Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have comprehensive insurance for your car coverage, you might be able to make a claim for the cost of a replacement key. It's dependent on the terms and conditions of your policy, though.
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for insurers to pay theft claims without conducting a thorough examination of the keys' forensic data.
Theft
The theft of car keys is a major issue because it could leave you without an automobile. You may have to find another way of transport. Fortunately, your car insurance policy could help in this scenario. Whether or not you make an insurance claim is contingent on the nature of the incident and the specific terms and conditions that are listed in your policy. If you are in a car accident and your keys were within the vehicle, it could not be considered theft as the car was already occupied by a different person. In this scenario, it is best to call the police 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 types of incidents can lead to high auto insurance rates which is why it's important to understand your coverage and what is covered under your policy.
In general, most automobile insurance policies do not cover the cost of new keys that are stolen or lost even in the event that you have a comprehensive coverage. However, some policies do provide roadside assistance, which covers key replacement up to a specific limit. It is important to consider the cost of replacing your car keys before filing a claim.
Thatcham Research explains that many modern "smart key" systems use commercial radiowaves for communication with sensors or control modules. This system is known as 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. For this, thieves operate in pairs. One thief utilizes a transmitter to pick up the signal while the second is trying to take the key fob.
Also, personal property in a car is usually covered by homeowners or renters insurance. It may be worth it to replace your car's remote key fob when the cost is less than the deductible, or if you anticipate future insurance premium increases associated with making a claim.
Damage
If a car key is lost and is not replaced promptly the owner could be charged expensive fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These costs can be more than the cost of replacing the keys.
If you have insurance coverage that is comprehensive on your car it may help to cover some damage. However, this is not always the case. It's important to talk with your auto insurance agent and carefully read your policy to understand what is covered.
Most car insurance policies exclude coverage for keys that are stolen. Only when you have roadside insurance can you get coverage for stolen keys. In these cases, the insurance company will cover for towing your vehicle to a locksmith who will create an entirely new car key. However the driver is accountable for the new key.
Contact your renters or home insurance to see if personal property is covered. You may be able to file a claim if your key is stolen from the purse or backpack. You'll need to pay a deductible that is typically higher than the cost of replacing the key.
In general, it's not worth the hassle to make an insurance claim to replace missing keys. The replacement costs are rarely less than your deductible and most modern keys require programming, which can be very expensive.
Keep all receipts in case you decide to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company can pay you back if the claim is approved, but it will depend on the terms of your specific policy.
If you are unsure whether your home or vehicle insurance covers lost or stolen keys, contact your local Hibbs independent insurance agent. We can assist you in choosing the appropriate renters', auto, or home insurance to protect your loved ones. We can assist you in comparing quotes for your insurance policy, and help you choose the most appropriate option for your needs.
Replacement
It is important to think about your options in the event that you lose or have had your car keys stolen. The type of key you have can determine what kind of insurance policy you can use to replace it and how much the process may cost. It is also important to consider the impact of submitting a claim with your vehicle insurance on your premiums.
You'll need to contact your dealer if you own a car with an electronic key. In this situation the dealer will require evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of the vehicle to create the replacement key for you. It's important that you keep an exact copy in a secure place of your registration and purchase papers.
In some instances, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost for a lost or stolen key. You'll need to pay a deductible, which is usually higher than the price of a replacement key. If you have an ignition that has the standard turn key it might be easier to purchase an additional one from an auto locksmith or a local locksmith parts store.
Another alternative for car owners with lost or stolen keys is to file a claim through their home or renters insurance. Personal property insurance is typically included in these policies and includes a specific amount to ensure the replacement of keys or other items that are kept at home.
You can also contact your local garage and ask whether they have the necessary equipment to reprogram your key fob. Some garages offer key programming on-site, which can save time and money. However it's important to remember that these companies will not be capable of handling more sophisticated types of smart keys. You may require sending the key fob to another location for reprogramming.
In the majority of cases, it's not worth the time and effort required to file an insurance claim for a lost or stolen car key. The cost of replacing the key fob will likely be higher than the deductible, and it will remain on your record. This could result in increased insurance premiums when renewing.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you're a responsible car owner, then you probably have a spare set keys somewhere safe. But what happens when they get lost or stolen? It's a stressful situation, and getting replacements could be more costly.
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover the loss of keys to your car or theft. They might provide some protection under comprehensive or collision coverage, but only available if your car was in use at the time of the theft. It's not a guarantee that the belongings in your car will be covered either. There are policies that cover electronic fobs, but they are not common.
You'll typically need to file an independent claim with your homeowners or renters insurance for the things you'd like to replace in your vehicle. If you have your policies in a bundle, you can often save yourself some time by filing both claims at once.
It's important to keep in mind that even the most secure locking systems may fail over time. This is why it's important to always keep a spare set keys in your possession and to check for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis.
While it's never ideal to lose your keys, understanding what options are available can help ease the stress. You can find insurers that provide roadside assistance plans which will give you replacement keys if yours are ever stolen. Some of these plans will also offer locksmith services and the reprogramming of your immobiliser at no cost.
These services might be useful but they're not able to take away the benefits of a comprehensive auto insurance policy that includes stolen vehicle key insurance. If you have questions about whether your insurance provider can offer you this kind of insurance it's recommended to talk to an agent licensed to discuss your options. They can also help you select the best policy for your requirements and budget. Contact us today for a free quote. We can assist you in shopping for the best insurance including click here car key theft insurance, with competitive rates.