Can You Make a Claim For the Cost of a Car Key Replacement?

If you have a comprehensive coverage for your automobile insurance, you might be able to get a new key. The conditions and terms of the policy will determine whether you can claim for an additional key.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurers to pay theft claims without an exhaustive check of the keys’ forensic information.

Theft

The theft of keys to your car is a major issue since it could leave you without the vehicle you need. You may have to find another way of transport. Fortunately, your insurance policy can help in this situation. The decision to submit an insurance claim will be 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 because the vehicle was already being used by a different person. In this instance, it would be best to contact the police and notify them immediately.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts are on the increase because of unlocked vehicles and keys left in the vehicle. These types of incidents can result in the cost of insurance for automobiles to be high, so it’s important to know what your policy covers.

In general, car insurance policies will not cover your costs for new keys in the event that they are stolen or lost, even when you have a comprehensive insurance. However, some policies do offer roadside assistance coverage that covers key replacement up to a specific limit. It is essential to take a close look at the importance of your car’s keys and the amount it would cost to replace them prior to filing claims.

Modern “smart” key systems use commercial radio waves to communicate with sensors and control modules, explains Thatcham Research. This system is called the controller area network or CAN. Thieves have found a way to sabotage the signal which allows them to unlock or even start the car from outside it. To do this, thieves typically operate in pairs. One thief is outside with a transmitter device to detect the signal, while another is trying to steal the key fob itself.

It’s also worth noting that personal property inside a vehicle is generally covered by homeowner or renters insurance. It could be worthwhile to replace your car’s remote fob in the event that the cost is lower than the deductible or future insurance premiums will increase due to making an insurance claim.

Damage

If a car key is lost and is not replaced immediately, the owner may be charged expensive fees to repair damaged lock mechanisms. The cost of repairs can be more than the cost of replacing keys.

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy on your car it may help to cover certain damages. This is not always true. It’s important to talk with your insurance representative and study your policy carefully to be aware of what is covered.

Most car insurance policies exclude coverage for keys that are stolen. Only if you have roadside coverage will you be able to get insurance for keys stolen. In these cases the insurance company could pay to tow your car to a locksmith who will create the new key. The driver is responsible for the cost of the new key.

You can also inquire with your landlord or homeowner’s insurance to determine whether they offer personal property insurance. If your key gets lost in a purse or backpack it is possible to file a claim for all the contents of the bag. You would have to pay a deductible, which is usually more than the cost of replacing the key.

In general, it’s not worth the effort to make an insurance claim to replace missing keys. The cost of replacing a key is usually greater than your deductible, and a lot of keys are programmed and can be costly.

Save all receipts if you decide to make an insurance claim. If your claim is accepted by your insurance company, you may be reimbursed. However it 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 stolen or lost keys. We can assist you in choosing the appropriate insurance for your car, renters’ or home insurance to safeguard your loved ones. We can assist you in comparing quotes for your insurance policy and choose the best option for your specific needs.

Replacement

It is important to think about your options in the event that you lose or have had your car keys stolen. The kind of car key you have will determine the insurance policy that will provide for its replacement and how do keyless cars get stolen much it may cost. You should also think about the impact of submitting claims with your car insurance on your costs.

You’ll need to call your dealer if you have a vehicle with an electronic key. In this instance the dealer will require evidence of ownership of the car like the title or registration to create an appropriate key for you. It is important to keep an exact copy in a secure location 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 typically higher than the price of an alternative key. If you own an ignition with a standard turn key, it might be easier to buy the new one from an auto locksmith or a local locksmith parts store.

A car owner who has a lost or stolen car keys key may also file a claim under their home or renters’ insurance. Personal property insurance is typically included in these policies and covers the amount needed to protect against the loss of keys or other items that are kept at home.

You could also contact your local garage to find out whether they have the equipment necessary to reprogram your car’s key fob. Some garages provide on-site key programming services, which can save you money as well as time. It’s important to note that these companies might not be able to manage the more sophisticated smart keys and you might have to send your key fob to a third-party to be reprogrammed.

In most instances, 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 higher than your deductible. It will remain on your record. This could lead to higher insurance premiums at renewal.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you are a smart owner of a vehicle and you have a spare key set in a safe place. But what happens when they get lost or stolen car keys from house? It’s a stressful situation and getting replacements can be even more expensive.

Standard auto insurance policies do not cover car key loss or theft. They may provide some coverage under collision or comprehensive coverage, but this is only if your car was driving at the time of the theft. The contents of your vehicle might not be covered as well. There are policies that provide additional coverage for things like electronic fobs however, they are not common.

Typically, you’ll have to file a separate claim with your renters or home insurance policy for the items in your vehicle to be replaced. However, if you have both policies bundled together and you’re able to save yourself time by filing both claims at the same time.

Even the most secure locking system can fail over time. It’s important to keep a spare key set in your possession, and to check for wear and tear often.

Understanding your options will ease the burden. Insurance companies provide roadside assistance plans which will give you keys to replace if yours is ever stolen. Some of these plans include locksmith services that are free and will reset your immobiliser.

Although these services are convenient however, they’re not an alternative to the full benefit of a comprehensive or collision insurance policy for vehicles that provides stolen car keys coverage. It is recommended to speak with an insurance agent who is licensed If you have any doubts regarding the ability of your insurance provider to provide this type of protection. They can also help you pick the right policy for your requirements and budget. Contact us now for a no-cost quote. We can assist you in shopping for the best coverage, including car key stolen car keys insurance, with competitive rates.