If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
As long as you have adequate coverage the insurance company will cover the vehicle that was stolen even if you left keys inside the car. However, the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine if you were negligent in causing the theft.
The best thing to do is file an insurance claim as soon you are aware that your vehicle has been stolen. Your insurance claim could be denied if you wait.
1. Don't Panic
If your car has been taken with keys inside the most important thing is to remain calm and not make a mistake which will only add to the situation. First, contact the police. Once you do give them the most complete information you can about the vehicle, including the make, model and license plate number. You should also let them know if there were any valuables in your vehicle, like laptops, work ID badge or any other personal items.
The police will provide you with the most precise information regarding your stolen vehicle and what they intend to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle or arrest the thieves.
Many people do not shut their windows or lock their cars especially when they are in a hurry or have children. It may seem silly but it's a simple mistake to do and could have disastrous consequences. In these situations thieves simply get into the drivers seat and drive away as if it was their car. If no one else around them is aware it isn't the owner, they can travel a very long distance before being stopped by a policeman.
Another common error that is easily made is to put keys in the ignition or having a spare key hidden somewhere on your property or person. This is extremely risky because it makes the vehicle easier to start and escape with. This is usually the case when people go into an establishment to buy something or leave the vehicle running while they are in the store. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or running into a gas station to pay for fuel.
In order to avoid these mistakes it is vital to take preventive measures to avoid them in the future. This can be done in a number of ways, ranging from installing an alert system to parking in well-lit areas. Certain automakers also provide security features to deter thieves and stop them from starting their vehicle. These can range from a simple alarm that sounds to the car, or more sophisticated devices that use GPS technology to locate the car.
2. Call the Police
As a car owner, it's your obligation to report any attempted or stolen theft. The police department can assist you by providing advice on what to do next. They may also give you advice on how to safeguard your vehicle in future by installing a wheellock. They will also be able to provide you with a reference number for the crime, which will help you when reaching out to your insurance.
It is essential to provide as much information as possible when reporting a vehicle that has been stolen. Ensure that all of the details provided to police and your insurance company are the same. This increases the chances that your car is returned or recovered.
The type of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, year, make and model and any other distinguishing features. Include any information about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other security features that prevent theft.
Another important piece of information is the personal belongings that were inside the vehicle at the time of theft. It could be your purse, wallet or any other item containing personal information. It is important to inform the credit card companies, your bank, and any other organization that may be involved if an item is stolen from your vehicle.
If your personal property is stolen, you should also contact your homeowners' or renters' insurance. This is because these possessions are usually covered under the personal property section in these policies, whereas auto insurance covers only the damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent car theft, you can minimize the chance of it occurring by removing all valuables from your vehicle, locking your doors and closing your windows at all times. You should also keep a spare key somewhere else than inside your car. Also, check your insurance coverage every year to make sure you are protected.
If you have comprehensive insurance your insurance provider will pay for the loss of your vehicle with the exception of any deductible applicable. Liability insurance will not cover car thefts, so be sure you have comprehensive coverage prior to lending your car to anyone.
3. Don't Search for Your Vehicle All by Yourself
As an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. It is crucial to ensure that your vehicle is secured even when you are not there. It's essential to secure your vehicle each when you leave, and to roll the windows completely up. It's also a good idea not to leave keys that you have in your car or else where criminals could access them.
In fact one of the most frequent reasons that people have their vehicles taken away with keys in it is because they have left keys in the car or near the vehicle. This is a common mistake that can have serious implications particularly in the present day.
Modern thieves have moved beyond the old hotwiring techniques you'd observe in a action film, and are using more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This involves a relay attack in which two thieves employ electronic devices to detect the signal from the owner's keyfob, unlock the car, and take it away.
The good news is that police are now using more efficient technology to catch thieves who attempt to steal cars with their keys inside. For instance, some companies are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your vehicle which will report its location to police. This can help to reduce the number of thefts and increase the chances of being found.
In addition to a device for tracking You may also want to think about installing an immobilizer in your vehicle to stop it from being started. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You can also determine whether someone tried to start your car by calling the police.
If you do decide to search for the vehicle you lost it is not advisable to search it by yourself. This could cause further damage and could lead to the theft of other items inside your vehicle, such as your personal belongings. Instead, contact your insurance company and inform them that your vehicle was stolen, with keys inside. Also, inform them about any personal items inside the car at the moment of theft, such as mail, a wallet or purse that holds credit cards, cash or an office badge or any other type of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive car insurance (which includes a variety of incidents including theft) You should contact your insurer as soon as possible to make an insurance claim. This will enable them to begin the investigation and ensure that you are covered in the event your car is damaged or stolen.
It is important to provide your insurance company with as many details regarding your vehicle as you can remember including the year model, make, and year, the license plate number, the VIN (vehicle ID number) and where you last saw it. It is also beneficial to provide information on the manner in which the theft occurred, what time of day it occurred, and if there was any snow or rain. If you are unsure about any of these details it is possible to ask check here the police to verify the information.
In some instances it is required to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will prevent the thief using your car to violate the law or damage other property.
You'll require the police report to be on hand when you contact your insurer so they can begin the investigation. You will also have to be prepared to provide any additional details that your insurance agent may require.
Make sure to note any personal items stolen with your vehicle, as they could be covered by your renters or homeowners insurance (depending on the area you reside in). It is also important to inform your leasing or finance company that the vehicle has been reported stolen.
It is essential to be calm and quick to act, even though it is an emergency. These tips will help you do this, and hopefully result in your vehicle returning safely and sound to you. If you have to make a claim on a stolen car with keys in it the best thing you can do is consult an independent insurance broker who can guide you through the process and provide you with discounts to make the whole experience as smooth as possible.