Does my car insurance policy cover auto locksmith services – Car insurance is important to protect you and your vehicle in case of accidents and other unexpected events. As a car owner, it is normal to wonder if your car insurance policy also covers auto locksmith services. The straight answer to this question is yes. Auto insurance companies cover locksmith charges. However, you must have the right coverage for services to be covered.
But which coverage pays for locksmith services? Don’t worry; we are here to provide all the necessary answers. In this blog post, we will dive into how the car insurance policy covers locksmith services.
Does Car Insurance Cover Auto Locksmith Services?
If roadside assistance is listed in your insurance policy, it probably covers a locksmith service to unlock your car. Some policies may even cover re-keying your vehicle if you lose your keys. However, you should keep in mind that roadside assistance coverage varies by company, so you should check with your insurer to know exactly what is covered.
Most insurance companies limit the number of times you can use lockout services. It is usually between three and five times, and they cap the amount they must pay per claim. Ensure that you understand your policy’s details and exclusions. For instance, companies like Geico, Farmers Insurance, and USAA will require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage to include roadside assistance. So, if you are a Geico policyholder and lock your keys in your car, check your policy to see if you’re covered.
How would a Locksmith work with a Car Insurance Company?
Every auto insurance company has its program for lockout services. So the conditions, exclusions, and details differ from insurer to insurer. Some of the common services that are offered through roadside assistance coverage include lockout and locksmith service, towing service, flat tire, battery jump-start, fuel delivery, and extrication or winching service.
If your car breaks down while you are driving, move to a safe spot off the road immediately. Contact your insurer’s roadside assistance or claims number, where there should be an option for roadside help.
Most insurers prioritize roadside assistance calls because they know it’s an emergency. So ensure that you are calm. It might take a few minutes to reach someone. When you get through, they’ll ask some questions and send the right help. Your insurance provider will guide you on what you need to do. You might have to pay the locksmith or tow truck upfront and get reimbursed later. Ensure that you ask about what is covered, how much is covered, and if you need to pay a deductible. This is why it is always advisable to shop around and compare car insurance options to find the best coverage for your needs.
How will I get reimbursed from the insurer after a lockout?
Check with your insurance provider for everything you need to know about the process. Mostly, you will have to pay for the lockout service and submit the payment receipt to the carrier later for reimbursement. When you contact the insurer to file a claim, they will guide you through the claim process. Just like I have mentioned above, the insurer may limit the number of times you file a claim for lockout service. There will also be a limit on the amount the insurance company will pay. So if the locksmith service exceeds the maximum, you may have to pay some out of your pocket.
Alternatives to using my Car insurance for Lockout Coverage
If you don’t want to purchase roadside assistance coverage through your car policy, there are other options you can go for. You can check your credit card and see if any of them provide this service as a benefit. Also, you may have roadside assistance through your vehicle manufacturer with a leased or new vehicle. Additionally, motor clubs such as AAA provide roadside assistance and other benefits like meals and hotels while traveling for a small amount.
Best Locksmith Services Car Insurance Companies
While many insurers offer this service, their offerings differ greatly. For example, Progressive will help out if you lock your keys in your vehicle at a good rate. However, the insurer limits tows to 15 miles. And this may not be far enough, depending on where the breakdown happened.
State Farm will help you out with a locksmith. This insurer offers solid coverage and mid-range pricing, with free lockout service and towing to the facility closer to where the breakdown occurs. The best auto insurer depends on the company that offers you the best service at an affordable rate. Just as I said earlier, it is advisable to shop around and compare quotes when you want to purchase an auto insurance policy.