Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It may appear to be a bad idea to leave keys to your car in the ignition however, is insurance covered for vehicles that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. There are a few caveats.
First, you must ensure that your car is not missing prior to filing claims. The claim process begins with a police statement and a detailed description of your vehicle.
1. Call the police
It is crucial to adopt preventative measures to secure your vehicle and its contents. Car theft is increasing nationwide, and Colorado ranks #1 in per capita thefts. This includes 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 a good idea also to keep valuables out of the vehicle, or better, remove the car altogether. Even if you've taken precautionary measures, you may still be the victim of a crime of chance. If you have a key inside of your vehicle when it's stolen Here are the steps to take to inform the police and your insurer.
It is important to contact the police immediately after your vehicle has been reported stolen and make a formal report. The more information you can give the police about your vehicle, including model and make, license plate number, VIN number and identifying features, the better chances of being returned to you. Also let the police know if your vehicle is equipped with the GPS device.
After you've filed your police report, call your insurance company and inform them of the theft. You'll be able to do this over the phone or online, depending on the policies of your insurance provider. Input your policy number, your car's make and model, any identifiable details (like large dents or custom add-ons) and the time and the location of the theft. Let your insurance agent know whether you have any other equipment in your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system that could assist in locating it.
Don't forget to provide your insurance company and police the exact same information. Any discrepancies could delay the process of processing your claims. Additionally, if you have significant debt, the insurance company will utilize this information to decide whether to settle your claim or not. This is the reason it's best to keep all personal documents or information in your vehicle, such as receipts, credit cards and paycheck stubs. If you do leave this information in your vehicle, be sure to notify your bank, credit card company and other entities of the theft so that they can put a halt to any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurer
It's no secret that vehicle theft is on the rise. Every year, thousands of cars with keys inside are stolen. It's not just luck. You can reduce this crime by adding more protections to your vehicle.
The first thing to do is contact your insurance provider immediately after the theft has occurred. You can request a car rental from your insurance company while you wait to retrieve your vehicle, or receive compensation if you do not. They will be able to provide you with specifics of your policy and answer any questions. It is also essential to make a police report containing the name and phone number of the officer who inspected the incident, along with the time and date of the theft.
Make sure to include all pertinent details of your vehicle, including its make and model and a full description of the items stolen. Be sure to include the name and number of anyone who had access to the vehicle, or any valuables inside it. This information will help the police investigate and stop fraudulent attempts. It is also possible to check your credit report. This is to make sure you don't have a lot of debt which could create suspicions and make it more difficult to negotiate an equitable settlement for your car.
Your insurance company can also provide you with the name and phone number of a representative to assist you in the claims process. You can contact them in various ways, including via phone or via online chat.
When filing a claim for car insurance with the police and your insurer can be a hassle, it's crucial to do so as quickly as possible. It's important to submit a claim as fast as possible. Not only will it ensure that your car gets the attention it needs but it will also help you avoid being a victim of a scam and having insurance denied due to an error that is simple.
3. File a Claim
You'll need to provide all the information as soon as you can. This includes where your car was prior to and following the time 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 requires the full description of your car including any upgrades and options. You should also keep receipts.
You could be required to file two claims one claim for auto insurance for the vehicle itself and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for personal belongings that were in the car. If you have comprehensive coverage under your auto policy, it should cover the cost to replace your property. The limits of your policy and your deductible are still in place.
After your claim has been processed, your insurer will either reimburse you for the actual cash value of the vehicle in the event that it's declared totaled, or pay out the full cost if the vehicle is recovered and returned. Then you'll be accountable for your deductible if you choose to repair the vehicle, which is typically not feasible.
An insurer may take up 30 days to settle a claim for a car that has been stolen. It isn't easy to travel while waiting, so make sure your policy will cover rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, however coverage varies by provider and policy.
Report your vehicle to the police immediately if not found. This will put your car in national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to sell your car later on. You can also include the police report to your automobile insurance policy by filing it with your insurer.
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 try to prevent theft by parking in well-lit areas and keeping your keys with you at all times, and not putting valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your Car
When you are certain that your car was taken with keys inside, contact the police and file a claim. This will add your vehicle's details to national and state databases, making it more difficult for thieves to sell it. Contact your insurer immediately to report a vehicle that has been stolen.
If you have comprehensive coverage the insurer will pay to replace your vehicle stolen, less depreciation. The insurance company will evaluate the value of your car by taking into account factors like the number of similar vehicles in your area as well as the mileage on your odometer and many other factors. You'll still need to pay a $500 deduction.
Your insurance company will repair any damage that was caused when your vehicle was stolen, even the keys were inside. If you own a tracking device, this could help police locate your vehicle once it's recovered.
It's important to act quickly after your car is taken with keys inside, as delays can lead to your claim being denied or even being investigated as fraud. In some cases, an insurance representative may ask you questions under the oath.
While your car will be covered by comprehensive auto insurance, you might have to file an additional claim for belongings that were taken from your vehicle. These items are usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance, depending on the place they were kept. If you have your home and auto insurance policies together typically, you can make both claims simultaneously.
If you're not using your website car, always lock it and take out the keys. If you have an extra key, store it in a safe place away from your car. Don't write your name or address on your car keys. Also, select parking spaces that are well-lit, monitored and off the street as much as you can. You should also make sure your car is in a safe, visible location and that you're not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.