What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if forget the keys in your car. But, it's crucial to act swiftly.
The longer you wait the longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be extremely annoying. This is why it's important to be at peace and remain sane. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have put them. Also, go back and review your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, only to knock out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police as soon as you can will assist in locating them, and could hinder someone from using the vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. In this way, they can help you get a new set of keys.
You should always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your car. The majority of policies cover a car that was stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle. Make sure to check with your renters or home insurance insurer.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They will also want to report the crime to the police. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install but can save you money by stopping theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your car but you know it's been stolen. They will give you a crime reference number which is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document on your phone or an app). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and when, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as an enormous dent, or custom-designed additions, or distinctive marks or scratches.
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you submit a police complaint. This will accelerate the process and also protect you from a high risk of liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. here This results in a loss each year of over $8 billion.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times, and to never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to open your windows all the way and be sure to not leave your car running without supervision. This is especially important when you have keys in the car.
If you have renters or homeowner' insurance, it may cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts with care If you have personal documents in your car, such as paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used for identity theft, and you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get an extra key
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Nowadays, however, a lot of cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the automaker or dealer to get assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or put it in a container near the door. You could also give a spare key to a friend or neighbor that you are confident in.
Once you have an extra key The next step is to call your dealer to see whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to disable 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 speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys in them. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however you must check your policy for specific information.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you must also file a police claim. This is particularly important in the event that your car is loaned or leased as the lender must be aware of the incident. You may be able to obtain new keys or replacements for lost ones through the insurance claim.
To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, rather than through an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the make and model. They may also request other relevant details, such as the time and location of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are left in the car. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be protected. This is why you should always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You could be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, so you should keep one in your file or look it up online.
After the claim is processed, you may be granted a waiting period. It will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. If it is, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be in a position to get your car back within the waiting period. If not 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 the money to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims you make on your policy could increase your premiums. If you aren't sure whether or not you should file a claim, talk with your insurance agent and ask their advice.