Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage, you might be able to submit a claim for the cost of replacing a key. The terms and conditions of the policy will determine whether you can claim for an additional key.
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for insurers to pay theft claims without a thorough examination of the keys' forensic data.
Theft
The theft of keys to your car is a major issue since it could leave you stranded without an automobile. You may have to find another way of transport. Your insurance policy for your vehicle can help you in such a situation. The decision to submit an insurance claim is contingent on the nature of the incident and the specific terms and conditions listed in your policy. For instance, if are in an accident and your keys are inside of the vehicle at the time, it may not be considered a crime since the vehicle is used by another. In this situation, it would be best to contact the police and inform them immediately.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts are increasing because of unlocked vehicles and keys left in the vehicle. These types of incidents can result in high auto insurance premiums, so it's important to be aware of the coverages your policy provides.
In general, most auto insurance policies won't cover your costs for new keys in the event that they are lost or stolen even when you have a comprehensive insurance. However, some policies do offer roadside assistance coverage that covers key replacement up to a specific limit. This is why it is important to carefully consider the importance of your car's keys and how much it might cost to replace them before filing a claim.
A lot of modern "smart" key systems rely on commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, as explained by Thatcham Research. This system is called the controller area network, or CAN. Thieves have discovered a technique to sabotage the signal which allows them to open or start a car from outside of it. To do this, thieves typically operate in pairs. One thief utilizes a transmitter to pick up the signal while the other attempts to steal a key fob.
Additionally, personal property within a car is usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If the cost of replacing your vehicle's key fob is less than the deductible and future increases in insurance premiums that could be associated with making an insurance claim, it may be worth it.
Damage
If a car key is lost and is not replaced as quickly as it should the owner could be charged a high price to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These expenses can even surpass the cost of replacing the keys.
Insurance can cover a portion of the damage if have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle. However, this is not always the case. To understand your policy, it's important to speak with your agent and to take the time to read it thoroughly.
Most insurance policies for cars do not cover keys stolen. Only if you have roadside coverage can you get coverage for stolen keys. In this case, the insurance company will cover for towing your vehicle to a locksmith who will create the new car keys. However the driver will be accountable for the new key.
You can also check with your home or renters' insurance to see if they offer personal property protection. You may be able file an insurance claim if the key is lost in a backpack or purse. You will have to pay a deductible which is usually more than the cost of replacing a key.
In general, it's not worth the hassle to file an insurance claim for lost keys. The replacement cost is usually lower than your deductible and a lot of modern keys require programming, which can be expensive.
If you decide to file an insurance claim be sure to keep all receipts. Your insurance company will reimburse you if your claim is approved, but it will depend on the terms of your specific policy.
Contact your local Hibbs independent agent if you have any questions regarding whether your auto or home insurance will cover lost or stolen keys. We can assist you in finding the right auto, home, or renters' insurance policy to protect your family. And if it's time to review your insurance policy, we can compare quotes and help you select the best options for your needs.
Replacement
If you lose or have your car keys stolen, it's important to take a close look at the different options for replacing keys. The kind of key you own can determine what kind of insurance policy will be required to replace it, and what the process will cost. You also have to think about whether filing a claim against your car insurance will affect your insurance premiums.
If your car is a more recent model with an electronic key fob, you'll likely have to contact the dealer to get a replacement key made. In this instance the dealer will require evidence of ownership of the car like the title or registration to create the new key for you. This is why it's important to keep a copy of your registration and the purchase of your car in a safe place.
In certain cases, comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of the replacement of a stolen or lost key. You'll have to pay a deductible, which is usually higher than the cost of the replacement key. If you have an ignition that has a standard turn key, it could be easier for you to purchase the new one from a local locksmith or auto parts shop.
A car owner who has lost or stolen key may also file a claim under their renters' or homeowner's insurance. Personal property insurance is typically included in these policies and includes the amount needed to cover the loss of keys, or other items that are kept at home.
You could also contact your local garage to find out whether they have the tools required to reprogram your car's key fob. Some places offer on-site key programming that can save you money and time. It's important to remember that these companies might not be able to manage more advanced smart keys, and you may have to send your key fob to a third party for reprogramming.
In most cases, it's not worth the effort and time to make an insurance claim for a lost or stolen car key. The cost of replacing the key fob is likely exceed the deductible, and it will remain on your record. This could result in higher insurance premiums when renewal time comes around.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you are a smart owner of a car and you have a spare set of keys in a secure location. car key stolen insurance What happens if they are lost or stolen? It's a stressful situation, and getting replacements may be more costly.
Standard auto insurance policies don't cover car key loss or theft. Some policies may cover car key loss or theft under comprehensive and collision coverage. However this only applies if the car was in use at the time. It's also not guaranteed that the contents of your vehicle will be covered either. There are policies that cover electronic fobs, however they are rare.
Typically, you'll need file a separate claim under your renters or home insurance policy for the items inside your vehicle to be replaced. If you have both policies combined and you want to save time by filing both claims together.
It's a good idea to keep in mind that even the most secure locking systems can fail in time. It is essential to have an extra key in your inventory and to look for wear and tear regularly.
While it's never ideal to lose your keys, knowing what options are available will help ease the stress. Find insurers who offer roadside assistance plans. They'll give you new keys in the event that yours is stolen. Some of these plans will also offer locksmith services and reprogramming your immobiliser for free.
However, while these services are useful, they aren't a substitute for the full benefits of a collision or comprehensive auto insurance policy that offers stolen car keys coverage. You should speak to an insurance agent who is licensed if you have any questions about your provider's ability to provide this kind of protection. They can also help you in selecting the best policy that meets your budget and needs. Contact us today to receive a free quote. We can assist you in finding the best coverage for you at competitive rates including insurance for car keys stolen.