A Complete Guide To Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Dos And Don'ts
A Complete Guide To Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Dos And Don'ts
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It's important to take action promptly.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can be a disaster and be frustrating. It's important to remain calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. Also, go back through your day and see if you've set them down somewhere or reached in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out.
If you are unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. It is crucial to report the loss of your keys to your car immediately in order to help the police find the keys and prevent the use of your vehicle by someone without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the car theft is also crucial. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been taken with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the vehicle therefore you must check with your home or renters insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if the car is being leased. They may be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also deter thieves. These devices can include an GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These devices will usually cost a little bit more to install however, they can save you money over the long term by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
Contact the police if cannot find your car but you know it's been stolen. You will be given the crime reference number which is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN which can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app on your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when, as well as any distinctive features, like large dents, custom additions, or distinguishing scratches or marks.
Once you have filed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you can. This will speed the process and could even protect you from undue liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held liable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing, according to NICB data. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of losses annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also roll up your windows to the maximum and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under those policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is not likely to cover them.
You should also monitor your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft and you will need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could have them duplicated for a small cost through your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to place it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a box by the door. Or, you could give the spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
Contact your dealer and ask if they can assist you. They'll likely be able to deactivate 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 make and year of your car.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys in them. The majority of auto policies provide this type of protection however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
Another thing to do in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to file a claim with the police. It is important to inform the lender that you own a financed or leased car. Insurance claims can assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices 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 be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you have completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies offer online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Try to contact your agent directly instead of 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 have. You'll be asked to provide details about your car including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the make and model. They might also ask for other pertinent information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the vehicle will be covered regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be covered. This is the reason that you should always have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual value of your vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the moment of the theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You will likely be asked for an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and check here you must keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. If it is found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are fortunate your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the waiting period. If not then you will be compensated for the actual value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember, however, that any claims made to your insurance policy could raise your rates. If you're not sure if you should make a claim, speak to your insurance representative and ask their advice.