What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive for your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you delay longer, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you get to your car and realise you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. It is essential to remain calm and logical. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have put them. You should also go back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone, and then smashed your keys out.
Call the police if you can't find them. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can to assist the police in locating the keys and prevent someone from using your vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They can then help you get a new set.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle, so you should check with your home or renters insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leasing. They may be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to discourage thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a bit more to install however they could save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
If you can't find your car and you suspect that it's gone missing, the first thing to do is call the police. You'll be provided with an identification number that is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you carry around 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 accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please give that information too.
If you've filed a police report, it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will speed up the process, and protect you from a high risk of liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables in plain sight. Also, you should close your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
If you have renters or home' insurance, it may cover the items in your vehicle if they're covered under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal check here documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, and you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could go to a local key maker and get them duplicated for a relatively cheap cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have an additional key, you should keep it in a location that is secure and easy to access when you're at home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a specific drawer or in a box close to the door. Or, you might give the spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire if they can assist you. The dealership will likely be able to deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of coverage is usually included in most automobile policies, however it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more information.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police claim. It is important to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may even be able to receive an additional set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't and the keys inside it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a few seconds. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. 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 information about your vehicle, such as the year model, color license plate number, the make and model. They might also request other relevant details such as the time and location of the theft. They will also inquire whether the car has extra features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are not left in the vehicle. If, however, you only have liability insurance, your car will not be covered. This is the reason that you should have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the date of theft and less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim is completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. It will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the cash value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus the deductible). You can use the money to buy a new car if you plan to. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will raise your rates. Talk to your agent if you're not certain whether or not you should file claims.