How To Tell The Right Car Got Stolen With Keys In It For You
How To Tell The Right Car Got Stolen With Keys In It For You
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance 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 more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be really frustrating. This is why it's important to be calm and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere in your pockets, bags and any other places where you may have put them. Also, go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police immediately will assist them in finding them and may hinder anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They will then assist you to find a replacement.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your car. Most policies cover a stolen car with keys inside, but the terms and conditions differ. Some companies don't cover personal items in the car. Check with your renters or home insurance insurer.
If the car you are leasing or financed, you should contact the leasing or financing company as well. They may need to report the theft to the police, too. This will prevent them from being held responsible for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These devices can include a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These gadgets will typically cost a bit more to install however they could save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but know it has been taken. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, including model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you can access on your phone or an application). If you have additional information about where and when you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents, custom-designed add-ons, or distinct marks and scratches, please give that information too.
If you've made a police complaint, it's crucial to inform your insurer as soon as you can. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from excessive liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. In reality, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in losses annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and never leave valuables out in the open. You should also roll up your windows to the maximum and avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance may cover the things you had in your vehicle, if they were insured under those policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for a relatively inexpensive price. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on a stolen vehicle without going to the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have an additional key, you must put it in a place that is secure and easily accessible when you are at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a key box by the door. Or, you could give a spare key to a neighbor or friend whom you trust.
Call your dealership and ask if they can assist you. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your car. This is a simple process, but it depends on the particular model and year of vehicle.
You might also want to contact your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers things like stolen more info vehicles with keys in them. This type of cover is typically included in all auto policies, but it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more details.
Another option to take if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. This is especially crucial in the event that your car is loaned or leased, as the lender will need to know about the incident. You may even be able to get a new set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones via the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
If you have made a police complaint, you should contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online services that make it easy and quick to complete the procedure. Try to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this time sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. They will request information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other relevant information. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like a GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car will not be paid for. This is the reason that you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy for your car.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle you have stolen that is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle so keep one on file or search for one online.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given an amount of time to wait that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurer will search for the vehicle. If it's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the funds to buy a new car if you plan to. Remember, however that any claims you make to your insurance policy could raise your rates. If you're unsure if you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and ask their advice.