Why Car Stolen Keys Inside Insurance Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
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If Your Car Gets Stolen With the Keys Inside, You Can File a Claim
If your car gets stolen with the keys inside, you can make a claim using your comprehensive insurance. It is essential to inquire with your insurance company and read their terms and conditions.
Personal property like books, tools or a laptop are typically not covered by your auto insurance policy. This is why you require homeowners or renters insurance to protect these items.
What happens if your keys get stolen?
In the US the United States, car theft is a major issue. More than one vehicle is taken every 32 seconds. It costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Despite advancements in technology, the standard car key is still an easy target for thieves. To guard yourself, always have a spare car key.
What happens if you lose your keys while driving? The answer is contingent on your insurance policy and the state you live in. Comprehensive coverage (or "other collision") generally covers your vehicle and its contents as well as your keys. However, certain insurers might have a clause in their policies that states your car isn't covered if the keys are locked inside of it. It is essential to read your policy carefully if this is the scenario.
The auto insurance policy doesn't cover personal property like laptops, cell phones and textbooks. Those items are covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, which you may be able to add to your auto policy. If you have both kinds of coverage and your car is stolen, you'll have to file two separate claims: one for the auto policy, and one for your personal belongings.
If you suspect that your car keys are stolen first thing you need to do is look through your pockets and bags. There's a good chance they're the bag, or perhaps you placed them on the counter after you left the car. It's crucial to remember the location and time you parked.
If you've looked everywhere but haven't found your keys, it's time for you to call the police. Make sure you keep the report in the event that you need it to support an insurance claim. You can also have an official key from the police department and receive your possessions back. You can also engage a professional locksmith to make duplicate keys if you are in a hurry. It may cost a bit more but it can save you from a bigger problem in the future.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
It's very easy to lose your keys, especially when you're out on an run. You may not be in a financial pinch if you decide to use a spare key.
If you have comprehensive insurance your car keys will be covered under your personal property theft insurance. This type of protection is included in the majority of car insurance policies, but it may also be included in renters and home insurance policies as well. When you have bundle insurance, it's important to know with which insurance company you can file a theft claim.
If you have auto insurance you can file a claim for the stolen car key. However, you might require the replacement keys to your insurance company to retrieve your car. Then, you'll have to negotiate with a local dealership to have the key fobs resettled in order for your car to start.
It is advisable to have a backup plan and keep your spare keys in a location where you can find it easily in case of emergency. It's also an excellent idea to ask your family and friends where you might have left your spare keys, because they might be thrown out on the street or handed to them by passersby.
If you don't have a spare key, and you are unable to find your car keys anywhere it's worth calling the police in your area to see if any of their lost and found items have been reported. Certain areas have a central database in which lost and found items are recorded, so they might be able to direct you to the right direction.
Car thefts that are the result of keys being left inside the vehicle are on the rise, according to research conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Most insurance companies won't cover car thefts when keys are found in the ignition or on your seat. The crucial factor to make this type of loss unaffected is to prevent theft from happening in the first place.
What happens if your keys get stolen while you're driving?
We've all been there: dropped our keys in the cupholder or tucked them under the visor and headed to the shop only to find that we're locked out when we return. Locking your keys in the car is risky for anyone who happens to be walking by and can also make it easy for thieves to break into your vehicle. It is a bit embarrassing and stressful when you discover someone has taken your car with keys inside. However, most comprehensive insurance policies (or those that don't cover collision) will cover this theft.
It's important to be aware that some policies exclude this type of theft from coverage. In these cases it's usually because of the policyholder's negligence was involved in permitting the theft to occur. This is similar to the reason some insurance companies for homes exclude burglary claims when homeowners leave windows open or cars are not locked with keys inside.
You'll have to contact your police department as soon as you discover that your car has been stolen with the keys inside. The police can give you tips on how to secure your vehicle. They will also give you an identification number to help track the perpetrator down in the event your vehicle is found. Report the theft to your insurance company. You can find out more from them regarding how to file a claim as well as what your policy will cover.
If you have roadside assistance coverage generally, it will pay to have your locks changed in the event that your car is seized. Some other types of insurance (like property insurance) could be able pay for keys stolen or lost, too. Be aware that if you decide to file a claim, your premiums are likely to increase.
Some companies offer rental car reimbursement as part of their comprehensive car insurance policies for those who don't have a second vehicle while they await the settlement of their stolen car insurance. This type of insurance is very beneficial especially in situations where the vehicle is not easily replaceable.
What happens if your keys get stolen while you're at the dealership?
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car was not an issue. You could simply put a spare key into your pocket or tuck it in the visor, and you were good to go. If you lose your key, you will need to visit an automaker or dealer. It could cost between $200 to $500 per key, depending on the year and model of your vehicle.
If you report the theft of your car keys immediately to the police your insurance company will reimburse you for the costs for replacing the keys that were stolen. This includes the cost for locksmiths who reprogram your key fob, rekey your lock and any other expenses related to getting back into your vehicle. Additionally, you'll need to call your bank immediately to block any debit or credit cards which were in your car. This will prevent any fraud or identity theft.
The majority of comprehensive insurance policies for cars (or "other-than-collision") specifically state that they cover Theft and Larceny. There are no "ifs" or conditions. This is only the case if you do not exercise reasonable care, as per the policy. This could mean parking your car in front of a bonfire or putting your keys in your car while you run into a shop.
If you're concerned that you might forget your keys in your car or you're worried that something else could happen, to happen, you should consider purchasing a device to track your keys or keeping a spare key in a safe place. You won't be responsible for the entire cost of replacing stolen keys and you may save money on your insurance. If you have bundled insurance, your homeowner's click here or renter's insurance may also pay for the replacement of your keys. But be sure to check with your policy before filing claims.