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 it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is important to act immediately.
The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car, and you are unable to locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can be a disaster and be a source of frustration. It's important to remain calm and logical. First, ensure that you've checked everything - in your pocket, bags, and any other places you could have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
If you can't find them, you need to contact the police. It is crucial to notify the police of the loss of your car keys immediately to assist the police in locating them and could prevent the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. In this way, they can assist you obtain a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings in the car. Contact your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if the car is leased. They may want to report the theft to the police as well. This will prevent them from being held accountable for the vehicle should it be stolen and could aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a little bit more to install, but they can save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. The key is to keep your car in good condition and to not leave it parked in areas that are risky.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was stolen. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is crucial in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.
You will need to give a detailed description of the vehicle, including the model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document on your phone or an application). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and when and any distinctive characteristics, such as an enormous dent, or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
Once you have completed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurer as soon as you can. This will speed up the process, and you may be protected from a high risk of liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts when keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
It is best to lock get more info your vehicle at all times, and to never leave valuables on display. Also, you should roll your windows up all the way and be sure to not leave the car running unattended. This is especially important for keys that are in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered by those policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find a spare key
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could bring them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for an cheap cost. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is secure and easily accessible when you are away from home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or in a box near the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbour or friend that you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can assist you. The dealership will likely be able to disable the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. This is a simple procedure, however it is contingent on your particular model and year of vehicle.
You might also want to speak with your insurance company if you have comprehensive insurance, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys inside. This type of cover is typically covered in the majority of automobile policies, however it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more information.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys in it is to file a claim with the police. This is particularly important in the event that your car is loaned or leased because the lender will need to be aware of the incident. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also advised. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you have completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through the call center. Prepare to answer all questions. They will require you to provide information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also want to know whether the vehicle has any special features, such as the 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 paid for. This is the reason that you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your car.
The insurance policy for your car will typically cover the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You will most likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your car, so keep one on file or search for one online.
After the claim is completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period the insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. If it is, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are fortunate, your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll be compensated the cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. You can use the money to purchase a brand new car if you plan to. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether you should make a claim.