7 Things You've Never Known About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in ItIf you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It's important to take action promptly.
The longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get in your car and cannot locate your keys it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. This is why it's crucial to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. You should also take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down somewhere or went into your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out of there.
Contact the police if you are unable to find them. It's essential to inform the police about the loss of your keys to your car immediately to help the police find the keys and hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. They will assist you get a new set.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the policies cover a stolen car with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings in the car and you should confirm this with your home or renters insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, it is best to contact the financing or leasing company as well. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will help them avoid being liable for the car in the event of theft and can help speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. They could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by stopping theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but you know it's been taken. They will give you the crime reference number that is essential in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give a detailed description of the vehicle, including make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents or custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing marks and scratches, please give that information too.
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you submit a police complaint. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from excessive liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held liable based on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are on the rise according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in an annual loss of over $8 billion.
It is best to website lock your car at all times and never leave valuables on display. Also, you should close the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys in it.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your renters or homeowner's insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle If they were insured under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Find an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Today, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without going to the automaker or dealer 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 at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a keybox near the door. You could also give a spare key to a neighbor or friend who you trust.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. The dealership will probably be able to deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. This is a simple procedure, but it will depend on the particular model and year of vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys in them. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage, but you should check the policy for specific details.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen with keys in it is to file a claim with the police. This is particularly important if your car is financed or leased, as the lender will need to know about the incident. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
Even if you're just leaving for a few seconds it is recommended to lock your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. You should also park in well-lit and secure areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have filed a police report, you should contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies offer 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 time sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year model, color license plate number, the make and model. They may be looking for additional details such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance your car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be protected. This is why it is important to always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the moment of the theft plus any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to submit an independent assessment of your car so keep one on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted a waiting period that will differ by insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be in a position to get your car back in the time period. If it isn't, you will be compensated for the actual value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car if you plan to. Keep in mind, though that any claims you make on your policy will raise your rates. If you're not sure if you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and ask their advice.