Paul Sanchez
If you're a State Farm policyholder, you may be wondering if your insurance covers locksmith services. The good news is that State Farm does cover locksmith services under their roadside assistance program, Coverage H. This means that if you have this plan as part of your insurance policy, you can take advantage of their locksmith services without any additional charges. It's important to note that State Farm will not cover the cost of the locksmith directly but will reimburse you for the amount you paid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does State Farm auto insurance cover locksmith? | Yes, State Farm auto insurance covers locksmith services under their Emergency Road Service Coverage. |
| What type of coverage is required for locksmith services? | Roadside assistance coverage is required for locksmith services. |
| What other services does State Farm's Emergency Road Service Coverage include? | Towing services, mechanical breakdown assistance, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, flat tire replacement, etc. |
| What if I don't have roadside assistance coverage? | You may still be covered by your insurance company or other providers like credit card companies, cell phone providers, or auto clubs like AAA. |
| What is the cost of locksmith services? | Locksmith services typically cost around $50-$100 but can vary depending on the car's make and model, time of day, and location. |
What You'll Learn
State Farm's Emergency Road Service
Services Covered by State Farm's Emergency Road Service:
- Towing Services: If your vehicle breaks down and is not drivable, or if it's stuck on or next to a public road, State Farm will arrange for towing services to get your vehicle to the nearest repair facility.
- Mechanical Labor: In case of a breakdown, State Farm provides coverage for up to one hour of mechanical labor at the site to get your vehicle running again.
- Fuel, Oil, and Battery Delivery: State Farm will coordinate the delivery of fuel, oil, or a battery to get your vehicle back on the road. However, please note that the cost of these items is not covered, only the delivery service.
- Locksmith Services: If you lock your keys inside your vehicle, or if they are lost or stolen, State Farm's Emergency Road Service covers locksmith labor for up to one hour to get you back into your vehicle.
How to Access State Farm's Emergency Road Service:
- Contact State Farm: In an emergency, call State Farm's roadside assistance number. They will ask you some questions to understand your situation and dispatch the appropriate help.
- Service Provider Arrives: State Farm will send a contracted service provider to your location to provide the necessary assistance, such as towing, locksmith services, or fuel delivery.
- Billing: If your coverage is verified, you typically won't need to pay anything upfront. State Farm will bill the service provider directly for the basic services provided. However, it's always a good idea to contact State Farm beforehand to confirm coverage and avoid any unexpected costs.
Important Considerations:
- Preferred Service Providers: State Farm may have existing contracts with specific service providers, and using their recommended locksmiths or tow truck operators can ensure smoother reimbursement.
- Coverage Limitations: There are some limitations to the roadside assistance coverage, such as towing costs beyond what it would cost to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility and labor costs beyond the first hour. Be sure to review your policy or speak with a State Farm agent to understand all the coverage limitations.
- Cost of Emergency Road Service Coverage: The cost of adding this coverage to your policy is generally very reasonable and can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected vehicle issues.
- No Impact on Premiums: It's important to note that filing a claim under State Farm's Emergency Road Service program will not result in an increase in your insurance rates.
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State Farm's reimbursement policy
State Farm does not cover the cost of the locksmith directly but will reimburse the customer for the amount paid to the locksmith. The company recommends calling its roadside assistance toll-free number to take advantage of this coverage. State Farm has contracted service providers that can respond to these situations, and customers will not be required to pay anything upfront if their coverage is verified.
State Farm specifies that it is always better to call them directly instead of a locksmith and assume reimbursement later. Insurance companies typically have existing contracts with service providers and may require policyholders to choose specific locksmiths to be eligible for full reimbursement.
State Farm's Emergency Road Service coverage also includes other services such as towing to the nearest repair location, delivery of gas, oil, battery, or tire changes.
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Adding roadside assistance to your policy
Benefits of Roadside Assistance:
- Convenience and Peace of Mind: With roadside assistance, you can rest assured that help is just a call away. Whether you need a locksmith, towing services, or a jumpstart, roadside assistance has you covered. This can be especially useful if you frequently take long road trips or drive in remote areas.
- Cost Savings: In many cases, adding roadside assistance to your policy can be cheaper than paying for individual services. For example, locksmith services can charge \$50-100 to open your car door, but with roadside assistance, these services are often covered with no additional cost.
- Streamlined Claims Process: If your insurance provider offers roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy, it often simplifies the claims process if an accident or damage occurs during a roadside event. You won't have to worry about finding and coordinating with separate service providers.
