Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?
If you have a comprehensive coverage for your car insurance, you may be eligible to get a new key. The conditions and terms of the policy will determine if you are eligible to claim the replacement of a key.
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for insurers to pay theft claims without conducting a thorough examination of the keys' forensic data.
Theft
Car key theft is a serious problem because it can cause you to be without a car and in need of alternative transportation. Your insurance policy for your vehicle can assist you in this situation. The decision to submit an insurance claim will depend on the nature of the incident and the specific terms and conditions listed in your policy. For instance, if are involved in an accident and your keys are in the interior of the vehicle at the time it is not considered a theft because the car is used by another. In this scenario it is recommended to notify the police right away.
Car thefts that result from locked vehicles and keys left in are increasing according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). These types of incidents can result in high auto insurance premiums and it's crucial to be aware of the coverages your policy provides.
The majority of car insurance policies don't cover the cost of new keys in the event they are lost or damaged even if comprehensive coverage is included. However, certain plans provide roadside assistance that covers key replacement up to a specific limit. It is essential to consider the cost of replacing your car keys before filing an insurance claim.
Modern "smart" key systems rely on commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, according to 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 cars from outside of it. To do this, thieves typically work in pairs. One thief stands in the street with a transmitter device in order to receive the signal while another is trying to steal the key fob itself.
Additionally, personal property within a car is usually covered by homeowners or renters insurance. If the cost of replacing the key fob is less than the deductible and future increases in insurance premiums that could be incurred when filing an insurance claim, it may be worth it.
Damage
If a car key gets lost and not replaced quickly the owner could be faced with expensive fees to repair damaged locks. These costs could even be higher than the cost of replacing keys.
Insurance can help cover some of the damage if you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle. This is not always true. It is essential to speak with your auto insurance agent and carefully read your policy to be aware of what is covered.
The majority of car insurance policies do not provide insurance for keys that have been stolen. Only when you have roadside insurance can you receive coverage for stolen keys. In these cases the insurance company could offer to tow your vehicle to a locksmith who will create an entirely new key. However the driver will be responsible for paying for the new key.
You can also check with your landlord or homeowner's insurance provider to see whether they provide personal property protection. If your key is lost in a backpack or purse, you may be able to file a claim for all of the contents in the bag. However, you would need to pay your deductible, which is likely higher than the cost of more info a replacement key.
It's generally not worth the hassle to make an insurance claim for missing keys. The replacement cost is usually lower than your deductible and many newer keys require programming that can be very expensive.
If you do decide to file a claim with an insurance company, make sure to save all your receipts. Your insurance company will pay you back if your claim is approved, however this will depend on the specifics of your policy.
Contact your local Hibbs independent agent if you have any concerns about whether your auto or home insurance will cover lost or stolen keys. We can help you find the right auto, home, or renters' insurance to protect your family. We can assist you in comparing quotes for your insurance policy and choose the most appropriate option for your specific needs.
Replacement
If you've lost or had keys to your car stolen, you must examine the various options available to replace them. The type of car key you have will determine the insurance policy that will provide for its replacement and how much it could cost. You also have to consider whether filing a claim with your vehicle insurance will impact your insurance premiums.
If your car is a more recent model with an electronic key fob you'll likely have to go through the dealer to get an alternative key made. In this situation the dealer will require evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of the vehicle to make an appropriate replacement key for you. It is essential to keep a copy in a safe location of your car registration and purchase documents.
In some cases, comprehensive coverage may cover the cost of a lost or stolen car key. However, you must be willing to pay the deductible, which is likely higher than the cost of a new key. If you own an ignition with a standard turn key, it could be easier to buy a new one at an auto locksmith or a local locksmith parts shop.
Another option for car owners with lost or stolen keys is to file a claim with their home or renters insurance. This is because personal property coverage in these policies usually includes a certain amount for the loss of keys, or other items which are kept at your home.
You can also call your local garage to see whether they have the equipment necessary to reprogram your car's key fob. Some places offer key programming on site and can save you time and money. It's important to remember that these companies might not be able handle advanced smart keys, and you may need to send your key fob to a third party for reprogramming.
In the majority of cases, filing an insurance claim to replace a stolen or lost key is not worth the effort. The costs of replacing the key fob are likely to exceed your deductible. It will also remain on your file and could result in more expensive premiums at renewal.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you're a smart owner of a car you are likely to have a spare set of keys in a safe place. What happens if they get lost or stolen? It's a frustrating situation, and getting replacements could be more costly.
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover the loss of keys to your car or theft. Some policies may cover key loss or theft under comprehensive and collision coverage. However, this is only applicable when the vehicle was operating at the time. The things in your car may not be covered. There are policies that include additional coverage for things like electronic fobs however these are very rare.
Typically, you'll have to file a separate claim under your renters or homeowners insurance policy for the items in your vehicle that need to be replaced. But if you have your policies combined and you're able to save yourself time by filing both claims in one go.
It's a good idea keep in mind that even the most secure locking systems may break down over time. This is why it's important to keep a spare set keys in the lock and to look for signs of wear and tear on a regular basis.
Knowing your options can help reduce the stress. Find insurers who offer roadside assistance programs. They will provide you with new keys in the event that your keys are stolen. Some of these plans include locksmith services that are free and will reprogram your immobiliser.
These services may be convenient however they aren't able to substitute the advantages of a comprehensive auto insurance policy with stolen car key coverage. If you're uncertain whether or not your insurance company can provide you this kind of insurance it's a good idea to talk to an agent licensed to discuss your options. They can also help you in selecting the best policy to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free quote. We can assist you in shopping for the best insurance coverage including car key theft insurance, at competitive rates.