What Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Experts Want You To Learn
What Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Experts Want You To Learn
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if forget your keys in your car. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be very annoying. It's important to remain calm and rational. Make sure you've checked everything in your pockets, bags and any other places you could have placed them. You should also look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but knocked out your keys.
Contact the police if you can't locate them. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car as soon as possible in order to assist the police in locating the keys and stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. In this way, they can assist you get new keys.
You should always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings in the vehicle. Contact your home insurance or renters insurer.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leased. They'll also want to report the incident to the police. This will protect them from being liable for the car in the event of theft and can assist in speeding up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock, car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices typically cost a more to install however, they can save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good condition and not park it in areas that are prone to danger.
Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but are aware that it was taken. You will receive a crime reference code that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including 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 or digital document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). Provide any additional details you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it, and when, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as a large dent or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
If you've completed a police report, it's crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held accountable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are on the rise. 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 loss annually.
The best way to prevent this is to lock your car and never leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to open the windows completely and avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys in it.
If you have renters or home' insurance, it may cover the items inside your car if they're covered under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts closely when you have personal documents in your car such as pay receipts and stubs. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as you can.
Find an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on a stolen vehicle without going to the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a keybox close to the door. Or, you might give an extra key to a friend or neighbor who you trust.
Contact your dealership and inquire if they can assist you. They'll likely be able deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of coverage is typically covered in the majority of insurance policies, but it is recommended to look over your policy specifically more info for more details.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you must also file a police complaint. This is particularly important when your vehicle is being financed or leased because the lender must be aware of the incident. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a moment. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your car or on 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 which make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. You'll be asked to provide information about your car including the year model, color, license plate number and the make and model. They might be looking for additional details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like the GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are left in the vehicle. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be protected. This is the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the moment of the theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this period the insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't the case, you will be refunded for the actual cash value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus your deductible). If you're planning on purchasing a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're not sure whether or not you should make a claim, speak to your insurance agent and get their opinion.