If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have comprehensive coverage the insurance company will be able to cover your vehicle stolen even if you have left keys inside the car. However the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine if you were negligent in causing the theft.
The most efficient way to proceed is to file a claim as soon as you are aware that your vehicle has been stolen. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim being denied or subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
It is essential to remain calm and avoid making mistakes that will only make the situation worse. The first thing you need to do is call the police. When you contact the police, you should provide them with as much information about the vehicle as possible, including the make, model and license plate number. You will also want to inform them if you have any valuables in the vehicle, including laptops, a work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police will be able to provide you with the most reliable information regarding your stolen vehicle and the steps they plan to take in the future. They might be able to locate your vehicle and catch the thieves.
Many people do not shut their windows or lock their vehicles, especially when they are in a hurry or have children. It might seem absurd however it's actually quite easy to make and can have disastrous consequences. In these scenarios, thieves will simply climb into the drivers seat and drive away as if it were their own vehicle. If no one else around them is aware it isn't the owner, they can travel for a long distance before being stopped by a policeman.
A common mistake is to leave a spare or an ignition key on your person. This is a risk since it makes it easier to start your vehicle and then run off with. This happens most often when people go into an establishment to buy something or leave the car running while they are there. Other common mistakes include running the car as it is warming up, or rushing into a gas station order to pay for fuel.
In order to avoid these mistakes it is vital to take preventive measures to avoid them in the future. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, from installing an alarm system to parking in a well-lit area. Additionally, some automakers offer security features that can discourage thieves or stop them from starting the car. These features range from a sound-based alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices to track the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
As the owner of your vehicle, it's your responsibility to report any theft or attempted theft. The police department can assist you by giving you advice on what to do next. They may also give you suggestions on how to protect your vehicle in future such as installing a lock. They will also be able to provide you with an identification number for the crime, which will help you when making contact with your insurance company.
In reporting a vehicle that's stolen, it's important to be as detailed as possible. Make sure you provide the same information to your insurance company as well as the police. This increases the likelihood that your car is returned or retrieved.
The type of information you must be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, year, make and model and any other distinguishing features. Include any details about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other anti-theft technology.
Another piece of crucial information is any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time of theft. This could include your purse, wallet, or any other item containing personal information. This is why it's an excellent idea to inform credit card companies, banks and any other entities that might be involved in the instance of a stolen item being found in your vehicle.
If your personal property is stolen, you must be in touch with your homeowners' or renters' insurance. This is because this type of property is usually covered under the personal property section of these policies. However, auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to prevent car theft, you can minimize the chance of it happening by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid rolling up your windows at all times. It's also essential to keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. Also, you should review your insurance policy annually to ensure you have enough coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will cover the damage or loss to your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance won't cover car thefts. Make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy prior to lending your vehicle.
3. Do not attempt to search for your vehicle on your own
As a car owner you have a duty to protect your property. That is why it's important to ensure that your vehicle is secure, even when you're not in the car. You should also make sure to lock your vehicle every when you leave it and to roll up the windows completely. Additionally, it's always recommended to avoid leaving your keys in your car, or any other place where it could be easily accessible to criminals.
In fact one of the main reasons why people have their cars stolen with keys inside is because they've left keys in the car or close to the car. This is a common mistake that can have serious implications especially in the current world.
Modern thieves have moved beyond the old hotwiring techniques you'd observe in a action film and are employing more sophisticated tactics to steal vehicles. This includes something called relay attacks which is where two thieves use an electronic device to record the signal from the owner's key fob and then unlock the car and drive it away.
The good news is that police are starting to use more efficient technology to catch thieves who attempt to steal cars with keys inside. Some companies offer to put an electronic device to track your vehicle, which will report the exact location of your vehicle to the police. This can lower the chance and number of thefts.
In addition to a device for tracking You may also want to consider installing an immobilizer inside your car to prevent it from starting. This will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can also determine whether someone tried to start the car by calling the police.
It is not advisable to look for your vehicle in the event that you decide to locate it down. This could cause more damage and potentially lead to the theft of other items in your vehicle, like your personal belongings. Instead, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as you can and let them know that your car was stolen with keys in it. You should also inform them of any personal possessions that were in the vehicle at the time of theft, including mail, a purse or wallet that contains your cash or credit cards an office badge or other forms of identification, and any medication or other medical supplies that were inside the vehicle.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy (which typically covers a wide variety of events such as theft) it is crucial to call your insurer and file an insurance claim as soon as possible. This will allow them to get started with the investigation and ensure that you're covered in case your vehicle is stolen or damaged.
It is important to provide your insurance company with as much information about your vehicle as you are able to remember including the year the make, model, and year, the license plate number and the VIN (vehicle ID number) and the location you saw it last. It is also beneficial to include information about the circumstances of the theft and at what time of the day it occurred, and if there was snow or rain. If you aren't sure of any of the above information, you can request the police to look up their records for this information for you.
In some cases, it may be necessary to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the thief from using your vehicle to violate the law or damage another property.
When you call your insurance company, you will require the police report with you so that they can get started on the investigation. You should also be ready to provide any additional information that your insurance company may request.
You may be able to claim any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle through your renters' or homeowners insurance, based on where you live. Also, you should inform your finance company or leasing company that your vehicle was reported stolen.
Even though this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is important to stay at peace and act swiftly. These tips will assist you in doing this, and hopefully will result in your car getting back safe and sound to you. If you do have to make a claim on keys stolen from a vehicle in it, the best thing to do is work with an independent insurance broker who can help you through the process and provide you with discounts to make check here the whole ordeal as painless as possible.