What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act immediately.
The longer you wait the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to discover that you're not able to find your keys. It can make your day miserable and be a source of frustration. This is why it's important to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. It is also advisable to look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It's essential to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can to help the police find the keys and prevent anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They will assist you find a replacement.
Always examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. Most of the policies cover a stolen car with keys inside however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies do not cover personal belongings in the vehicle. Contact your home insurance or renters the insurance company.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is being leased. They may need to report the theft to the police, too. This will help them avoid being liable for the car in the event of theft, and it may also assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also discourage thieves. These devices can include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by protecting you from theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but know it has been stolen. They will provide you with a crime reference number which is vital in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will have to provide a complete description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN which is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your phone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as large dents, unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
If you've filed a police report, it's crucial to inform your insurer as soon as possible. This will speed up the process, and also protect you from liability that is too high. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise according to NICB data. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of loss annually.
It is recommended to secure your car at all times, and to not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to roll up the windows all the way and avoid leaving your car running when you are not there and especially with keys inside.
If you have renters or homeowner' insurance, it may protect the items in your car if they are get more info covered under these policies. If, however, you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost by your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without contacting the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a spot that is secure and easily accessible when you are away from home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. You can also offer an extra to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can assist you. They'll probably be able to deactivate the stolen key fob so that it isn't able to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of protection, but you should check your policy for specific information.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police claim. It is essential to notify the lender if you have a car that is financed or leased. You may be able to get new keys or a replacement for your lost ones through the insurance claim.
Even if you're just leaving for just a few seconds, you should secure your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contact your agent directly rather than through a call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They might also ask for other pertinent information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle has any extra features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered regardless of the fact that keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance the car won't be covered. This is the reason that you should have a comprehensive insurance policy for your car.
The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the moment of the theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You will most likely be asked to provide an independent evaluation of your car, so keep one on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an amount of time to wait, which will vary by insurer. During this period the insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky the car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the actual value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the funds to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Keep in mind, though that any claims you make on your policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure if you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance agent and get their opinion.