Stolen Car keys Who To Claim From

Tofu_2

Our house was broken into on Saturday evening when we were both in and the children asleep upstairs. Amonsst the things stolen were my car keys (although as of yet NOT my car). I am fully comp with Churchill for my car insurance but they say i cannot claim as there is no damage to the car. AA Home Insurance under Fortis Insurance Services say motor vehicles and their accessories/parts are excluded from our policy and therefore I cannot claim! To replace the car key alone (without changing all the locks etc. ) will cost nearly £400. As I had only the one key, I can't access my car and take it to a garge to have the locks changed even if I could afford what must be an astonomical sum.
What am I to do just leave the car until the thieves return at some point to steal it?
HELP!!

dacouch

Most companies cover the cost of replacing the locks in these circumstances as it means they are less likely to have to pay a subsequent theft claim. I've had a look at the Churchill Policy and they do not appear to include this.

Obviously you need to get the locks replaced as its very likely they will come back for the car. A lot of garages will come and collect the vehicle in these cases otherwise you may find the AA or RAC etc may help.

If you cannot get the vehicle removed at the moment that I would at the very least go out and buy a decent wheel clamp (Or two) to try and prevent them driving the car away. It might also be worth asking a neighboor to park in front of your car to block it in. You could also try removing one or more of the wheels

asbokid

excellent advice from dacouch!

if you can enter the vehicle without causing too much damage, perhaps you could get a replacement set of locks and keys from a vehicle salvage yard, and fit them yourself.

a salvage set costs about £80-£100 maximum. If your vehicle uses a "chipped" key then it may cost you a bit more, since you often have to replace the vehicle immobiliser that is paired with the key.

The car manufacturer may be able to help you, if they keep a record of the lock used in each car.

mcjordi

i would have the vehicle immobilised or removed to a safer place