Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?

It may seem like a negative thing to put your car keys 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 before you file an insurance claim. The claim process begins with a police report and a thorough description of your vehicle.

1. Contact the police

It is crucial to adopt preventative measures to secure your car and its contents. Car theft is on the rise all over the world, 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 hide valuables in the vehicle, or better take the car out of your sight. Even having taken preventive steps, you might be a victim of a crime that is a matter of opportunity. If you have a key inside of your vehicle when it's stolen, here are the steps to take to report the theft to the police and your insurance.

If your vehicle is reported stolen, call the police to submit an official theft report. The more details you can provide to the police about your vehicle, such as its model and make, license plate number, VIN number and other identifying characteristics, the better chance it will have of being returned to you. Also inform the police whether 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. Based on the policies of your insurance company, you might be able to notify them via telephone or online. Provide your policy number, the car's model and make, any identifying details (like large scratches or custom-designed add-ons) and the time and location of the loss. Inform your agent if your vehicle has any other technology such as GPS tracking, which could help them locate your car.

Don't forget to provide your insurance company and police with the same information. Any discrepancies could delay the process of processing your claims. Additionally, if you have significant debt, your insurance company will make use of this information to determine whether to settle your claim or not. It is recommended not to leave any personal information or documents in your car, such as receipts, credit card numbers and pay stubs. If you do leave such details in your vehicle, notify your bank, your credit card company, and any other authorities about the theft. This will enable them to block any unauthorized charges, and alert their security departments.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

Car theft is on the increase. Every year, thousands cars with keys inside are taken. It's not just bad luck. You can reduce this crime by adding more protections to your vehicle.

Contact your insurance provider immediately following the theft. Your insurer will provide you with a car rental while you wait for your car to be returned or compensate you if it isn't. They will answer all your questions and provide you with the details of your insurance policy. It's also crucial to file a police report with the name and number of the officer who investigated the incident, as well as the time and date of the theft.

Make sure to include all the relevant details of your vehicle, including its make and model and a full description of the items taken. Also, make sure to include the name and number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables in it. This information can help police investigate the claim and rule out people who may be attempting to commit fraud. It could be necessary to conduct a credit check in addition. This is to ensure you are not in significant debt, which would raise suspicions of fraud and make it harder to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for the car you stole.

You can also get the name and contact number of the representative from your insurance company to assist you get through the claims process. You can reach them in many ways, including via telephone or via chat online.

It may be an inconvenience to make a claim for car insurance with your insurer and the police, but it is essential to do it in the earliest time possible. This will not only ensure that your vehicle receives the attention it deserves however, it will read more also help you avoid being involved in a scam, or being denied coverage because of a simple mistake.

3. Claim your Benefits

Your insurer will want to know the full details as soon as possible, so ensure that everything is in order. Include any photographs as well as the location of your car before and after it's loss, and the contact information of any person who had access it. Your insurance company will need to have a clear description of your car, including any upgrades and options you may have. If you have receipts for your purchase, these are also important.

You could be required to file two claims one claim for auto insurance for the car itself, and a homeowner or renters insurance claim for personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you do have a comprehensive insurance policy the auto insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the policy's limits and deductible will apply.

After your claim is completed the insurance company will either pay you back the actual cash value of the car if the car has been deemed totaled, or pay the entire amount in the event that the vehicle was found and returned. If you decide to repair the car, which isn't always feasible, your insurer will charge you for the deductible.

It could take up to 30 days for an insurance company to settle a stolen car claim. It can be difficult to travel while 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 is never found, it's important to report it to police immediately. This will add your car to national and state databases which will make it harder for thieves later on to sell your vehicle. Additionally you'll be able file a police report with your insurance company for your car and have it added to your policy.

Leaving your keys in your car can lead to a stolen car, so it's always best to keep them in a safe location and lock the vehicle when it is not in use. You can also prevent theft by parking your car in areas that are well-lit and keeping your key in your pocket.

4. Recover Your Car

When you're certain your car was stolen with keys inside, contact the police to file a complaint. This will add the details about your vehicle to state and federal databases, making it more difficult for thieves to steal. Contact your insurance company immediately to report a stolen vehicle.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will replace your car minus depreciation. The insurance company will consider comparable vehicles in your region, mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine much your car is worth. However, you'll need to pay an amount of $500 for deductible.

In addition to paying to replace your vehicle the insurance company will also repair any damage that occurred when your vehicle was taken with the keys inside. If you have an electronic tracker, it can assist the police in finding your car once it's recovered.

If your car has been taken with your keys inside, you need to take action immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be rejected or be investigated as fraud. In certain instances you might be required to undergo 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 have been stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will cover your vehicle. These items are likely covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the location where they were kept. If you have both your homeowners and auto insurance policies bundled together, you can claim both policies at once.

Always lock your car and take keys when you're not driving it. Keep your spare keys in a safe location away from your vehicle. Do not write your address or name on your car keys. Also, choose parking spaces that are well-lit, supervised and off-street as much as possible. Also, ensure that your car is in a secure, well-lit place and that you're blocking mailboxes or driveways.