Why All The Fuss About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It?
Why All The Fuss About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It?
Blog Article
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car, and you are unable to locate your keys, it's an incredibly stressful moment. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. It's essential to remain calm and logical. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places where you might have put them. You should also walk back through your day - maybe you set them down somewhere or went in your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out of there.
Call the police if you cannot find them. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately will assist them in finding them and may stop anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company about the car theft. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that was stolen with keys inside, but the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle. Contact your renters insurance or home insurance' insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They may need to report the theft to the police as well. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It could also speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to deter 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 stopping theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in areas that are risky.
Call the police
If you can't find your vehicle and suspect it's stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. You will be given a crime reference code that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color as well as 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 application). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it, and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like an enormous dent, or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you file a police report. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. In reality, a vehicle is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of loss annually.
It is best to lock your car at all times and never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to open your windows all the way, and avoid leaving the car running unattended. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance may cover the things that you have in your car If they were insured under those policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is not likely to cover them.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts closely if you have any personal documents in your car, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. It is important to notify your bank immediately.
Get an extra key
Not long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to place it somewhere website accessible and safe when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer in your home or put it in a container near the door. You can also give an extra to a neighbor or a friend who you consider trustworthy.
Call your dealership and ask whether they can help you. They'll likely be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your car. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things such as keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically included in all insurance policies, but it's best to check your specific policy for more details.
Another thing to do in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
To avoid having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to park in well-lit and secure areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very quick and easy. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will require you to provide information regarding your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, such as the GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are left in the car. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be protected. This is the reason that you should have comprehensive coverage on your car.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle you have stolen that 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.
After the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time the insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual cash value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the funds to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. If you're not sure whether you should make a claim, speak with your insurance agent and ask their advice.