Does insurance cover theft if you left keys in a car?

Asked by: Keven Tromp  |  Last update: June 14, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (67 votes)

If you have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, then you're generally covered if it's stolen — even if you left the keys in the car. If you're a victim of auto theft, contact your local police station to file a report, then get in touch with your insurance company.

Does insurance cover if you leave your keys in the car?

Comprehensive insurance covers cases that happen such as accidents and other situations like car theft. So, if you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company might cover your stolen car even with keys left inside. You can get damages for the car contingent according to the deductible and policy terms.

What happens if you leave keys in a car and it gets stolen?

First and foremost, you can rest easy; as long as you have comprehensive insurance, the theft will be covered! We've got all the details on if insurance covers a stolen car and the process of replacing your lost car keys in the guide below.

Does car insurance cover theft inside a car?

No, your auto insurance won't cover personal items stolen from your vehicle, such as your laptop, briefcase, or cell phone. However, your renters or homeowners policy may cover personal belongings stolen from your car, even if someone stole them while the car wasn't on your property.

Is it illegal to leave keys in your car?

No person shall leave a motor vehicle unattended on any street, new or used car lot, or unattended parking lot, without first turning off the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key from the motor vehicle except a vehicle which has its windows closed and its door locked or which is engaged in loading and ...

Does my insurance cover me for theft if I leave my keys in the vehicle?

31 related questions found

What if I left my keys in my car?

Don't panic, and don't resort to breaking in. You have many options for getting into your car when your keys are locked inside, including a locksmith, tow service, your dealer, a family member with a spare key, or even roadside assistance through your insurer.

Does Geico insurance cover stolen car if keys are left?

Liability coverage will never cover a stolen car. Only comprehensive coverage will, whether or not you leave your keys inside.

What car insurance doesn't cover theft?

Does Liability Insurance Cover Theft in California? Every driver is legally required to carry liability insurance, which is designed to cover the other party if you cause an accident. Liability insurance doesn't cover theft, just damage and bodily injury to the other party caused by an accident where you are at fault.

What is a theft insurance policy?

Also known as Coverage C on your homeowners insurance policy, personal property coverage can minimize theft losses in a covered claim by paying to replace belongings stolen from your home, car, or storage unit, as well as items stolen from you while traveling.

Should I call my insurance if my car was stolen?

If you have a tracking device on your vehicle, this could help you recover it, but after contacting the police, you'll want to call your car insurance company next.

Are you insured if your car keys are stolen?

Comprehensive coverage will cover a stolen car, including its keys, but it won't cover lost keys. Other kinds of insurance — like homeowners — may also cover car keys in case of theft. But you should weigh the costs of filing a claim for your stolen keys to make sure it's worth it.

What happens if you leave the keys in the ignition?

It doesn't hurt the car but it might hurt your sensibilities if someone comes by steals it because the keys were in it.

Can you report a car stolen if they have the keys?

As others have, yes if the title is in your name, you can report the car stolen. Keep in mind that once you have reported the car stolen, anyone driving it can be arrested and booked into a jail for a potential felony charge.

Does insurance cover if someone keys your car?

Yes, comprehensive coverage on your auto policy can cover vandalism to your car — minus any deductible — since intentional damage to your vehicle is out of your control. Vandalism includes slashed tires, broken windows, and any type of defacing of the vehicle, like a car that gets keyed.

Does my car insurance cover keys?

Does car insurance cover lost car keys? Some car insurance providers may include key cover as standard with their comprehensive car insurance, but not all do. If you have third-party, fire and theft or third-party only insurance, it's unlikely you'll have key cover included.

How long does it take for insurance to pay out on a stolen vehicle Progressive?

The average timeframe for a stolen car insurance claim payout falls within 30-45 days, but several factors can influence this, such as the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the police report, and whether your car is recovered.

Does theft affect car insurance?

Claiming a stolen vehicle becomes a part of your insurance claim history. While comprehensive claims are generally not viewed as negatively as at-fault accidents, multiple claims, including theft claims, can still affect your premiums.

What is anti theft coverage?

Theft Coverage

Theft Protection offers you a proven theft deterrent and recovery system along with a financial benefit if the Theft Protection system installed on your vehicle fails to prevent your vehicle from being stolen and the vehicle is declared a total loss.

Does insurance cover lost items?

That may leave you wondering whether your homeowners insurance or renters insurance will cover the loss. Typically, the standard coverage included in a homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy does not cover the cost of lost items. Instead, those policies help cover specific risks, known as perils.

How does insurance cover theft?

Comprehensive coverage will usually cover theft, as well as repair costs from break-in damages. Liability insurance likely won't cover theft, as it usually protects against bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident.

Do you have to pay a deductible if your car is stolen?

If the vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurance company pays the actual cash value, just as they would if the car was stolen and not recovered. In both situations, your deductible would apply and be deducted from the claim payout.

Can you report a car stolen if the person is on the insurance?

ANSWER: The answer to your question is yes. If the vehicle is titled in a person's name, no matter whether they make the payments or not, they can report the vehicle as stolen. I hope this information helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification.

Will insurance pay for a stolen car if the keys were left in it?

If you have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, then you're generally covered if it's stolen — even if you left the keys in the car. If you're a victim of auto theft, contact your local police station to file a report, then get in touch with your insurance company.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

What does comprehensive insurance not cover?

Comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object. These incidents are covered under collision coverage. It will also not cover normal wear and tear on your vehicle.