- Additional Services: Roadside assistance often includes a range of other services such as fuel delivery, minor mechanical repairs, and flat tire changes. This can be a lifesaver if you're stranded on the side of the road and need immediate assistance.
Considerations:
- Coverage Limitations: It's important to review the specific coverage limitations of your roadside assistance policy. For example, there may be limits on towing distances or the number of roadside events covered. Understand what is and isn't covered before you need to use the service.
- Frequency of Use: While roadside assistance is valuable, using it too often can have consequences. Making several claims in a short period may lead your insurance carrier to view you as a high-risk customer, potentially resulting in increased rates or even policy cancellation. Consider having an alternative roadside assistance option, such as AAA, for minor issues.
- Cost of Repairs: Keep in mind that roadside assistance typically covers labour and services, but not the cost of repairs or parts. For example, if you need a new battery or a flat tire fixed, you'll have to pay for the replacement parts yourself.
Overall, adding roadside assistance to your policy can provide valuable peace of mind and convenience when facing vehicle problems on the road. Be sure to review the specific coverage details and limitations to make the most of this add-on.
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State Farm's relationship with locksmiths
State Farm's Emergency Road Service coverage includes locksmith labor for up to one hour to unlock a covered vehicle. This service is available if the vehicle's key is lost, stolen, or locked inside the car. The insurance company will be billed directly for these basic services if the coverage is verified. However, State Farm recommends calling them directly instead of a locksmith to ensure reimbursement.
State Farm may have existing contracts with specific service providers, and reimbursement may be affected if a policyholder chooses a locksmith outside their network. The company's website states that if a customer does not have Coverage H (Emergency Road Service), they will still pay for services at a competitive, negotiated rate, which is often lower than the market rate.
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Other insurance providers with similar coverage
If you're a State Farm policyholder, you may be pleased to know that the company covers locksmith services under their roadside assistance program Coverage H. This means that if you have this plan, you can call their toll-free number and they will send a contracted service provider to unlock your car, free of additional charge.
Now, what about other insurance providers? Well, it turns out that several major insurance companies offer similar coverage as an add-on to standard policies. Here are some examples of insurance providers with comparable coverage to State Farm's:
Geico
Geico, like State Farm, will cover locksmith services if you have added their optional roadside assistance coverage to your policy. With Geico's coverage, you can get up to $100 of labour and materials costs covered to unlock your car or replace your car key if it was lost, stolen, or broken. They do not require you to pay out of pocket for these services.
Progressive
Progressive also offers roadside assistance coverage that includes locksmith services for locked keys in the car. Their coverage includes free lockout service and towing of up to 15 miles, among other services.
American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance is another provider that offers roadside assistance coverage, which typically includes locksmith services. They promote their "Sign and Drive" direct billing option, which means you won't have to pay out of pocket for locksmith services. However, this may require you to work with specific locksmiths in their network.
Farmers
Farmers Insurance is also mentioned as a provider with roadside assistance coverage that includes locksmith services. While specific details are not provided, it is recommended to contact Farmers directly to understand their coverage limitations.
AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers emergency roadside services, including basic locksmith services, to its members who pay dues. Their coverage includes locksmith services up to a limit based on your membership plan. The "basic" plan reimburses up to $50, the "plus" plan up to $100, and the "premier" plan up to $150.
USAA
USAA provides roadside assistance coverage that includes locksmith services for unlocking your car. However, they do not cover the cost of a new car key or fob if you've lost or broken your key. Unlike some other providers, USAA doesn't have a dollar limit on their lockout coverage, giving you flexibility if costs are higher than expected.
In summary, while standard car insurance policies typically do not include locksmith services, many insurance providers offer roadside assistance coverage as an add-on that includes locksmith services. It's important to review your policy or contact your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage and any limitations.
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Frequently asked questions
State Farm auto insurance covers locksmith services if you have roadside assistance coverage.
If you have roadside assistance coverage, you will not be required to pay anything upfront to get your car unlocked. The insurance company will be billed directly for these basic services. However, it is always better to call State Farm directly instead of calling a locksmith and assuming you will get reimbursed.
If your insurance plan does not include roadside assistance, you will not be entitled to the benefits mentioned above. However, State Farm offers a competitive rate for locksmith services that is usually less than what is available in the market.
Insurance companies usually have existing contracts with service providers and sometimes require policyholders to choose certain locksmiths. If you choose a locksmith outside their network, getting fully reimbursed may not work.
