Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is damaged and the keys are still inside, you will have to submit an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the type of policy and the amount.
You should take precautions to stop your car from being taken. Here are some helpful tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's a good idea to take every precaution to safeguard it. Preventive measures can lower the chance of theft and increase your chances of get your car back when it's stolen with the keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft device that comes with the GPS tracking device. These systems make use of GPS and wireless technology to allow you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is moved. They also have the capability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which can aid in locating it.
Even if you're only planning to be gone for a few moments, locking the doors and rolling up the windows is an additional security measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in their ignitions or in another location. Unlocked vehicles can be opened by a skilled thief even in the case that the window is just moved by just an inch or two inches.
Parking in secure parking garages and parking lots is a great strategy to deter thieves, since these facilities are often monitored and have security staff. It is also recommended to avoid areas that are the dark and unlit areas because they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can deter thieves in addition to installing an anti theft system by putting up visible theft deterrents like a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These devices will make potential thieves think twice about entering your vehicle, as they'll require removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, keep them as hidden as possible. Keep electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational equipment away from view, or put them in the trunk. It is also important to record the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. You can then provide this information to the police and your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen and theft of vehicles costs Americans around $8 billion annually. In many instances, vehicles are stolen with keys inside, and this is an issue that is getting more serious. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you go into the store for a brief period of time. You can prevent this by removing valuables from your car and locking them away.
Notifying the police immediately after your vehicle has been stolen is also important. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers the best chance of catching the perpetrator and restitution for your vehicle. Also, it can help ensure that your vehicle is registered into the state and national databases for auto theft and will help prevent any future ownership issues or title issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely pay for the loss. If you don't have this coverage you might want to looking into switching to a different insurance company.
It's important to move quickly in submitting a claim for stolen vehicles, with the keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long the insurance company may decline your claim. They might also ask the reason you put keys to your car in it. They believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware that documents such as your registration or insurance card could lead to identity theft. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their vehicles, which can lead to fraudulent transactions. In this situation you should notify your financial institutions. Also, you should monitor your accounts with care. If your car is recovered you must also inform the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and bring charges against the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people leave their car running while they hurry out of the house for a quick trip to the supermarket or the gas station. This can cause your car to be stolen. This is the reason you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not using 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 notify your insurance company as soon as you can. You could be asked to provide specifics about the incident, including the location of the vehicle and the time it was stolen. This will help the police find your car and, if they find it, recover it.
You can submit a claim online with some insurance companies, however it is recommended to speak with an agent. You can provide more details about the incident, and the back-andforth can delay your claim. Your agent may also request a copy of the police report along with an inventory of all the valuables in your car. This will assist the police with their investigation and assist them to determine if you are covered by your comprehensive insurance.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company that you own a loaned or lease vehicle. This will stop them from attempting to seize your car or claim it as stolen. If your vehicle is reclaimed and is damaged the comprehensive portion of your policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If your car isn't returned and you choose to make an insurance claim, it could take up to 30 days before you receive a settlement. If you don't have another car to use in the meantime, make sure to check your policy to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage that could help you pay for a rental vehicle while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
When a car is stolen with keys inside, the first thing to do is verify that your vehicle really was stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department will help you do this.
If you do you must give them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is typically located in the door to the driver's side or near the windshield. The seven digits that make up the VIN are also stamped onto the mirrors and headlights to make it more difficult for anyone who attempts to alter the vehicle's identity.
Unique features - If there's anything that makes your vehicle look different than others similar to it This can be useful. It can be useful to document any personal items that were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
Your Insurance Coverage: If you have Comprehensive coverage or Specific Perils It is likely to cover theft of the vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be true.
Many people make the error of leaving their cars running with the ignition on while they run errands or getting ready for work in the morning. This is an ideal situation for disaster since it only takes a shrewd criminal only a few seconds to jump into your car and drive off.
Saturday is the most frequent day to get more info steal a car with keys in the ignition, followed by Friday and Monday. With Colorado being 1st in the country for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a tempting potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is generally cheaper to buy a new set of keys rather than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be repaired at your local car dealership for just a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will save you the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.