Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is broken into with the keys still inside, you will have to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible depends on the type of insurance and limit.
However, you must take preventive measures to avoid getting your vehicle stolen in first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's important to take every precaution to protect your vehicle. Prevention can decrease the likelihood of theft, and increase your chances of return your vehicle when it's stolen with the keys inside.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device that includes a GPS tracking device. These systems make use of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is moved. They also can locate vehicles that are damaged or missing, which is helpful in recovering it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a short period of time locking the doors and rolling up the windows is another preventive measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen each year because owners leave their vehicles unlocked and keys in the ignition. A skilled thief is able to open an unlocked vehicle through a window that is only rolled up by an inch or two.
Parking in garages and parking lots which are monitored by security personnel is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and that have poor lighting, as they are more likely attract thieves.
You can stop thieves from entering your home by installing an anti-theft device with visible theft deterrents, such as a steering-wheel lock or alarm stickers. These devices will make a potential thief reconsider breaking into your car, as they'll have to take off or bypass the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, keep them as hidden as possible. Keep items such as electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from sight, or put them in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive accessory or equipment in case it is stolen. You can provide this information to the police and your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and car theft costs Americans $8 billion a year. In many instances, vehicles are stolen with keys inside, and it's a problem that's getting worse. This can happen if you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you just go to the store for a brief time. However, there are some ways to stop this from happening, such as taking important items from your vehicle or making sure they are locked out of view.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle is stolen is also important. By doing this, you provide law enforcement officers with the best chance of catching the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle is included in the national and state auto-theft databases, which could help prevent future ownership or title issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. You can ask them if your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely compensate you for the loss. If you click here do not have this coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it may be worth it.
It's crucial to act quickly in submitting a claim for stolen vehicles with keys still in the ignition. If you are waiting too long the insurance company could decline your claim. They might also ask the reason you put keys to your car in it. They will conclude that you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
You should also be aware of the potential for identity theft if you keep documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their vehicles which could lead to fraudulent transactions. In this case, you need to alert your financial institutions. Also, you should monitor your accounts with care. It is also important to inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people leave their cars running while they rush out the door to go to the grocery store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could cause your car to be stolen. This is why you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not driving it. To prevent this, lock your car's doors when you are not inside.
You must notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you leave your car without keys and leave it unattended. They may request you to provide specific details regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was abandoned and the time of the theft. This will help police locate your vehicle and may even recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems through which you can file a claim, but it is recommended to call and speak with an agent. You can provide more details about the incident, and the back-and-forth can delay your claim. Your agent may ask for a copy the police report as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will help the police with their investigation and assist them to determine if you are covered by your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is financed or leased, you'll want to inform your leasing company or finance company of the theft. This will prevent them from attempting to seize your vehicle or claiming it. If your car is recovered and is damaged the comprehensive section of your insurance policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If your car isn't returned, and you decide to file an insurance claim, it could take up 30 days to receive an amount. If you don't have another car to use in the meantime, make sure to check your policy to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage that could provide a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurance company is an expert in the field. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is often quoted in national media.
Inspection of your vehicle
The first thing you should do when you discover that a vehicle has been taken with the keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department's number in your local area.
You will need to give them the following details if you decide to do this:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually found in the driver's door or close to the windshield. The last seven digits are also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it even more difficult for anyone to try to alter the identity of the vehicle.
Any Distinctive features - If there's something that makes your vehicle appear different from other vehicles of the same type This can be useful. A description of any personal items that were inside the vehicle when it was stolen can also be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or Specific Perils It is likely to protect your vehicle from theft regardless of whether you have left your keys inside. However, if you have Liability only insurance, then this might not be the case.
Many people make the error of leaving their vehicles running with the ignition on while they run errands or getting ready to leave for work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster because it only takes a shrewd criminal only a few seconds to jump into your car and drive off.
The most popular day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is on Saturday, followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the country for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a tempting target for opportunistic criminals.
It is generally cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to file an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true when you have an electronic key fob or smart key, which can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible, and you will avoid having to deal with the insurance company in future.