Insurance companies. Did you know?

[67688c]

That a lot of insurance companies will not pay out in the event your car is stolen, if you inadvertantly leave your keys in the car... even if fully comp.

I've just been looking up the terms/conditions on a few insurance companies just to see if this applied with most insurance companies.

Apparently a friend of my wifes was telling her in the village this afternoon about her daughter having her car stolen in Birmingham at the weekend. It seems she had left her keys in the car while she went to pay for her fuel, and some thug jumped in and drove it away.

However, what I was surprised to hear was the fact her insurance company are saying they would refute her claim in the event the car ends up damaged or it's not recovered (it's not turned up yet.. it seems)
because she left the keys in the car!

Anyway, having done a little research it appears this policy of not paying out in the event you leave your keys in the car appears to apply to many insurance companies.

The quote below is from just one well known insurance company FAQ.

Is my vehicle covered if I leave my keys in the car?
No. You should take all reasonable steps to ensure that your car is locked and secure to prevent theft. Failure to do so could invalidate any claim you have.


So... something worth bearing in mind, I'm sure this is something we have all done at one time or another. Though I would always remove the keys when refueling etc. I have certainly been guilty of leaving keys in cars when cleaning them. Though my current car does'nt use a key exactly, though the keyfob does have to be in my pocket, for the keyless system to work.

[shearzy]

I'd of thaught it was commen sence to never leave keys i car when its left alone. i wouldnt expect an insurance company to pay out! i know mine does but thats because i have a specialist trade policy.

[lofty]

what if her keys were stolen from her handbag??

[Deztroyer]

provided you have made every effort to secure the vehicle then the insurance will pay out - if you have left the keys in the ignition then you have commited an offence of quitting a motor vehicle -

[67688c]

provided you have made every effort to secure the vehicle then the insurance will pay out - if you have left the keys in the ignition then you have commited an offence of quitting a motor vehicle -

Amazing though... how many drivers do leave their keys in the car when going to pay for fuel, I've often seen keys left in the ignition of cars when I've gone to pay for fuel myself.

I assume the same insurance clauses could apply to homes too if you leave a door unlocked and someone walks in and does the place over, or reduced payments if you leave a window open perhaps.

TBH I did'nt realise insurance companies were such sticklers, though I suppose if theres a loophole to avoid paying out they will find it.
Just hope the girls car turns up undamaged anyway.

[byebyeitsagsi]

If you leave the keys in the ignition or leave the doors unlocked then i would'nt expect them to pay out, im sure i read something about they dont pay out if you dont engage the steering lock also.

[yorkshireborn]

this is why 99% of insurance companys ask for both sets of keys upon payout of a full claim

[sshooie]

I thought it was common knowledge, a friend had a bit of a battle when his 4 day old (to him) RS4 was stolen during a break in a couple of months ago and they took the keys, they were trying to say that because he'd left them on the kitchen worktop he had not taken proper care!!

[67688c]

I thought it was common knowledge, a friend had a bit of a battle when his 4 day old (to him) RS4 was stolen during a break in a couple of months ago and they took the keys, they were trying to say that because he'd left them on the kitchen worktop he had not taken proper care!!

I dont think it is widely known actually, I was surprised myself to learn this. I would assume they would definately not be happy to say the least, but anyone can forget, human nature and all that... but to refuse to payout at all is a bit extreme I think.

How many people hide their cars keys out of the way in the home in case someone breaks in and nicks them, though I do know this type of theft is on the increase due to cars being more secure these days, and so need the keys.

In probably 46 years of insuring cars and home contents etc. I've only ever made one claim, which was for contents of our freezer, which a builder had disconnected to use his power tools, and had forgotten to plug it back in (happened while we were away on holiday) so they have certainly made plenty of money out of us over the years.

[rob 2.2dti]

leaving your keys in the ignition at a petrol station or outside a shop is madness. You are taking no care and I would hope my premiums would not subsidize a claim for anyone stupid enough to do that.