Does GEICO Insurance Cover Stolen Car if Keys Left?
I was recently the victim of a car theft. My car was stolen from my driveway, and the keys were in the car. I immediately filed a police report and contacted my insurance company, GEICO. To my dismay, they informed me that my claim would be denied because the keys were left in the car. I was devastated. I had always been under the impression that my car insurance would cover me in the event of a theft, regardless of whether or not the keys were in the car. However, as I soon learned, this is not always the case.
In many states, it is considered negligence to leave your keys in your car. If you do so and your car is stolen, your insurance company may deny your claim. This is because leaving your keys in your car makes it easy for thieves to steal it. It is important to remember that your car insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. As such, it is important to read your policy carefully and understand what is covered and what is not.
Understanding Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is a type of car insurance that covers damage to your car that is not caused by a collision. This type of coverage can include damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, and weather events. In order to be eligible for comprehensive coverage, you must have a comprehensive policy. If you only have liability coverage, you will not be covered for theft.
Even if you have comprehensive coverage, there are some circumstances in which your claim may be denied. One of these circumstances is if you left your keys in your car. As mentioned above, this is considered negligence in many states. If you leave your keys in your car and it is stolen, your insurance company may deny your claim on the grounds that you did not take reasonable steps to protect your property.
Tips for Preventing Car Theft
The best way to prevent car theft is to take steps to make your car less appealing to thieves. Here are a few tips:
- Never leave your keys in your car, even if you are just running into the store for a few minutes.
- Always lock your car, even if you are parked in a safe area.
- Park your car in a well-lit area, if possible.
- Install an anti-theft device, such as an alarm or a steering wheel lock.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, I recommend that you talk to your insurance agent about your coverage. They can help you understand what is covered and what is not, and they can make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for your needs.
I also recommend that you keep a copy of your insurance policy in your car. This will come in handy if you are ever involved in an accident or if your car is stolen. You can also access your policy online or through your insurance company’s app.
FAQ
Q: What is comprehensive coverage?
A: Comprehensive coverage is a type of car insurance that covers damage to your car that is not caused by a collision. This type of coverage can include damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, and weather events.
Q: Do I need comprehensive coverage?
A: If you want to be covered for theft, vandalism, and other non-collision damage, then you need comprehensive coverage.
Q: What are some tips for preventing car theft?
A: Never leave your keys in your car, always lock your car, park your car in a well-lit area, install an anti-theft device, and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: What should I do if my car is stolen?
A: If your car is stolen, you should immediately file a police report and contact your insurance company.
Conclusion
Car theft is a serious problem. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By taking the steps outlined above, you can help to deter thieves and keep your car safe.
Are you interested in learning more about car theft prevention? If so, please let me know in the comments below.
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What Font Does Geico Use On Insurance Card May 9, 2023Most car insurance companies do not cover lost or stolen keys. There are exceptions, but the cost may be less than your deductible even if it’s covered. Car insurance doesn’t usually cover lost or stolen key replacement. There may be some exceptions, but generally, car insurance excludes keys. Car keys are considered personal property and not