Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is taken with keys inside, you'll have to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the amount and type of policy.
However, you should take precautions to prevent having your vehicle stolen in the first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures to take
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. It's important to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Prevention can decrease the risk of theft and increase your chances to return your vehicle when it's stolen with keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft system that incorporates GPS tracking is among the best ways to ensure your vehicle's safety. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technologies to allow you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services whenever the vehicle moves. They can also track vehicles that are damaged or missing and assist in locating it.
Even if you're only going to be gone for a short time closing the doors and opening the windows is another preventive measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their vehicles unlocked with their keys in the ignition or somewhere else. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled thief, even if the window is only turned one inch or two.
Parking in secured parking garages and parking spaces is a great way to deter thieves since these areas are usually monitored and have security staff. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and that have poor lighting, as they are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system it is also possible to deter thieves with visible deterrents to theft, like a steering lock or alarm decals. These will make a would-be burglar think twice before entering your vehicle because they'll have face the additional hassle of removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, put them in the most secure place possible. Keep items such as electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from view, or put them in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive gadgets or equipment in case it is stolen. You can then provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company if they are ever recovered.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion each year. This problem is getting worse. In many cases keys are thrown away in cars when they are stolen. It could happen if you leave your car running to warm up or even if you're heading into the shop for a few minutes. You can avoid this by getting your valuables out of the vehicle and locking them.
It's also essential to notify the police as soon as your vehicle is stolen. This will provide law enforcement officers with an increased chance of locating the perpetrator and restitution for your vehicle. It will also help to ensure that your car is entered into the auto-theft databases of the state and national databases, which could prevent any future title or ownership issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles that have keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely pay for the loss. If you do not have this coverage switching to a different insurance company could be worth it.
If you are filing an insurance claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, it is important to act swiftly. If you delay too long the insurance company could refuse to pay or ask your motives for having left the keys in your car. This is due to the fact that they believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should also be aware of the potential for identity theft if you have documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their vehicles, which can lead to fraudulent activity. If this is the case, inform your financial institutions and keep track of all of your accounts closely. If your car is found you must also inform the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and pursue the culprit.
Notifying your insurance company
A lot of people tend to leave their vehicle running when they're rushing out of the door to get to the grocery store or get gas. This can result in your car being stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car in a parking lot when you're not driving it. The best way to prevent this from happening is to lock your car doors whenever you're not in it.
If you do leave your vehicle unattended with the keys inside, you'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. They might ask you to provide specific details regarding the incident, including the location where the vehicle was abandoned and the date of the theft. This will assist the police find your car and possibly recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems where you can file an insurance claim, however it is recommended to call and speak with an agent. This will allow you to provide more specific details about the incident and cut down on the amount of back-andforth that can delay your claim. Your agent may ask for a copy the police report, as well as the list of valuables that are in your vehicle. This will help the police in their investigation and assist them to determine if you are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or finance firm if you own a finance or leasing vehicle. This will stop them from attempting to seize your car or claim it. If your car is found and has significant damage the comprehensive section of your policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If you decide to file a claim on your car, and it's not returned the settlement can take up to 30 days. Check your policy to see whether you have a rental reimbursement policy to pay for a rental car while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurer is an expert in the field. He has studied the insurance market for over five years and is often quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
When a car is stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you have to ensure is that the vehicle was stolen. Calling the non-emergency number of your local police department can aid you in this.
If you do this you must provide them with the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The VIN is the number that identifies the vehicle. This is usually found in the driver's side door or near the windshield. The last seven digits of the VIN are also engraved onto the mirrors and headlights to make it harder for anyone who attempts to alter the vehicle's identity.
Particular features - If there's something that makes your car look different than others similar to it This can be useful. A description of any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time it was stolen could be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage - If you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, it will likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. If, however, you have Liability only insurance, then this may not be the case.
Many people make this mistake while running for errands or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe of catastrophe, as it only takes a criminal only a few seconds to get into your car and drive off.
The most frequent day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being 1st in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing could be a prime potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to submit an insurance claim in the event that the original key was stolen. This is especially true if you own an electronic key fob, or smart key, which can be read more replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you'll avoid having to deal with the insurance company in the future.