What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if you forget your keys in your car. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait, the more likely your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car, and you cannot locate your keys it's a frightening moment. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. This is why it's important to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. Also, go back through your day and see if you've set them down in a place or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone, and then smashed your keys out.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to call the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police immediately will help them find the keys and stop people from using your vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the car theft is also important. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
It is advisable to verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers the car's loss. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items inside the vehicle. Check with your renters or home insurance' insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leasing. They'll also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect them from being held responsible for the car if it's stolen, and it may also assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. This could include the locking of your steering wheel, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a little more to set up, but they can save you money in the end by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you are unable to locate your vehicle and suspect that it's gone missing the first thing to do is call the police. You'll be provided with an identification number 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 an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document that you carry around on your phone, or an app). If you have other information about where and when you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents, custom-designed add-ons, or distinct scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
It is important to inform your insurer as soon you submit a police complaint. This will make the process easier, and you may be protected from excessive liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys 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 more than $8 billion of loss annually.
It is best to lock your car at all times, and to not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to roll up the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended and especially with keys in it.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or home insurance may cover the things that you have in your car, if they were insured under those policies. If, however, you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts closely when you have personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take them to your local key maker and have them duplicated for an cheap cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without going to the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an extra key, you must keep it in a location that is safe and easily accessible when you are away from home. You could keep it in a drawer in your home or in a box close to the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbour or friend that you are confident in.
If you have an extra key The next step is to call your dealer to see if they can help. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
You might also want to contact your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys inside. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however, you should verify the policy for specific details.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you must also file a police complaint. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. Insurance claims can even help you obtain a replacement key or replace the one you lost.
To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in the car for a short time. It is also recommended to put in antitheft systems to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems which make the process simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of contacting a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will require you to provide information about your vehicle, including the year, model and year of the vehicle as well as the color and license plate number, as well as where and when it was stolen and any other relevant details. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, such as the GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will be covered - regardless of whether the keys were put 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 typically covers the actual value of your vehicle. This is the market value at the moment of the click here theft and less any deductible that is applicable. You will most likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your car and keep it on file or locate one online.
Once the claim has been processed, you may be given a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period the insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky the car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If it's not then you will be compensated for the actual value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus your deductible). You can use the funds to buy a new car if you plan to. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Talk to your agent if you're not sure whether or not you should file a claim.