Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Can Be Much More Hazardous Than You Think
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Can Be 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 comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and it's also very frustrating. This is why it's essential to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have put them. Also, go back and review your day. Maybe 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, it's time to contact the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to the police immediately will help them find the keys and hinder someone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company of the car theft. They can then help you obtain a new set.
Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been taken with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings inside the vehicle therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if the car is being leased. They'll also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It could also accelerate the process to get the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices typically cost a bit more to install however they could save you money over the long term by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to keep your car in good condition and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and know that it's gone missing the first thing to do is call the police. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). Please provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, including when you last saw it, and when and any distinctive features, like a large dent or unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
If you've completed a police report, it's crucial to inform your insurer as soon as you can. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from excessive liability. This is because, should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle and you are accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts when keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. 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 of losses annually.
It is best to lock your vehicle at all times, and to never display valuables. You should also roll your windows up all the way and make sure you don't leave the car running in the dark. This is especially important if you have keys in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or home insurance may cover the things you had in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under those policies. However, if you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this kind of policy.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts carefully when you have personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could bring them to your local key maker and have them duplicated at an cheap cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to place it somewhere accessible and safe when you're at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a box near the door. You could also give an extra to a neighbor or a friend you consider trustworthy.
Call your dealership and ask whether they can assist you. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of your car.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically covered in the majority of automobile policies, however it's best to check your specific policy for more details.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys inside is to file a get more info claim with the police. This is especially important in the event that your car is loaned or leased because the lender will need to be informed of the incident. Insurance claims may even help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
Even if you are just taking only a few minutes it is recommended to secure your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process quick and easy. Make sure to contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer any questions. You'll be asked to provide information about your vehicle, such as the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered regardless of whether keys were not left in it. If, however, you only have liability insurance, your car will not be paid for. This is the reason that you must have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will typically cover the actual value of your vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the moment of the theft plus any applicable deductible. You will likely be required to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or search for it online.
Once the claim is approved after which you will be provided with a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period, your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. If it is found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky the vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the money to purchase a new vehicle if you plan to. Remember, however, that any claims made on your policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and get their opinion.