If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive, your car will be covered even if keys are still in the car. The insurance company will investigate the incident to determine whether it was your fault.
The best thing to do is make an insurance claim as soon as you discover that the vehicle was stolen. Your insurance claim could be denied if you wait.
1. Don't panic!
It is essential to remain at peace and avoid making a mistake which will only make the situation worse. The first thing you should do is contact the police. When you contact the police, you should provide them with as much information about your vehicle that you can, including the model, make, and license plate number. Also, let them know whether there were any valuables inside your vehicle, such as laptops, work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police will give you the best information regarding your stolen vehicle and the steps they plan to take moving forward. They may be able locate your vehicle or catch the thieves.
Many people forget to lock their vehicles or shut the windows, particularly if they are in hurry or have children in the car. It may sound silly but it's a simple mistake to do and could have tragic consequences. In these scenarios thieves can simply climb into the driver's seat and drive off as if it were their own vehicle. If no one around them realizes they aren't the owners, they can travel a considerable distance before being stopped by a policeman.
Another common mistake that can be easily made is leaving a key in the ignition or a spare key hidden on your property or in your personal possessions. This can be extremely dangerous because it makes the vehicle more easy to start and escape with. Many people do this when they go in to get something or leave their vehicle running for a short period of time while they go in the shop. Other mistakes that are common include running the car as it warms up or rushing to a gas station in order to pay for fuel.
Keeping these mistakes in mind it is vital to take preventive measures to avoid them in the future. There are a variety of methods to accomplish this, from installing an alarm system to parking in areas that are well-lit. Some automakers also offer security features to deter thieves and stop them from starting their cars. These features can be anything from a sound-based alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that monitor the vehicle.
2. Contact the police
As an owner of a vehicle, it is your responsibility to report any attempted or actual theft. The police department will be in a position to assist you by providing information about what steps to take next. They could also offer advice around protecting your vehicle in the future, like installing an electronic lock on your wheel. Additionally, they can provide you with a crime reference number that can be helpful when contacting your insurance company.
It is essential to provide as much information as possible when reporting the theft of a vehicle. Make sure to provide the same details to your insurance provider and the police. This increases the chances of your car being returned or recovered.
The type of information you must be prepared to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, year, make and model as well as any other distinctive features. Include any information regarding your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or other anti-theft technology.
Another piece of information that is vital is the presence of any personal items in the vehicle when the theft took place. This could be an item like a purse, wallet or any other item that could contain personal information. It is essential to inform the credit card companies, your bank, and any other entity that could be involved in the event of an item is stolen from your vehicle.
If your personal property is stolen, also contact your homeowners' or renters' insurance. This is because this type of property is usually covered under the personal property section of these policies, deactivate stolen car key fob whereas auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to prevent car theft, you can minimize the chance of it occurring by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid rolling up your windows at all times. Also, keep an extra key in a different location than inside your car. Also, examine your insurance coverage each year to ensure that you are covered.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance provider will pay for the loss of your vehicle with the exception of any deductible applicable. Liability insurance doesn't cover car thefts. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance prior to lending your vehicle.
3. Don't try to locate Your Vehicle All by Yourself
As a car owner you have a responsibility to safeguard your property. That is why it's important to ensure your vehicle is secured even when you're away. It's important to secure your vehicle each time you leave, and to open the windows up completely. Also, it's best to not leave your spare keys in the car, or in any other location where it could be easily accessible to criminals.
One of the main reasons for car thefts is when people leave keys that are not used in the car. It's a common mistake that can have serious consequences, especially in the present day.
Modern thieves have shifted beyond the traditional hotwiring methods you might see in an action movie and are employing more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This includes something called relay attacks, which is when two thieves collaborate to employ an electronic device to detect the signal from the owner's key fob. They then unlock the vehicle and take it away.
The good news is that police are beginning to employ more effective technology in order to track down thieves that attempt to steal cars with keys inside. For example, some companies are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your car that will send its location to the police. This can help to reduce the number of thefts, and increase the likelihood of being recovered.
In addition to a device for tracking it is also possible to think about installing an immobilizer on your car to prevent it from starting. This will make it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You can also determine whether someone tried to start your vehicle by contacting the police.
It is not advisable to search for your own vehicle when you decide to track it down. This could cause further damage and could result in the theft of other belongings in your vehicle, like your personal belongings. Instead, you should contact your insurance company and inform them that the car was stolen, with keys inside. Also, inform them about any personal belongings inside the car at the moment of theft, such as mail or a purse that contains credit cards, cash or office badges or other form of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive auto insurance (which covers a variety of incidents including theft) You should contact your insurer as quickly as you can to make claims. This will allow them to begin investigating and ensure that you are protected in the event that your vehicle is damaged or lost.
You should provide your insurer with as many details about your vehicle as you can remember, including the year the make, model, and year, the license plate number and the VIN (vehicle ID number), and where you saw it last. You can also include details about the time and day of the theft, as well as whether it was snowing or rained. If you aren't sure about any of the above information, you can request the police to look up their records to find this information for you.
In some instances, it might be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will prevent the thief using your vehicle to break the law or damage another property.
You will need the police report on hand when you call your insurance company to start the investigation. Also, you must be prepared to provide any other information requested by your insurance agent.
Make sure to note any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle, as these might be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the location you live in). You should also notify your finance company or leasing company that the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
It is essential to remain calm and act quickly, even though it is an extremely stressful situation. These tips will assist you in doing this, and hopefully result in your vehicle returning safely and sound to you. If you are required to file a claim due to your car was taken with keys inside, it's best to contact an independent agent who will guide you through the process. They can also help you find discounts to make this whole ordeal as easy as possible.