Stolen car key and invalid insurance

llh189

I had my car broken in to last night and stripped of everything inside.

In the boot was a bag that I think contained the spare key to my car.

I am now really concerned that they might come back tonight to steal my car.

I am fully comp and I have never claimed on any insurance in my life and I am concerned that if my car gets stolen prior to me arranging to get my locks changed or if I can't afford to get my locks changed that if my car gets stolen then my insurance will be invalidated as I can't find my spare key.

I am not 100% sure that my key was in the car, as I haven't seen it for sometime but should be car get stolen will I be asked to provide my spare key.

They broke in not using the key (obviously) and there are no marks on my to prove that it was borken in to. I am yet to tell the ploice about the break in as I am really concerned about the key issue.

Any thoughts anyone?

dacouch

Who are you insured with, I ask this as most companies include cover to replace keys and locks if your lose or the keys are stolen and it is likely the thief knows the identity of the vehicle. It looks to me like you would fit into this category.

Post who your insured with up here and what your excess is and we'll have a lookski

There is a fair chance the thieves will come back for the car so be cautious, how about buying a cheap crook lock as you can get them for £10 in the mean time.

Money_maker

You could also remove the battery or some other vital component. If parked on a drive, put nose inwards.

dacouch

Good idea Money Maker.

A good trick I tell my clients if they are worried eg Van on drive with tools in is to get a battery monitor (They are rechargable now days). Put the babies end (The microphone) in the car and plug the monitor in your lounge and then next to your bed when you go to bed and it the noise of anyone breaking in normally wakes you up.

llh189

Thanks everyone for your thoughts so far.

I am insurance with Peugeot insurance but haven't contacted them yet.

Have just check the passenger side of mt car and there is a hole by my lock - lovely.

Quentin

If your car is high value, then contact your insurer immediately as they will want to secure the car (if necessary by directing you to a safe compound, or arranging extra security).

llh189

It is a four year old 206 - with 70k on the clock! my excess is £250

dacouch

I've had a look at the Policy its underwritten by UK Insurance which is the whiet label brand for Direct Line (RBS).

It does not include the benefit of lock replacement if you lose your keys.

It also contains an exclusion that theft of the vehicle is not covered if the keys are left in the car. Although their wording is a bit ambigutious as it sort of indicates that if the kets are in the car at the time the car is stolen.

The damage to the lock/door and the keys being stolen would be covered under the policy so you could claim for this. They may only want to replace the lock on the damage door. It could be worth checking with them.

Your excess may be less than £250 as claims for Fire and Theft often only have a £100 excess (Your policy schedule should show this). Bear in mind if you make a claim it will affect your no claims bonus unless you have it protected