What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if you forget your keys in your car. It's important to take action immediately.
The longer you delay, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car and realise you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and it can also be extremely annoying. It's important to be calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked every place in your pockets bags, purses and any other places you could have placed them. Also, go back through your 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 of there.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police as soon as you can will assist them in finding them and may stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. This way, they will be able to help you obtain a new set of keys.
You should always check your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been taken with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle, so you should check with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is being leased. They will likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will help them avoid being liable for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by preventing theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your car and know it's been stolen the first thing to do is contact the police. They will give you the crime reference number that is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number, as well as the VIN that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your phone). If you have additional details about the location and time you last saw it like distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons, or distinct scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
If you've completed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from excessive liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts when keys are left in the car are on the increase. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss each year of over $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your vehicle and never leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close the windows all the way and avoid leaving your car running while unattended, especially with keys in it.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents, such as 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 problem in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is safe and easy to access when you are at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a key box close to the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbour or a friend you trust.
If you have a spare key, the next step is to contact your dealer to see whether they are able to assist. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. This should be a simple procedure, however it is contingent on the particular model and year of your vehicle.
You might also want to speak with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen vehicles with keys in them. This type of cover is typically covered in the majority of insurance policies, but it's best to check your specific policy for more information.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you must also file a police get more info report. This is especially crucial in the event that your car is loaned or leased, as the lender needs to know about the incident. Insurance claims can help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a few seconds. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you have completed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies offer online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this time sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. They will require you to provide information regarding your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle as well as the color and license plate number and the location and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also ask whether the car has extra features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are not left in the car. If, however, you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. This is the reason that you should always have comprehensive coverage for your car.
Typically, your car insurance will pay for the cash value of the vehicle you have stolen, which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be required to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is approved and the claim is approved, you will be granted an amount of time to wait that will differ by insurer. During this time the insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are fortunate the car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not then you will be compensated for the cash value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car should you choose to. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will raise your rates. Talk to your agent if you're not sure whether or not you should file claims.