What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. It's essential to be calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. It is also advisable to go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them in a place or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but knocked out your keys.
Call the police if you cannot find them. Reporting the loss of keys to your car to police immediately will help them find them and may stop people from using your vehicle without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. In this way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine if it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a stolen car with keys inside, but the terms and conditions differ. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle. Make sure to check with your renters insurance or home insurance the insurance company.
If the car you are leasing or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company as well. They'll likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These devices can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. The key is to keep your car in good condition and not leave it parked in areas that are risky.
Call the police
Contact the police if are unable to locate your vehicle but you know it's been taken. You will receive the crime reference number which will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, which includes the model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an application). Please provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, such a large dent or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you file a police report. This will accelerate the process and protect you from liability that is too high. If the thief is driving your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the rise. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
It is recommended to secure your car at all times and to not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to open your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys in it.
If you have home or renters insurance, it might protect the items in your vehicle if they're covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your car the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts carefully when you have personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for a relatively cheap cost. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have a spare key the first step is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're away from home. It could be kept in a drawer in your home or in a box close to the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbor or a friend who you trust.
If you have a spare key, the next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it isn't able to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
You may also want to speak with your insurance company to inquire about comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys inside. This type of insurance is typically included in all automobile policies, however it is best to review the specific policy for more information.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. It is essential to notify the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
To prevent having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not check here in the car for a short time. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. These include the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've made a police complaint You should call your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back and forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of contacting an automated call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will ask you to provide details regarding your car, such as the year, make and model as well as the color and license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also want to know whether the vehicle is equipped with any special features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the car will be covered regardless of whether the keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be protected. This is the reason that you should have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft and less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or search online.
After the claim is completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time the insurer will be searching for the vehicle. If it's found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you're thinking of buying a new car, you can use this money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. Contact your agent if you're not certain whether or not you should file a claim.