If you left your keys inside the vehicle, on the ignition or even left the car running when you just popped in a shop for a few seconds and your car was stolen, you may have worries as to what sorts of questions you may face from your loss adjuster when you report the incident. Rest assured, nearly all auto insurance companies will pay your auto theft claim as long as you have comprehensive coverage included in your car insurance policy.
Comprehensive coverage is the provision paying for thefts, vandalism and other than collision damages. If your car is found at a later stage, this coverage will pay for repairs. If not, it will pay for the replacement. Normally, auto insurance policies don’t have “if” or “but” in their wordings or when it comes to covering damages.
Even though circumstances look negligent to say the least, often they will not argue. Besides, you won’t be the first person who forgot the car keys on the ignition. No matter how silly it looks, these things happen and that is why you pay for vehicle insurance.
Often you hear about attempted frauds and automobile insurance companies being tough when it comes to paying claims. However, only a handful of motorists are fraudulent and a handful of insurers are keen to blame the policyholder. So, the assumption is that it is an honest mistake or a case of extreme absentmindedness when a policyholder leaves the keys in the car and it leads to theft and it isn’t enough to question a claim.
Your comprehensive coverage will pay for its actual cash value if your car is stolen and never recovered regardless of the circumstances. However, it will not pay for your personal items you left behind in your car because auto insurance doesn’t pay for personal items. Your homeowners or renters insurance may pay for your personal belongings you left inside a stolen vehicle, up to the limits of your policy.
Even though your comprehensive insurance would pay if your auto is stolen, the importance of responsible key management and the consequences of overlooking this crucial aspect of vehicle security should always be kept in mind. Here are the key points;
- Negligence Breeds Opportunity: It is a disconcerting reality that many car owners inadvertently enable theft by carelessly leaving their keys unattended in various locations such as offices, restaurants, or even in the ignition. Opportunistic thieves need only to identify a vehicle that responds to their beeping, often catching motorists off guard and oblivious to their own actions. This lack of awareness among car owners exacerbates the vulnerability of their vehicles to theft.
- The Stolen Vehicle Dilemma: When a car is stolen, auto insurers will cover the loss unless there is clear evidence implicating the owner in the disappearance, beyond mere key negligence. It is essential to assume, due to the lack of evidence, that the owner did not orchestrate the theft to file a claim for the vehicle. Engaging in such activities would yield no financial gain, as the owner would only receive the car’s market value, which could have been achieved through a legitimate sale. Hence, reputable insurers generally don’t dispute such claims.
- The Role of Insurance Companies: Selecting a reliable and customer-centric insurance company is helpful. A reputable insurer recognizes victims in situations like these, acknowledging their loss and providing support.
- Nevertheless, it is crucial for individuals to be cautious about their key management practices, considering the prevalence of such incidents nationwide.
Conclusion: Auto theft facilitated by the availability of keys left unattended is an alarming issue. Vehicle owners must prioritize responsible key management to mitigate the risk of theft. By being vigilant and mindful of where they place their car keys, individuals can help safeguard their valuable assets and reduce the likelihood of becoming victims in a growing trend of auto theft.