Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have comprehensive insurance for your car coverage, you may be able to file claims for the cost of a replacement key. The conditions of the policy will determine whether you can claim for a replacement key.
It is common for insurers to settle theft claims without a thorough check of the keys' forensic data.
Theft
Car key theft is a serious issue as it can result in you not having a car and in need of a different means of transportation. 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 listed in your policy. If you're involved in a car crash and your keys were inside the vehicle, it might not be considered theft as the vehicle was already being used by another person. In this instance it is recommended to contact the police and notify them immediately.
Car thefts due to unlocked vehicles and keys left in are on the rise, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). These incidents can result in higher insurance premiums for auto insurance therefore it is important to know what your policy covers.
In general, automobile insurance policies do not cover the cost of new keys in the event that they are lost or stolen, even when you have a comprehensive insurance. However, some plans do offer roadside assistance coverage that includes keys replacement up to a certain limit. For this reason, it is crucial to consider the value of your car's keys and how much it might cost to replace them prior to making an insurance claim.
Many modern "smart" key systems make use of commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, as explained by Thatcham Research. This is known as controller area networks, also known as CAN. Thieves have discovered a technique to hijack the signal, which allows them to open or start cars from outside of it. To accomplish this thieves, they work in pairs. One thief utilizes an electronic transmitter to detect the signal while the other tries to steal the key fob.
Also, personal property in the vehicle is usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If the cost of replacing the key fob is lower than the deductible, and future insurance premium increases that might be incurred by filing an insurance claim, it may be worth it.
Damage
If a car key gets lost and not replaced immediately, the owner can face high costs to repair damaged locks. These costs could even exceed the cost of replacing the keys.
Insurance may help to cover a portion of the damages if you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. However, this isn't always the situation. It is important to speak with your auto insurance agent and carefully read your policy to understand what is covered.
Most insurance policies for cars do not include coverage for stolen keys. The only exception is if you have roadside assistance coverage. In these cases the insurance company will offer to tow your vehicle to a locksmith who can make the new key. The driver is responsible for the cost of the new key.
You can also inquire with your home or renters' insurance provider to see if they offer personal property insurance. You may be able file a claim if your key is lost inside your purse or backpack. However, you'll need to pay your insurance deductible, which is usually more than the cost of the replacement key.
Generally, it's not worth the effort to file an insurance claim to replace missing keys. The cost of replacing the key is typically higher than your deductible and many keys are programmed, which can be expensive.
If you decide to file an insurance claim ensure that you keep all receipts. Your insurance company can reimburse you if your claim is approved, however this will depend on the specifics of your policy.
If you have questions about whether your home or car insurance covers lost or stolen keys, contact your local Hibbs independent insurance agent. We can help you find the best home, auto, or renters' insurance policy to protect your family. We can assist you in comparing quotes for your insurance policy and select the most appropriate option for your needs.
Replacement
It's important to consider your options in case you've lost or had your car keys stolen. The type of car key you own will determine the insurance policy that will cover its replacement and the amount it will cost. You should also consider whether filing a claim on your car insurance will affect your insurance premiums.
If your can keyless car be stolen car is a more recent model with an electronic key fob, you'll likely need to visit the dealer to get a replacement key made. In this instance, the dealer will need proof of ownership such as the title or registration of the vehicle to create an appropriate replacement key for you. This is the reason it's essential to keep a copy of your registration and purchase documents in a secure location.
In some cases comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of the replacement of a stolen or lost key. However, you should be prepared to pay the cost of the deductible, which is usually higher than the cost of an entirely new key. If you own an ignition with the standard turn key it might be easier for you to buy the new one from the local locksmith shop or auto parts shop.
A car owner who has a lost or stolen car key can also file a claim with their renters' or home insurance. This is because personal property coverage under these policies usually includes an amount that is specific to the loss of keys or other items which are kept at your home.
You can also call your local garage and inquire if they have all the necessary equipment to reprogram your key fob. Some garages provide on-site key programming that can save you money as well as time. However it's important to remember that these companies typically will not be equipped to handle more sophisticated kinds of smart keys. They may need to send the key fob away to be reprogrammed.
In the majority of instances it's not worth the time and effort to submit an insurance claim for a lost or stolen car key. The costs of replacing the key fob are likely to be more than your deductible. It will also remain on your record and could result in higher premiums when you renew.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you're a savvy car owner, you probably have spare keys somewhere secure. But what happens when they're stolen or lost? It's a difficult situation, and getting replacements could be even more expensive.
Unfortunately the standard auto insurance policies don't typically cover key theft or loss. They may provide some coverage under collision or comprehensive coverage, but only if your car was driving at the time of the theft. It's not a guarantee that the belongings in your vehicle are covered. You can find policies that provide additional coverage for electronic fobs, such as RFIDs, but these are rare.
Typically, you'll need make a separate claim to your home or renters insurance policy for the items inside your vehicle to be replaced. But if you have your policies in a bundle and you're able to save yourself time by filing both claims in one go.
Even the most secure locking system could fail over time. This is why it's crucial to always keep a spare set of keys in the lock and to be aware of wear and tear regularly.
While it's never ideal to lose your keys, knowing what options you have can help ease the stress. Find insurers who provide roadside assistance plans. They'll give you new keys in the event that your keys are stolen. Some of these services will also provide you with locksmith services and reprogramming your immobiliser for free.
Although these services are useful however, they're not a substitute for the full benefits of a collision or comprehensive auto insurance policy that offers keys stolen from cars coverage. You should consult an insurance agent who is licensed If you have any doubts about the capability of your provider to offer this type of insurance. They can also help you in selecting the best policy to suit your budget and needs. Contact us today for a free quote. We can help you find the best coverage at competitive rates, including insurance for keys stolen from your car.