What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
The longer you delay, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to discover that you can't find your keys. It can be a disaster and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to remain in a calm state and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked every place - in your pocket bags, bags and any other places where you may have placed them. Also, go back and review your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere, or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but knocked out your keys.
Call the police if you are unable to locate them. It is crucial to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as possible in order to assist the police in locating them and may prevent anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. In this way, they can help you obtain 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 vehicle that has been taken with the keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance provider.
If your car is leased or financed, you should call the leasing or financing company, too. They may want to report the theft to the police, too. 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 discourage thieves. These can include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to install but will save you money by preventing theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and not leave it parked in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect it's been stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. You'll be provided with a crime reference code that is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of the vehicle, including model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an application). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
It is important to inform your insurance company immediately after you make a police report. This will make the process easier, and you may be protected from a high risk of liability. This is because, when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing, according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses each year.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times, and to never display valuables. It is also recommended to close the windows all the way and avoid leaving your car running when you are not there particularly with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions that you have in your car in the event that they were covered by those policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is not likely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could take them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for an cheap cost. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an extra key, you must keep it in a location that is safe and easy to access when you are at home. It can be stored in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or friend that you consider trustworthy.
If you have a spare key The next step is to call your dealership to inquire whether they are able to assist. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to check here start your car. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
You may also want to contact your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys in them. This type of insurance is usually included in most insurance policies, but it's best to check the specific policy for more details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen with keys in it is to file a claim with the police. This is particularly important in the event that your car is loaned or leased because the lender will need to be aware of the incident. You may be able to obtain a new set of keys or replacements for lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
Even if you are just taking just a few seconds it is important to close the doors of your car to prevent it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after filing the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. They will require you to provide information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also inquire whether the car has additional features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car is not covered. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the value of your vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the time of theft and less any applicable deductible. You could be required to provide a third-party evaluation of your car, so you should keep a copy in your files or search online.
After the claim has been completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period the insurer will be looking for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If it's not the case, you will be refunded for the actual cash value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus your deductible). You can use the money to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Keep in mind, though that any claims filed on your policy could increase your premiums. Contact your agent if you're not sure whether you should make an claim.