The Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Much More Hazardous Than You Think
The Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Much More Hazardous Than You Think
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will protect your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It's important to take action promptly.
The longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to get into your car and can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to be in a calm state and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked every place - in your pocket, bags and any other places where you may have placed them. You should also go back and review your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you can't find them, it's time to call the police. Reporting the loss of keys to your car to police as soon as you can will assist them in finding the keys and hinder people from using your vehicle without your permission. It's also important to notify your insurance company about the car theft. In this way, they can assist you get a new set of keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been stolen with the keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings inside the vehicle, so you should check with your home or renters insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your car is being leased. They will also want to inform the police. This will prevent them from being liable for the car should it be stolen and could help speed up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. These could include a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by stopping theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you can't find your car and know it's been stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.
You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, including the model and make and the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an app). If you have any other information regarding where and when you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct marks and scratches, please give that information too.
Once you have made a police complaint It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will accelerate the process and protect you from excessive liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held accountable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts when keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. In fact, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in losses each year.
The best way to avoid this is to lock your car and not leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should open your windows all the way, and avoid leaving the car running in the dark. This is particularly true if you have keys in the car.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items that you have in your car, if they were insured by those policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents, such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, and you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find a spare key
A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could have them duplicated for a small cost from your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the dealer or manufacturer for help.
If you have an extra key, you should keep it in a location that is safe and easy to access when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer at home or in a box near the door. Or, you could give the spare key to a friend or neighbor who you trust.
Once you have an extra key The next step is to call your dealership to inquire whether they can assist. The dealership should be able to disable the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. This is a straightforward procedure, but it will depend on your particular year and model of vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys inside. This type of insurance 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 in the event that your car was stolen with keys inside is to file a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own a financed or leased car. Insurance claims can even help you obtain a replacement key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you are just taking only a few minutes it is recommended to lock your vehicle's doors to stop it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also advised. Don't leave valuables inside your car or more info on the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems that make the process simple and quick. Contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. They will require you to provide information regarding your car, such as the year, make and model, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also ask whether the car has extra features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage your car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability insurance the car won't be covered. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of your vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be required to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or search for one online.
Once 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. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car should you choose to. Remember, however that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise your rates. Speak to your agent if you're not sure whether or not you should file an claim.