Dear all,
Can i pick everyone's brains for more advise please!
I have picked up the car from the pound. She is looking untouched. No damage inside or out. Only 6 miles on the clock since theft - distance from fulham where stolen to streatham where left in residential road. Even left documents and service book in boot!
Insurance have said that they will need to do a field check to confirm all ok with the car and then they will wipe claim. Will not appear on HPI check in the future.
So current issues:
1. Thieves didn't leave stolen key unfortunately! So I need to think of getting car secured again. I have spare key and keycode card. I have Keycare cover (separate from insurance). My insurance will not cover key/lock replacement without using excess and losing no claims bonus. Keycare have said that because i didn't report the car stolen to them, and the period is now over 30 days (although insurance and police informed) they will not cover the cost of locks. I suggested that i didn't think i would need new locks as car was gone, and that recovery of vehicle should be logged as notifying date of their services being required, but they disagree.
Is there any grounds for appeal to keycare despite it clearly stating in policy re 30 day period for notifying re theft/loss?
2. If i'm footing the bill for getting car secured what is my best and most economical option? I have been told that the locks don't need to be changed, but the existing spare key i have can be reprogrammed, but this i presume means that the thief can still get into the car although alarm will go off, and car should not start? I have been quoted £90 + VAT per lock - so 4 locks (ignition, doors, boot).
3. I think i'm going to look into a tracker for the car in view of recent experiences. Does anyone have any opinion regarding trackers, or any other security measures i should look into? Will it lower insurance?
Again thanks so much for all advise. Greatly appreciated.
P