Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
It might appear to be a bad idea to leave your car keys in the ignition but is insurance coverage for vehicles that are stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. However, there are a few exceptions.
Before you file an insurance claim, you must first ensure that your vehicle is actually missing. Understand that the claim process starts with a police investigation and a detailed description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
It is essential to adopt preventative measures to secure your vehicle and its contents. Car theft is increasing across the country and Colorado ranks #1 in per capita thefts. This includes locking your car and setting up an alarm and removing all keys or fobs from the vehicle when you're not driving. It's also recommended to store valuables inside of the vehicle or better yet, remove them completely from the vehicle. However, even taking precautionary measures, you could be a victim of a crime of chance. If you have a key inside of your vehicle that's stolen and you want to report it, here are the steps to take to inform the police and your insurance.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, you should call the police to file an official theft report. The more details you provide to the police regarding your vehicle including its make and model and the license plate number or VIN, the higher chances of it being returned to you. Also let the police know if your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, contact your insurance company to inform them about the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you might be able to notify them via phone or online. Please provide your policy number, the name of your insurance company, the make and model of the vehicle as well as any identifiable information (like large damage, custom modifications or custom additions, etc.) and the exact location and time of the theft. Tell your agent if your vehicle is equipped with any other technology, such as GPS tracking, which could help them locate your car.
Make sure you give the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any inconsistencies can hinder the process of your claim. If you're in significant debt, your insurance company will make use of this information to determine whether to settle 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 pay stubs. If you do leave this information in your car, be sure to notify your bank, credit card companies and other organizations of the theft so that they can stop any charges that are not authorized and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Car theft is on the rise. Every year, thousands cars with the keys inside are taken. It's not just bad luck. You can prevent this crime by putting in more security measures to your vehicle.
The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the theft has occurred. Your insurance provider can provide you with a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be recovered or compensate you if it isn'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 phone number of the officer who investigated the incident as well as the time and date.
Make sure to include all relevant information of your vehicle, including the model and make, and a detailed description of the items stolen. Remember to include the name as well as the number and information about anyone who may have had access to your vehicle or valuables inside. This information will assist the police investigate and stop fraudulent attempts. It is also possible to conduct a credit check. This is to ensure you don't carry a lot of debt that could raise suspicions and make it more difficult to get an acceptable settlement for your vehicle.
You can also obtain the name and contact number of a representative from your insurance company to assist you get through the claims process. You can reach them via various ways, including by telephone or via chat online.
If filing a car insurance claim with the police and insurer can be a hassle it is essential to file it as swiftly as possible. It's not just about making sure your car receives the attention it needs however, it will also help you avoid getting involved in a scam, or being denied coverage because of an oversight.
3. Claim your Benefits
Your insurer will want to know the full details in the shortest time possible So ensure that everything is in order. Include any photos and the location of your vehicle before and after the theft, as well as the contact details of anyone who had access to it. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your vehicle including any upgrades or options you may have. Keep receipts.
You may need to make two claims. One for your auto insurance policy, and the other for renters or homeowners for any personal belongings in the car. If you do have comprehensive coverage your auto insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the policy's limits and deductibles will be in effect.
Once your claim has been accepted the insurance company will either reimburse you the value in cash of the car if the vehicle is deemed to be totaled, or pay the entire amount in the event that the car was found and then returned. If you decide to repair the car, which is not always possible, your insurer will be able to charge you for the deductible.
It could take up to up to 30 days for an insurance company to settle a stolen vehicle claim. In the meantime, it can be a challenge to navigate so make sure to check whether your policy provides rental reimbursement. Most do, although coverage can vary based on the policy and provider.
If your car is never found, it's crucial to report it to police immediately. This will add your car to national and state databases which will make it difficult for thieves later to try to sell your vehicle. You can also include an official police report to your automobile insurance website policy by submitting it to your insurance company.
If you don't want your vehicle to be taken away keep your keys out of view and lock your car when it's not being used. You can also try to avoid theft by parking in areas that are well-lit and keeping your keys with you at all times, and avoiding hiding valuables in the car.
4. Recover Your Car
When you are certain that your vehicle was stolen with the keys inside, contact the police and file a claim. This will add your vehicle's details to national and state databases, making it harder for thieves to sell it. It is also recommended to contact your insurance company as quickly as you can to make a claim for a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will replace your car with the exception of depreciation. The insurance company will consider similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine the value of your vehicle is. However, you'll still need to pay the $500 deductible.
In addition to the cost to replace your vehicle the insurance company will also repair any damage that occurred when your car was stolen with the keys inside. If you have a tracker, it could assist the police in finding your vehicle after it has been recovered.
It's crucial to act quickly after your car is taken with the keys inside as delays could result in your claim being rejected or even investigated as fraud. In some instances, an insurance representative may ask you questions under oath.
While your car is covered by comprehensive auto insurance, you could require an additional claim for items that were stolen from your vehicle. These items are usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the place they were stored. If you have both your home and auto insurance policies together, you can usually file 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 an extra key, store it in a secure place away from your vehicle. Never put your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and monitored, and as far as possible park off-street. Also, ensure that your car is parked in a safe, visible spot and that you're not blocking any driveways or mailboxes.