in finding your car.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any discrepancies could delay the processing of your claim. If you're in significant debt, the insurance company will make use of this information to determine whether to pay your claim or not. This is why it's advisable to avoid leaving any personal documents or information in your vehicle, like credit cards, receipts and paycheck stubs. If you do decide to leave such details in your vehicle inform your bank as well as your credit card company, and all other organizations about the theft. This will allow them to stop any unauthorised charges and notify their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the increase. Each year, thousands of cars with keys inside are taken. It's not just luck. You can reduce this crime by putting in more deterrents to your car.
Contact your insurance provider immediately following the theft. You can request an auto rental from your insurer while you wait for the return of your vehicle or get compensation in the event you do not. They will answer all your questions and provide you with the specifics of your insurance policy. It is also essential to submit a police report that includes the name and phone number of the officer who conducted an investigation into the incident, as well as the date and time of the theft.
Include all relevant details regarding your vehicle, including its make and model and a detailed description on the items that were taken. Be sure to include your name number, address and any other details about anyone who might have had access to your vehicle, or valuables inside. This information can help police investigate the claim and rule out people trying to commit fraud. You may also want to conduct a credit check. This is to ensure you don't carry a lot of debt that could cause suspicion and make it harder to negotiate a fair settlement for your car.
You can also get the name and contact number of a representative from your insurance company to help navigate through the claims process. You can reach them via a variety of ways, such as by phone or via online chat.
If filing a claim for car insurance with the police and your insurer is an inconvenience, it's crucial to complete the process as fast as possible. This will not only ensure that your car receives the attention it needs 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. File a Claim
You will need to provide all the information as quickly as you can. This includes where your vehicle was prior to and following the time it was stolen, any photos you might have, as well as the contact information of everyone who had access to the vehicle. Your insurance company requires the full description of your car including any upgrades and other options. If you have receipts, these are important too.
You may be required to file two claims for insurance: an auto claim for the car itself, and a renter or homeowner insurance claim for any personal belongings that were in the car. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, it should cover the cost to replace your property. The limits of your policy and your deductible are still in place.
Once your claim is completed the insurance company will either pay you back the cash value of the car if the car has been deemed totaled, or cover the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was recovered and then returned. Then, you'll be responsible for your deductible in the event that you choose to repair the vehicle, which is typically not feasible.
It could take up to 30 days for an insurer to settle a stolen vehicle claim. It isn't easy to travel while you wait and you should make sure that your policy will cover rental reimbursement. Most do, but coverage varies by the policy and the provider.
Report your car to the police immediately if it is not found. This will put your vehicle in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to sell your car later on. In addition you'll be able to make a police report with the insurance more info company you have with your vehicle and have that added to your policy.
Leaving your keys in your vehicle could cause a car to be stolen and it's best to keep them in a safe place and lock the vehicle when not in use. You can also try to prevent theft by parking in areas that are well-lit and carrying your keys with your at all times, and avoiding hiding valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your Car
If you are sure that your car was taken with keys inside, notify the police and file a claim. This will add your vehicle's information to national and state databases, making it difficult for thieves to sell it. You should also get in touch with your insurance company as quickly as possible to claim a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will cover the cost of replacing your vehicle stolen, less depreciation. The insurance company will evaluate the value of your vehicle by taking into account things like similar vehicles in your region, the mileage on your odometer and other factors. However, you'll need to pay a $500 deductible.
Your insurance company will also repair any damage caused while your vehicle was stolen, even the keys were inside. If you're using an electronic device that tracks your vehicle, this could help police locate your vehicle once it's found.
It's important to act quickly after your car is taken with keys inside, as delays could result in your claim being rejected or even referred to as fraud. In certain instances you might be required to take an examination under oath, where you're asked questions by a representative from your insurance company under the oath.
You may have to file an a claim on any additional items that were stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your vehicle. These items are most likely to be covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on the place they were kept. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies together, you can make both claims at the same time.
Always secure your vehicle and remove the keys when you're not driving it. If you have a spare key, keep it in a safe place away from your car. Do not write your address or name on your car keys and choose parking spaces that are well-lit, supervised and off-street whenever possible. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is safely parked and clearly visible, and that it's not blocking driveways or mailboxes.