Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?

It might seem like a bad thing to leave your car keys in the ignition but is insurance coverage for cars that are stolen with keys in them? Generally, yes. There are a few caveats.

First, you must ensure that your vehicle is truly missing prior to filing a claim. The claim process begins with a police declaration and a detailed description of your vehicle.

1. Contact the police

It's important to take preventative measures to protect your vehicle and its contents. Car theft is increasing across the country and Colorado is ranked first in per capita thefts. This includes locking your vehicle, setting up an alarm, and taking all keys and fobs out of the vehicle when not driving it. It's also a good idea to hide valuables in the vehicle, or even better take the car out of your sight. Even if you take precautions however, you could be the victim of an opportunity-based crime. If you have a key inside of your vehicle when it's stolen and you want to report it, here are the steps to follow to report the theft to the police and your insurance company.

You should notify the police immediately after your vehicle is reported stolen and submit a police report. The more details you can provide the police regarding your vehicle like the model and make as well as license plate number or VIN, the greater chances of it being returned to you. Also inform the police if your vehicle is equipped with a GPS device.

After you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to inform them of the theft. Depending on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by phone or online. Please provide your policy number, the name of your insurance company, the make and model of the vehicle and any other identifying information (like large dents, custom additions and so on.) and the time and location of the theft. Inform your agent if your vehicle is equipped with other technologies such as GPS tracking, which could aid in locating your vehicle.

Don't forget to give your insurance provider and the police with the same information. Any discrepancies can delay the process of processing your claims. The insurance company may also utilize this information to decide whether or not to pay an amount when you owe a significant amount of money. This is why it's best to avoid leaving any personal documents or other information in your vehicle, like receipts, credit cards and paycheck stubs. If you do leave such information in your vehicle, be sure to inform your bank, credit card companies and other organizations of the theft so they can put a halt to any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

It's no secret that vehicle theft is on the rise. In reality, thousands of cars are stolen with the owner's keys inside each year. It's not just bad luck. You can help prevent this crime by putting in more deterrents to your car.

The first thing you have to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft has occurred. You can obtain a rental vehicle from your insurer while you wait to recover your vehicle or get compensation if you don't. They will be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the specifics of your insurance policy. It is also essential to file a police report with the name and number of the officer who inspected the incident, as well as the date and time of the theft.

Include all relevant details about your vehicle, including its model and make, as well as a detailed description on the read more items that were stolen. Remember to include the name number, address and any other details about anyone who might have had access to your vehicle or the valuables inside. This information can help police investigate the claims and eliminate people who may be attempting to commit fraud. It is possible to run a credit check in addition. This is to make sure you are not in debt to the extent of which could lead to suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult for you to secure an acceptable settlement for your car that was stolen.

The insurance company may also provide you with the name and number of a representative to help you navigate the claim process. You can contact them in a variety of ways, including via telephone or via chat online.

When filing a claim for car insurance with the police and insurance company is a hassle and it's important to do so as quickly as you can. It is crucial to make a claim as quickly as you can. Not only will it ensure that your car receives the attention it requires but it will also help you avoid being caught in a scam and having coverage denied due to an unintentional error.

3. File a Claim

Your insurer will want to know all the facts as soon as they can, so ensure that everything is in order. This includes where your vehicle was prior to and following the time it was stolen, any photographs you might have, and the contact information of everyone who was able to access the vehicle. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your vehicle including any upgrades and options you may have. You should also keep receipts.

You may be required to make two claims. One for the auto insurance policy, and the other for renters or homeowners for any personal belongings that were in the vehicle. If you do have comprehensive coverage the auto insurance policy should be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. However, your policy's limits and deductible will apply.

Once your claim has been completed, your insurance company will either reimburse you for the actual cash value of your car when it's determined to be totaled, or pay the full cost if your car is found and returned. Then you'll be accountable for your deductible if you decide to repair the vehicle, which is usually not feasible.

It can take 30 days or more for an insurer to settle a stolen car claim. It isn't easy to travel while you wait and you should make sure that your policy will cover rental reimbursement. The majority of policies do, but coverage is contingent on the policy and provider.

If your vehicle isn't found, it's important to report it to police immediately. This will place your vehicle in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car later on. You can also include the police report to your automobile insurance policy by filing it with your insurance company.

If you don't want your vehicle to be taken away, keep your keys away from view and secure your vehicle when it is not in use. You can also prevent theft by parking your car in well-lit areas and keeping your key in your car.

4. Recover Your Car

As soon as you're sure your car has been taken with keys inside, call the police to file a complaint. This will be added to national and state databases, making it more difficult for thieves to make a deal with it. You should also contact your insurance company as quickly as you can to file a stolen vehicle claim.

If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will reimburse you to replace the vehicle that was stolen, minus depreciation. The insurance company will take into account comparable vehicles in your area, mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine how the value of your car is. You'll still have to pay a $500 deduction.

In addition to paying to replace your vehicle, your insurance company will repair any damage that was caused when your vehicle was taken with the keys inside. If you have a device to track your car it can help police locate your vehicle once it's been recovered.

If your car has been stolen and your keys were hidden inside, you should take action immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be denied or questioned as fraud. In certain instances you could be required to undergo an examination under oath, where you'll be asked questions by a representative from your insurance company under swearing.

While your car will be covered by comprehensive auto insurance, you may have to file an individual claim for belongings that were stolen from your vehicle. These items will likely be covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on where you kept them. If you have both your homeowners and auto insurance policies combined and you want to make both claims at the same time.

Always lock your car and remove keys when you're not driving it. Keep the spare key in a safe location away from your car. Don't write your name or address on your keys. Choose parking spaces that are well-lit and monitored and as far as possible you can park off-street. You should also make sure your car is parked in a secure, well-lit place and that you're blocking any driveways or mailboxes.