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 comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if forget your keys in your car. It's important to take action quickly.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to enter your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. This is why it's essential to remain calm and think rationally. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. You should also take a walk back through the day and see if you've set them down somewhere or reached into your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to contact the police. Reporting the loss of car keys to the police as soon as you can will assist them in finding them and may prevent someone from using the vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. This way, they can assist you get new keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your landlord or home insurance company.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if your car is leasing. They should also inform the police. This will shield 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 back.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also deter thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in areas that are risky.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been stolen. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, including the model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you can access on your phone or an application). Provide any additional details you may have about the vehicle, including when you last saw it and the date, as well as any distinctive features, such a large dent or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will accelerate the process and you may be protected from liability that is too high. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the rise. In reality, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts read more for more than $8 billion of losses each year.
It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times and to not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close your windows all the way and be sure to not leave the car running in the dark. This is especially important when you have keys in the car.
If you have home or renters' insurance, it may cover the items in your vehicle if they're covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your car, they likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents like receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank immediately.
Get a spare 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 cars today have advanced security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or manufacturer for help.
If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it in a location that is safe and easy to reach when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer in your home or in a box close to the door. You could also give a spare key to a neighbor or friend whom you are confident in.
Call your dealership and ask if they can assist 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. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the specific model and year of vehicle.
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 cover is typically included in all auto policies, but it is recommended to look over your specific policy for more details.
Another thing to do should your car be stolen with keys inside is to submit a claim to the police. This is particularly important if your car is financed or leased as the lender needs to know about the incident. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you're just stepping out for just a few seconds, you should secure your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of contacting an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. You'll be asked to provide information about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color, license plate number and the make and model. They might also request other relevant information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the car has additional features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are not left in the vehicle. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. This is why it is important to always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will pay for the cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to submit an independent assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or locate one online.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are fortunate, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual cash value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the money to purchase a new vehicle in the event that you decide to. Keep in mind, though, that any claims made on your policy could increase your premiums. Talk to your agent if you're unsure whether or not you should file claims.