What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It's important to take action promptly.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it can also be really difficult. It's essential to be calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have put them. Also, look back and reflect on your day. Maybe you dropped 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. Reporting the loss of keys to the police immediately will assist in locating the keys and stop anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company of the car theft is also important. This way, they can help you get a new set of keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that has been stolen with the keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance' insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leasing. They should also report the incident to the police. This will prevent them from being liable for the car if it's stolen and could assist in speeding up the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also deter thieves. They could include a steering wheel lock and car alarms, or 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 important to keep your vehicle in good condition and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
If you can't find your car and you suspect it's stolen the first thing to do is contact the police. You will be given the crime reference number which will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.
You will be required to provide a thorough description of your vehicle, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your smartphone). Provide any additional details you may have about 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 is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will speed up the process, and you may be protected from a high risk of liability. This is because, should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss each year of more than $8 billion.
It is best to lock your car at all times and to never display valuables. It is also recommended to read more close the windows completely and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys in it.
If you have home or renters' insurance, it may cover the items inside your car if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts carefully If you have personal documents in your car such as pay receipts and stubs. These might be used for identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as soon as you can.
Find a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost by your local key maker. Now, however, many automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without having to go to the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a spot that is safe and easily accessible when you are at home. It could be kept in a drawer within your home or in a box close to the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbor or a friend who you trust.
Once you have an extra key, the next step is to call your dealer to see if they can help. They'll likely be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. This is a straightforward procedure, however it is contingent on the specific model and year of your vehicle.
You might also want to contact your insurance company to inquire about comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys in them. This type of cover is usually included in most automobile policies, however it's best to check your specific policy for more details.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own a financed or leased car. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a moment. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after filing the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process simple and quick. Try to contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, color, model, license plate number and the model and make. They might also request other relevant details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle has any special features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the vehicle will be covered regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability coverage the car won't be covered. This is the reason why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked for an independent evaluation of your car, so you should keep one in your files or search online.
After the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurer will search for the vehicle. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, your car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not the case, you will be refunded for the actual value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus the deductible). You can use the funds to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Be aware, however, that any claims made on your policy will raise the cost of your insurance. If you're unsure whether you should make a claim, speak to your insurance agent and get their opinion.