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 make claims for the cost of replacing a key. It's contingent on the terms and conditions of your policy, however.

Unfortunately, it is not common for insurers to settle theft claims without doing an extensive examination of the keys' forensic data.

Theft

The theft of keys to your car is a serious issue, since it could cause you to be without the vehicle you need. You may have to find another way of transport. Your auto insurance policy could assist you in this situation. The nature of the incident and the terms and conditions contained in your policy will determine whether or not you make an insurance claim. For example, if you are in an accident and your keys are in the interior of the vehicle at the time, it may not be considered a theft since the car is used by someone else. In this situation it is best to contact the police and inform them immediately.

Car thefts resulting from unlocked cars and keys that are left inside are increasing according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). These types of incidents can result in higher insurance premiums for auto insurance therefore it is important 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 that they are lost or damaged even if comprehensive insurance is included. However, some plans do offer roadside assistance coverage that covers keys replacement up to a certain 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 utilize commercial radiowaves to connect with sensors or control modules. This system is known as the controller area network or CAN. The criminals have found an opportunity to steal the signal and unlock or start the car from outside. To accomplish this, thieves typically operate in pairs. One thief stands in the street with a transmitter device to detect the signal, while another tries to steal the key fob itself.

It's also important to remember that personal property contained within the vehicle is usually covered by renters or homeowner insurance. If the cost of replacing your vehicle's key fob is lower than the deductible and any future increases in insurance premiums that could be incurred by filing an insurance claim, it may be worth it.

Damage

If a lost car key is not replaced promptly the owner could be charged high-priced fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These costs can be more than 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 case. It is essential to speak with your auto insurance agent and carefully read your policy to be aware of what is covered.

Most insurance policies for cars do not offer coverage for keys that are stolen. The only exception is the case if you have roadside assist coverage. In these situations the insurance company could help towing your vehicle to a locksmith who can create an entirely new key. However the driver will be responsible for paying for the new key.

You can also inquire with your home or renters' insurance to see whether they offer personal property insurance. You may be able to file a claim if your key is stolen from your purse or backpack. You would have to pay a deductible, which is typically higher than the cost of replacing the key.

In general the majority of cases, filing an insurance claim isn't worth the effort. The replacement costs are rarely lower than your deductible and most newer keys require programming that can be very expensive.

If you decide to file an insurance claim, make sure to keep all receipts. If your claim is accepted by your insurance company, you may be reimbursed. However it will depend on the policy you have in place.

Contact your local Hibbs independent agent if you have questions regarding whether your home or auto insurance will cover lost or stolen keys. We can assist you in finding click here the right auto, home or renters' insurance to protect your family. If it's time to review your insurance policy we can review quotes and help you pick the best option for your needs.

Replacement

If you've lost or have keys to your car stolen, it's important to be aware of the different options for replacing keys. The type of car key you own will determine the insurance policy that will cover its replacement and how much it may cost. You should also consider whether filing a claim on your vehicle insurance will impact your premiums.

If your car is a more recent model with an electronic key fob you'll likely need to contact the dealer to get a replacement made. In this case the dealer will require proof of ownership such as the title or registration of the vehicle to make an appropriate replacement key for you. This is the reason it's essential to keep the original registration and car purchase documents in a secure place.

In some instances, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of a lost or stolen key. However, you must be prepared to pay the deductible, which is likely higher than the cost of a new key. If you have an ignition that has the standard turn key it might be simpler to get a new one at the local locksmith shop or auto parts shop.

A car owner who has lost or stolen car key can also file a claim with their home or renters' insurance. Personal property coverage is usually included in these policies and covers an amount that will cover the loss of keys, or other belongings kept at home.

You can also call the garage in your area to see whether they have the tools required to reprogram your car's key fob. Some garages offer key programming on site, which can save time and money. However, it's important to remember that these businesses will typically not be equipped to handle more sophisticated types of smart keys and might require sending the key fob off to reprogramme it.

In most cases it's not worth the time and effort required to file an insurance claim for a stolen or lost car key. The cost of replacing the key fob will likely be more than the 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 are a smart owner of a vehicle, you probably have a spare key set in a secure location. But what happens if they're stolen or lost? It's a difficult situation, and getting replacements may be more costly.

Unfortunately the standard auto insurance policies don't typically cover car key theft or loss. Certain policies might cover car key theft or loss under collision and comprehensive coverage. However, this is only applicable to cars that were operating at the time. The contents of your car may not be covered. You can find policies that offer additional protection for things like electronic fobs however these are very rare.

Typically, you'll need to make a separate claim to your home or renters insurance policy for the items that are in your vehicle to be replaced. If you have both policies that are bundled and you want to save time by filing the claims together.

Even the most secure locking system can fail over time. This is why it's important to keep a spare set of keys on hand and to be aware of wear and tear regularly.

While it's never a good idea to lose your keys, knowing what options are available can help ease the stress. Find insurance companies that provide roadside assistance plans. They will give you new keys in the event that your keys are stolen. Some of these plans will also provide you with locksmith services and the reprogramming of your immobiliser without charge.

While these services are convenient, they aren't an alternative to the full benefits of a collision or comprehensive insurance policy for vehicles that provides the protection of stolen car keys. If you're uncertain whether or not your insurance provider can offer you this type of coverage it's best to talk to an agent licensed to discuss your options. They can help you pick the right policy for your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free quote. We can help you find the best coverage at competitive rates and include insurance for car keys stolen.