A How-To Guide For Car Key Stolen Insurance From Start To Finish

Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?

If you have a comprehensive coverage on your automobile insurance, you might be able to claim the cost of the purchase of a new key. The conditions and terms of the policy will determine whether you are eligible to claim a replacement key.

It is uncommon for insurers to pay theft claims without doing a thorough examination of the keys' forensic data.

Theft

Car key theft is a serious problem because it can leave you without a vehicle and needing alternative transportation. Fortunately, your car insurance policy could help in this scenario. The decision to make an insurance claim will be contingent on the nature of the incident as well as the specific terms and conditions specified in your policy. For instance, if are involved in an accident and your keys are inside of the vehicle at the time it is not considered a crime since the car is already being used by another. In this case it is best to contact the police and notify them immediately.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts are on the rise due to unlocked vehicles and keys left in the vehicle. These incidents can result in high auto insurance rates, so it is important to understand your coverage and what is covered by your policy.

In general, automobile insurance policies do not cover your costs for new keys if they are stolen or lost, even if you have comprehensive coverage. However, certain plans provide roadside assistance, which covers keys replacement up to a specific limit. It is important to consider the cost of replacing your car keys prior to filing a claim.

Thatcham Research explains that many modern "smart key" systems use commercial radiowaves to connect with sensors or control modules. This system is known as the controller area network, or CAN. Thieves have found a way to steal the signal which allows them to unlock or start cars from outside of it. To accomplish this thieves, they operate in pairs. One thief stands outside with a transmitter device to pick up the signal, while another is trying to steal the key fob itself.

Additionally, personal property within the vehicle is usually covered by homeowners or renters insurance. If the cost of replacing your car's key fob is lower than the deductible and any future insurance premiums that could be incurred by making an insurance claim, it may be worth it.

Damage

If a lost car keys is not replaced promptly the owner could be charged expensive fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These costs can even exceed the cost of replacing keys.

Insurance can help cover some of the damages if you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. However, this isn't always the case. To be aware of your policy, it's important to speak with your agent and read it carefully.

Most insurance policies for cars do not provide coverage for stolen keys. Only when you have roadside insurance can you get coverage for keys stolen. In these situations, the insurance company may pay to tow your car to a locksmith who will create an entirely new key. The driver is accountable for the cost of the new key.

Contact your renters or home insurance company to see whether personal property is covered. You may be able to file a claim if your key is stolen from a backpack or purse. However, you'll need to pay your deductible, which is likely higher than the cost of the replacement key.

It's generally not worth the effort to submit an insurance claim for missing keys. The cost of replacing the key is usually greater than your deductible. Additionally, many keys are programmed, which can be expensive.

If you decide to file a claim with an insurance company be sure to keep all receipts. If your claim is accepted by your insurance company, you could be reimbursed. However, this will depend on your policy.

If you're unsure whether your home or vehicle insurance covers stolen or lost keys, call your local Hibbs independent insurance agent. We can assist you in choosing the appropriate auto, renters', or home insurance policy to protect your loved ones. If it's time for you to review your insurance policy we can review quotes and help you select the best option for your situation.

Replacement

If you lose or have keys to your car stolen, you must take a close look at the different options for replacing keys. The kind of key you own will determine which insurance policy you can use to replace it, and what the process will cost. You should also consider whether filing a claim on your car insurance will affect your cost.

If your car is a newer model that has an electronic key fob you'll probably need to contact the dealer to have an alternative key made. In this instance, the dealership will need evidence of ownership of the vehicle like the title or registration to create the new key for you. It's important that you keep a copy in a safe place of your registration and purchase documents.

In some cases comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of a lost or stolen key. You will have to pay a deductible, which is usually more than the price of a replacement key. If you have an ordinary turn-key ignition it may be easier to find a replacement at a locksmith or auto parts store.

A car owner who has a lost or stolen key can also file a claim under their renters' or homeowner's insurance. Personal property insurance is typically included in these policies and covers a specific amount to protect against the loss of keys, or other items that are kept at home.

You can also call your local garage to find out if they have the equipment needed to reprogram your vehicle's key fob. Some places offer on-site key programming services, which can save you money as well as time. It is important to keep in mind that these businesses may not be able to manage more advanced smart keys, and you may have to send your key fob to a third-party to reprogramme it.

In the majority of cases, submitting an insurance claim to replace a lost or stolen key is not worth the effort. The cost of replacing the key fob will likely exceed your deductible, and it will remain on your record. This could lead to higher insurance premiums when renewal time comes around.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you're a smart owner of a car you are likely to have a spare key set in a safe location. What happens if they are stolen or lost? It's a costly and frustrating situation.

Unfortunately, standard auto insurance policies don't typically provide coverage for car keys loss or theft. They might provide some protection under comprehensive or collision coverage, but this is only available if your car was driving at the time of the theft. The items in your vehicle may not be covered as well. There are policies that include additional coverage for electronic fobs, such as RFIDs however, they are not common.

Typically, you'll have to file a separate claim under your home or renters insurance policy for the items inside your vehicle that need to be replaced. If you have both policies combined and you want to reduce time by filing the claims together.

Even the most secure locking system may fail over time. This is the reason it's essential to always keep a spare set keys in the lock and to look for signs of wear and tear regularly.

While it's never a good idea to lose your keys, knowing what options you have can ease the burden. Insurance companies provide roadside assistance programs that can provide you with replacement keys in the event that yours is ever stolen. Some of these plans offer locksmith services that are free and will reprogram your immobiliser.

These services may be convenient, but they don't take away the advantages of a comprehensive auto website insurance policy. They don't replace stolen car key insurance. If you're unsure whether your insurance company can provide you this type of coverage, it's recommended to speak with an authorized agent to discuss your options. They can help you pick the right policy to meet your requirements and budget. Contact us today for a free quote. We will help you shop for the best insurance, including car key stolen insurance at affordable rates.