What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle, it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is crucial to act immediately.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car and can't locate your keys, it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also extremely annoying. It's important to be calm and rational. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day and see if you've set them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to contact the police. It is crucial to notify the police of the loss of your car keys as soon as possible, as this will help the police find the keys and stop anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. They will assist you obtain a new set.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether it covers your loss of your car. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle. Check with your renters or home insurance insurer.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if the car is being leased. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These devices can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by preventing theft. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
Contact the police if can't locate your vehicle, but are aware that it was taken. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you carry around on your phone, or an app). If you have any other information about where and when you last saw it, like distinctive features such as large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct scratches or marks, please give that information too.
It is important to inform your insurer as soon you make a police report. This will accelerate the process and you may be protected from excessive liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts in which keys are left in the car are increasing. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. It is also recommended to close your windows to the maximum and be sure to not leave the car running in the dark. This is especially true when you have keys in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under those policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts closely when you have personal documents in your vehicle such as pay receipts and stubs. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost from your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing to do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a box near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend who you consider trustworthy.
Once you have a spare key The next step is to contact your dealership to find out whether they can assist. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the model and year of your car.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will take care of things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of coverage is usually included in most insurance policies, but it is recommended to look over your specific policy for more details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen and keys were inside it is to file a claim with the police. This is especially important in the event that your car is loaned or leased as the lender must be informed of the incident. You might even be able to obtain new keys or a replacement for your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
Even if you are just leaving for only a few minutes it is important to close the doors of your car to stop it from being stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to get more info make it difficult for thieves to get into it. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or in 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 it easy and quick to complete the procedure. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this time sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. You'll be asked to provide details regarding your vehicle, including the year model, color, license plate number and the model and make. They might also request other relevant details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also want to know whether the car has any unique features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage your car will be covered - regardless of the fact that keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
The insurance policy for your car will usually cover the value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the date of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked for an independent assessment of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time your insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your car back in 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. Keep in mind, though that any claims you make on your policy will raise your rates. If you're not sure if you should make a claim, speak with your insurance agent and ask their advice.