The first thing to do if you don't have access to your vehicle is to call your car insurance provider. While many insurance companies will cover the cost of the locksmith, they may also have some restrictions on how to do it. Some insurance companies will require a certified locksmith, or a locksmith approved by them, to be covered. Car insurance will only cover the cost of a locksmith if you have roadside assistance coverage.
State Farm will cover the costs of the locksmith service under its roadside assistance program, Coverage H. If you have this plan in your insurance policy, you should be covered. Yes, car insurance covers a locksmith for those insured who have roadside assistance through their auto insurance company. Roadside assistance is an optional add-on to an auto insurance policy that covers a locksmith in addition to things like towing, starting, changing tires and supplying gas.
If you can only provide a VIN, the locksmith must match the information on your insurance card with that of the vehicle. This involves locating the VIN, which sometimes involves unlocking the vehicle. Its location will depend on the make and model of the vehicle, and may appear prominently on the left side of the dashboard, near the steering wheel. It can also be found on the engine block, on the vehicle chassis, or under the spare wheel in the trunk.
The VIN could also be located inside one of the vehicle's door posts (usually on the driver's side). Review your car insurance policy to determine if you have locksmith coverage, including the amount it covers. If, by any chance, you don't call your auto insurance company before you call the locksmith to pick it up, be sure to get a detailed bill for the work the locksmith does for you. If your car needs to be towed more than 50 miles, car insurance may only cover a portion of your claim.
For all of these reasons, it's crucial to review your auto insurance policy and verify when and how the locksmith service is covered. Depending on the locksmith you use, you could end up paying a penny to have someone come and open your car door for you. If you managed to store your keys inside a new car, you may face additional costs, since getting into its security systems is much less simple than in older cars. Fortunately, many car insurance policies cover the cost of hiring a locksmith, including any policy with roadside assistance coverage.
If your car is covered by comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will cover mechanical repairs caused by a car accident, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. Once ownership has been confirmed, your locksmith can proceed to replace the missing car key.
