10 Unexpected Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in ItIf you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act promptly.
The longer you put off, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. 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 unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also extremely difficult. This is why it's important to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places where 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 then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It is crucial to report the loss of your car keys as soon as possible in order to help the police find the keys and prevent someone from using your vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company about the theft of your car is important. They can then help you find a replacement.
Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is being leased. They'll likely be required to report the theft to the police as well. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also expedite the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also deter thieves. These can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to install, but will save you money by stopping theft. The key is to keep your car in good shape and to not leave it parked in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been stolen. They will provide you with a crime reference number which is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You will have to provide a complete description of your car, including the make/model, color and the license plate number as well as the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your phone). If you have other details about the location and time you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents or custom add-ons or distinguishing marks and scratches, please include that information as well.
After you've filed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as soon as you can. This will accelerate the process and also protect you from liability that is too high. This is because should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the increase. In fact, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of loss annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. You should also close your windows all the way, and avoid leaving the car running unattended. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts with care If you have personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used to commit identity theft and you will need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace the key on the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is safe and easy to access when you are away from home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. Or, you could give an extra key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Once you have an extra key the next step is to call your dealership to inquire if they can help. The dealership will probably be able to disable the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. This is a straightforward procedure, but it will depend on the specific model and year of vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company if you have comprehensive here coverage, which covers things like stolen cars with keys in them. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of protection, but you should check the policy for specific details.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen with keys inside is to file a claim with the police. It is essential to notify the lender that you own a car that is financed or leased. You may even be able to obtain a new set of keys or replacements for lost ones via the insurance claim.
Even if you are just stepping out for a few seconds it is important to lock your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen in the future. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. 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 vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've made a police complaint and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Try to contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will require you to provide information about your car, including the year, make and model, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any additional features, such as an 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 won't be covered. This is why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
The insurance policy for your car will typically cover 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 applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to provide an independent evaluation of your car and keep it on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with an amount of time to wait that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the actual value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. If you are planning on buying a new vehicle then you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims you make to your insurance policy could raise your premiums. Speak to your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit a claim.