What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. However, it's important to act quickly.
The longer it takes the more likely it is that your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to remain at peace and remain sane. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. It is also advisable to revisit your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but then threw out your keys.
Contact the police if are unable to find them. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to the police immediately will help them find them, and could prevent someone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the car theft. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it, but the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the car, so you should check with your home or renters insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if the car is leased. They will likely be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will help them avoid being liable for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These devices can include an GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by preventing theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good condition and not park it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your vehicle and suspect it's been stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.
You'll be required to provide a thorough description of your vehicle, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your phone). If you have other information about where and when you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents or custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
After you've made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurer as soon as you can. This will make the process easier, and you may be protected from excessive liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. In reality, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in losses annually.
The best way to prevent this is to lock get more info your vehicle and never put valuables in plain view. You should also close your windows to the maximum, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items you had in your vehicle If they were insured by those policies. If you had electronics in your car, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts carefully If you have personal documents in your car, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. They could be used for identity theft, and you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could bring them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for a relatively affordable cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key on the vehicle that has been stolen without contacting the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have an additional key, it is best to put it in a spot that is safe and easy to access when you are at home. It can be stored in a drawer in your home or put it in a container near the door. You could also give an extra key to a friend or neighbor that you are confident in.
If you have a spare key the next step is to call your dealer to see whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to deactivate the stolen key fob so that it can't be used to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
You might also want to contact your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage, but you should check the policy for specific details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen with keys inside is to make a claim with the police. It is essential to notify the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may be able to obtain an additional set of keys or replacements for lost ones through the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't and the keys inside it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a few seconds. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after filing the police report. Most insurance companies offer online services which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of contacting the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, your car will not be paid for. It is for this reason that you must have comprehensive coverage on your car.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You may be asked for an independent assessment of your car, so you should keep one in your file or search online.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with an amount of time to wait, which will vary by insurer. During this time your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the cash value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus the deductible). If you are planning on purchasing a new car, you can use this money to purchase it. Keep in mind, though, that any claims made on your policy could increase your premiums. If you're not sure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance representative and ask their advice.