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 submit a claim for the cost of replacing a key. The conditions of the policy will determine if you are eligible to claim an additional key.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurers to pay theft claims without a thorough examination of the keys' forensic information.

Theft

The theft of keys to your car is a serious problem, as it can cause you to be without the vehicle you need. You may have to find a different transportation option. Fortunately, your auto insurance policy may help you in this situation. The nature of the incident, as well as the terms and conditions of your policy, will determine if you can file an insurance claim. For instance, if you are involved in an accident and your keys are in the interior of the vehicle at the time of the accident the incident, it might not be considered a crime since the car is used by another. In this scenario, it is best to contact the police immediately.

Car thefts that result from locked cars and keys left inside are increasing according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). These incidents can lead to high auto insurance premiums therefore it is important to know what your policy covers.

In general, car insurance policies will not pay for the replacement of keys that are lost or stolen, even when you have a comprehensive insurance. Some policies offer roadside assistance that covers keys replacement up to a certain amount. This is why it is important to carefully consider the value of your car's keys and how much it will cost to replace them prior to making claims.

A lot of modern "smart" key systems use commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, as explained by Thatcham Research. This system is known as controller area networks, or CAN. The criminals have found an opportunity to steal the signal and unlock or start the car from outside. To accomplish this thieves collaborate in pairs. One thief uses a transmitter to receive the signal, while the other attempts to steal the key fob.

Also, personal property in the vehicle is usually covered by renters or homeowners insurance. If the cost of replacing your car's key fob is less than the deductible and any future insurance premiums that could be associated with filing an insurance claim it may be worth it.

Damage

If a lost car keys is not replaced as quickly as it should the owner could be charged high-priced fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. These costs can even exceed the cost of replacing keys.

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle, it can help cover some damages. However, this is not always the case. It's important to talk with your auto insurance agent and study your policy carefully to be aware of what is covered.

Most insurance policies for cars do not include coverage for stolen keys. The only exception is the case if you have roadside assist coverage. In these situations the insurance company will pay to tow your car to a locksmith who can make an entirely new key. However the driver will be responsible for paying for the new key.

Check with your renters insurance or home insurance company to see if personal property is covered. You may be able to file a claim if your key is stolen from a backpack or purse. However, you'll need to pay your cost of deductible, which will likely be higher than the cost of the replacement key.

In general making an insurance claim is not worth the effort. The cost of replacing a lost key is typically higher than your deductible and many keys are programmed, which can be expensive.

Keep all receipts in case you decide to file an insurance claim. If your claim is accepted by your insurance company, you could be reimbursed. However, this will depend on your policy.

Contact your local Hibbs independent agent if there are any questions about whether or not your auto or home insurance will cover lost or stolen keys. We can help you choose the right renters', auto, or home insurance policy to protect your loved ones. We can help you compare quotes for your insurance policy, and help you choose the best policy for your specific needs.

Replacement

It's important to consider your options in case you lose or have had your car keys stolen. The type of car keys you own will determine the insurance policy that will provide for its replacement and the amount it will cost. You should also think about the impact website of filing claims with your car insurance on your premiums.

If your car is a newer model that has an electronic key fob, you'll likely have to visit the dealer to have a replacement key made. In this scenario, the dealership will need proof of ownership of the car such as the title or registration in order to make a new key for you. It is essential to keep copies in a secure location of your car registration and purchase papers.

In certain situations comprehensive insurance can cover the cost of a stolen or lost car key. However, you should be willing to pay the deductible, which is likely more than the cost of an entirely new key. If you own an ignition with a standard turn key, it could be easier for you to buy the new one from an auto locksmith or a local locksmith parts shop.

A car owner who has a lost or stolen car key can also file a claim under their home or renters' insurance. This is because personal property coverage under these policies usually covers a specific amount for the loss of keys or other belongings which are kept at your home.

You can also contact your local garage and ask if they have all the equipment needed to reprogram your key fob. Some garages offer on-site key programming, which could save you money and time. However it is important to remember that these businesses will typically not be able to handle more advanced kinds of smart keys. They may require sending the key fob off to be reprogrammed.

In most cases, filing an insurance claim to replace a stolen or lost key is not worth the effort. The costs of replacing the key fob could be more than your deductible and it will remain on your record and could result in more expensive premiums at renewal.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you're a responsible owner of a vehicle you are likely to have a spare key set in a secure location. But what happens if they get lost or stolen? It's a stressful and costly situation.

Standard auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for car keys lost or theft. Some policies may cover car key loss or theft under comprehensive and collision coverage. However this only applies when the vehicle was being used at the time of the incident. The items in your car may not be covered. There are policies that cover electronic fobs but they are extremely rare.

It is typical to make an independent claim through your renters or homeowners insurance for the things you wish to replace in your vehicle. But if you have your policies bundled together it is possible to save yourself time by filing both claims in one go.

It's a good idea to keep in mind that even the most secure locking systems can be damaged with time. This is the reason it's essential 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, understanding what your options are can ease the burden. You can find insurers that offer roadside assistance plans that will provide you with keys to replace if yours is ever stolen. Some of these plans include free locksmith services and will reset your immobiliser.

Although these services are beneficial, they aren't an alternative to the full benefits of a comprehensive or collision auto insurance policy that offers the protection of stolen car keys. If you're uncertain whether your insurance company can provide you this type of coverage, it's a good idea to speak with a licensed agent to discuss your options. They can also assist you in choosing the right policy that meets your requirements and budget. Contact us today for no-cost quotes. We can assist you in shopping for the best insurance coverage for car keys stolen insurance, at competitive rates.