Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips From The Top In The Industry
Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips From The Top In The Industry
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It's important to take action quickly.
The longer you delay, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car and realise you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and it's also extremely annoying. This is why it's essential to stay calm and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. You should also look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your car keys immediately in order to help the police find them and could stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company about the theft of your car. This way, they can help you get new keys.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most of the policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings in the vehicle. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance' insurance provider.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if the car is being leased. They'll likely be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will prevent them from being held accountable for the vehicle should it be stolen and could help speed up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to install, but will save you money by stopping theft. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good condition and not park it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your car and know it's stolen, the first thing to do is call the police. You will receive a crime reference code 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 a detailed description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an app). Provide any additional details you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and the date you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like large dents, unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is important to inform your insurer as soon you submit a police complaint. This will speed up the process and might even protect you from undue liability. This is because, when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in an annual loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to lock your car and never leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your car running while unattended and especially with keys inside.
If you have home or renters' insurance, it may cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Get a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could take them to your local key maker and have them duplicated at an cheap cost. Nowadays, however, a lot of cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without going to the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an extra key, you must put it in a place that is secure and easily accessible when you're at home. For example, you might keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a box by the door. Or, you could give an extra key to a neighbor or friend who you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can help you. The dealership will probably be able to deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your car. It should be a straightforward procedure, but it'll depend on the model and year of your car.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will take care of things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys inside is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To prevent having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in the car for a moment. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. You should also park in areas that are well-lit and secure and what to do if car keys are stolen be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've filed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. Many insurance companies have online services which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Try to contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Prepare to answer any questions. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They may also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know whether the vehicle has any special features, such as an GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be protected. This is why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle you have stolen that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. You will likely be asked for an independent assessment of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your file or look it up for it online.
After the claim has been completed, you might be given a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're 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 the car you lost (minus your deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car in the event that you decide to. Remember, however that any claims you make on your policy could increase your premiums. If you aren't sure whether you should file a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.