Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with keys inside, you'll have to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the type of insurance and the amount.
However, you should take preventive measures to avoid getting your car stolen in the first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures to take
A car is among the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's important to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase your chances of regaining your vehicle in the event of theft with keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system that comes with the GPS tracking device. These systems integrate GPS and wireless technology to allow you to keep an eye on your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They can also locate vehicles that are damaged or missing which can be helpful in locating it.
Even if you're just going to be away for a few moments, locking the doors and rolling up the windows is a good measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year because owners leave their vehicles unlocked and keys in the ignition. A skilled thief is able to open the vehicle that is locked window that's only folded up an inch or two.
Parking in garages and parking areas that are monitored by security personnel is a great deterrent to thieves. It is also recommended to avoid areas that are the dark and unlit areas because they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can stop thieves from entering your home by installing an anti theft system with visible theft deterrents such as a steering-wheel lock or alarm stickers. These devices can make a potential thief reconsider breaking into your car and will require removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to put them in the most secure place possible. Keep things like electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational equipment away from sight or in the trunk. You should also note the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in case it is stolen. If they ever are discovered, you can give this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen, and car theft costs Americans around $8 billion per year. The problem is growing. In many cases keys are left in cars when they are stolen. It can happen when you leave your car running to warm it up or even if you're heading to the store for a few minutes. You can avoid this by removing valuables from your car and locking them away.
It's also important to notify the police as soon as your vehicle is taken. This gives the police a greater chance of catching the criminal and return your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into national and state auto theft databases, which can prevent future ownership issues or title issues.
You should also contact your insurance company. They can determine if your policy covers the theft of a vehicle that has keys in the ignition. In most instances, the insurance company will compensate you for the loss if you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this coverage, switching to another insurer could be worth it.
When you file a claim for a vehicle that was stolen with keys in the ignition, it is important to act swiftly. If you delay too long the insurance company could reject your claim or inquire with your motives for having put the keys in the car. This is because they believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should be aware of the potential for identity theft if you have documents in your car, like your insurance card or registration. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their car which could lead to fraudulent transactions. In this instance you must notify your financial institutions. You should also keep an eye on your accounts closely. If your car is recovered you must also inform the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and pursue the culprit.
Notifying your insurance company
A lot of people tend to leave their vehicle running while they're hurrying out of the door to make a quick run into the store or to purchase gas. This can cause your car to be stolen. This is the reason you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not driving it. The best way to prevent this from happening is to lock your car doors when you're not using it.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle in the garage unattended with keys inside, you'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as you can. They may request you to provide specific details regarding the incident, including the location where the vehicle was parked and the time of the theft. It's crucial to provide this information so that the police can track your car and hopefully recover it.
Some car insurers have online platforms where you can submit an insurance claim, however it's best to call and speak with an agent. You can provide additional details about the incident, and the back and forth can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy of the police report along with a list of all valuables in your car. This will aid the police with their investigation and help determine if you're covered under your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is owned by a finance company or leased, it is important to notify your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will prevent them from attempting to repossess or reclaim your car. If your car is found damaged your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of repairing it.
If you decide to file a claim on your car, and it's not refunded, the settlement can be up to 30 days. Check your policy to see whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will cover the cost of a car rental while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property casualty insurer, is an expert in the field. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
If you find a car stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you need to do is ensure that your vehicle really was stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department will assist you in this.
If you do this, you will want to give them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number is typically located on the door of the driver or close to the windshield. The number seven is also placed on the headlights and the mirrors, making it even more difficult for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It can be useful to note any distinctive features of your vehicle. It may be helpful to describe any personal items in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, it will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you have left keys inside it. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be true.
Many people make the error of leaving their cars running with the ignition on while running errands or getting ready to work in the morning. This is an ideal situation for disaster since it only takes a shrewd criminal only a few seconds to jump into your vehicle and leave.
Saturday is the most frequent day to steal a vehicle with the keys in ignition followed by Friday and Monday. Colorado is the top state for car thefts. If you leave your car blazing could be a beckon for criminals.
It is generally cheaper to buy a new set than to submit an insurance claim in the event that the original key was stolen. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be replaced at your auto dealership for around a hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible and it will save you the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the website future.