Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside, you'll need to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible depends on the type of policy and the amount.
You must take steps to stop your car from being taken. Here are a few tips:
Preventive measures
A car is the largest investment you can make. It's a good idea to take all available precautions to protect it. Prevention can decrease the chance of theft and increase the chances that you return your vehicle in the event of theft with keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft device that includes the GPS tracking device. These systems use a combination of GPS and wireless technologies that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring service when the car is moved. They also have the ability to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which could aid in locating it.
Another way to prevent theft is to lock the doors and roll up the windows of your vehicle when you park it even if you're only going to be absent for a short time. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in the ignition or in another location. Unlocked vehicles can be accessed by a skilled thief even if the window is only moved by an inch or two.
Parking in garages and parking areas which are monitored by security guards is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and with poor lighting, since they are more likely attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system it is also possible to deter thieves with visible theft deterrents, like a steering lock or alarm decals. These can make a prospective thief think twice about trying to break into your car as they'll have to deal with the added difficulty of removing or bypassing the device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, it is best to hide them as much as possible. Items like chargers for mobile phones or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of view or stored in the trunk. It's also a good idea to record the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can provide this information to the police and your insurance company in the event that they are ever recovered.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen and theft of vehicles is a major expense, costing Americans around $8 billion annually. In a lot of cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and it's a problem that's getting worse. This could happen if you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you just go into the store for a short period of time. However, there are some things you can do to stop this from occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or making sure they are locked out of view.
It is also crucial to inform the police as soon as your vehicle is stolen. This will give the police a better chance to catch the criminal and return your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into national and state databases for auto theft, which can prevent future title issues or ownership issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. They can tell you if your policy covers thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely reimburse you for the loss. If you do not have this type of coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it may be worth it.
When you file a claim for an unintentionally stolen vehicle with keys in the ignition, you need to act quickly. If you are waiting too long, the insurance company might reject your claim. They might also ask you about why you left the keys of your car inside. This is due to the fact that they believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should be aware that documents like your registration or insurance card can lead to identity theft. Some people keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can make them vulnerable to fraud. In this instance you must notify your financial institutions. Also, you should monitor your accounts carefully. If your car is found you must also inform the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and pursue the culprit.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people leave their car running while they rush out the door for a quick trip to the supermarket or the gas station. Unfortunately, this could result in your car being stolen. This is the reason you should never leave your vehicle in a parking lot when you're not driving it. To avoid this, secure your car's doors when you are not inside.
If you do leave your vehicle unattended, with the keys inside, you'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You could be asked to provide specifics regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was left and the time it was stolen. This will assist the police find your car and, if they find it, recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems where you can make claims, however it's best to call and speak with an agent. This will enable you to provide more specific details about the incident, and cut down on the amount of back-and-forth that can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy the police report as well as a list of all the valuables in your car. This will assist the police with their investigation and help determine if you're covered under your comprehensive insurance.
Additionally, if your vehicle is financed or leased, it is important to notify your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from trying to repossess your car or claiming it. If your vehicle is discovered damaged, your comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repair.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to file an insurance claim, it can take up to 30 days before you receive a settlement. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement policy to pay for a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and the MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been analyzing the insurance market for more than five years and is often quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you should do when a vehicle has been taken with keys inside is to verify that it was indeed stolen. Contacting the non-emergency number for the police department in your area can assist you here in this.
If you do then you should send them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number is typically located on the driver's door or close to the windshield. The last seven digits are also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to try to change the identity of the vehicle.
Unique Specifications - If there's something that makes your vehicle look different from others of the same type this could be helpful. It is helpful to describe any personal items found in the vehicle at the time of theft.
Your Insurance Coverage: If you have Comprehensive coverage or specific Perils It will most likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether you left your keys inside. However, if you have Liability-only insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make this error when they run errands, or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, since it only takes a few moments to jump in the car and drive away.
The most popular day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing could be a prime target for opportunistic criminals.
It is usually cheaper to buy a new set of keys rather than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is especially true if you own an electronic key fob or smart key, which can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and it will eliminate the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.