Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Can Be More Dangerous Than You Realized
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Can Be More Dangerous Than You Realized
Blog Article
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 swiftly.
The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also very frustrating. It is essential to be calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere in your pockets bags, purses, and any other places you might have put them. It is also advisable to go back and review your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car immediately in order to assist the police in locating them and may stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. In this way, they can assist you get a new set of keys.
You should always check your insurance policy to see if it covers the loss of your car. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings inside the vehicle and you should confirm this with your home or renters insurance provider.
If your car is leased or financed, you must contact the leasing or financing company as well. They'll also want to report the incident to the police. This will prevent them from being held responsible for the car in the event of theft, and it may also assist in speeding up the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also help deter thieves. This could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to install but can save you money by preventing theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good shape and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your car but you know it's been taken. You will receive a crime reference code that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color as well as 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 application). If you have other information about where and when you last saw it, like distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
Once you have completed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held accountable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts when keys are left in the car are on the rise. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss each year of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. It is also recommended to open the windows completely and avoid leaving your car running when you are not there particularly with keys inside.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your renters or homeowner's insurance could cover the possessions you had in your vehicle, if they were insured under those policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents like receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Find an extra key
Not long ago losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost by your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to keep it in a place that is safe and easy to access when you're away from home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or put it in a container near the door. You could also give an extra key to a friend or neighbor whom you are confident in.
Once you have a spare key The next step is to contact your dealership to inquire whether they can assist. They'll probably be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
You may also want to contact your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen vehicles with keys in them. Most auto policies include this type of coverage, but you should check your policy for specific details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen and keys were inside it is to file a claim with the police. It is important to inform the lender if you have a financed or leased car. Insurance claims can help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To prevent having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. You should also consider putting in antitheft systems to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. You should also park in well-lit and secure areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have made a police complaint, you should contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of contacting a call center. Prepare to answer any questions. You will be asked to provide specific information regarding your vehicle, including the year, model, color license plate number, the make and model. They might also request other relevant details such as the time and location of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, like a GPS more info system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance your vehicle will be covered regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car will not be covered. This is why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of the vehicle you have stolen, which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You could be asked to submit an independent assessment of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your file or look it up online.
After the claim is processed, you may be given a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. If it's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the actual cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you're planning on buying a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Talk to your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit an claim.