5 The 5 Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is A Good Thing
5 The 5 Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is A Good Thing
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if you forget the keys in your car. However, it's important to act quickly.
The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to get into your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. It is essential to remain calm and logical. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. Also, take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down somewhere, or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and knocked your keys out.
Contact the police if you are unable to locate them. Reporting the lost car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find them and may prevent anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company of the car theft. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the policies cover a stolen car with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle. Contact your renters or home insurance insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your car is leasing. They'll also want to report the incident to the police. This will shield the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also expedite the process to get the vehicle returned.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These could include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by preventing theft. The key is to keep your car in good condition and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your car but are aware that it was taken. You will receive an identification number that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, including the model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document on your phone or an app). If you have additional details about the location and time you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct marks and scratches, please give that information too.
It's important to notify your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. In fact, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses annually.
It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times and to never display valuables. You should also close your windows to the maximum, and avoid leaving the car running in the dark. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
If you have home or renters insurance, it could protect the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the automaker or dealer to seek assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a place that is safe and easy to reach when you are away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a box by the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbour or friend that you trust.
If 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 can't be used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically covered in the majority of automobile policies, however it is best to review the specific policy for more details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police report. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own a car that is financed or leased. You might even be able to obtain new keys or replacements for lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
Even if you're just stepping out for only a few minutes it is important to lock your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color license plate number, the make and model. They may be looking for additional details such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are left in the car. If you only have liability coverage the car will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your car.
The insurance policy for your car will usually cover the value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value website at the moment of the theft and less any applicable deductible. You will likely be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep one in your files or search online.
After the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. It will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be in a position to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the funds to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Keep in mind, though, that any claims made on your policy could increase your rates. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit an claim.