The Reason Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is More Dangerous Than You Believed
The Reason Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is More Dangerous Than You Believed
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you'll be covered even if forget the keys in your car. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you get to your car only to discover that you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and be a source of frustration. It's important to remain calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. You should also go back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and then knocked your keys out of there.
Call the police if you are unable to find them. It is crucial to inform the police about the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can, as this will assist the police in locating them and could prevent the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. They can then help you find a replacement.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a stolen car with keys in it however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the car therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance company.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leased. They'll likely need to report the theft to the police as well. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It could also expedite the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. They could include the lock on your steering wheel, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to install, but will 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
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect that it's gone missing the first thing you should do is call the police. You will be given a crime reference code that is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app for your phone). If you have other information about where and when you last saw it, like distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed add-ons, or distinct marks and scratches, please give that information too.
It is crucial to notify your insurer as soon you submit a police complaint. This will speed the process and could even protect you from undue liability. This is because, should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise according to NICB data. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses each year.
It is best to lock your car at all times and never leave valuables on display. Also, you should open the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys inside.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or homeowner's insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle If they were insured under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft and you will want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get a spare key
A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could bring them to your local key maker and have them duplicated for a relatively affordable cost. Today, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without having to go to the dealer or automaker to get assistance.
If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it in a location that is safe and easy to access when you are at home. For example, you might keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a keybox close to the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
If you have a spare key The next step is to contact your dealer to see whether they are able to assist. They'll likely be able deactivate the stolen key fob so that it won't be able to start your car. This is a straightforward procedure, however it is contingent on the specific model and year of your vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage however you must check your policy for specific details.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen and keys get more info were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have a financed or leased car. You might even be able to obtain new keys or an alternative to your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a moment. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break into it. This includes steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to park in well-lit and secure areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company right away. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process simple and quick. Try to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You'll be asked to provide information about your vehicle, such as the year, color, model license plate number, color and the model and make. They might also request other relevant details such as the time and location of the theft. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any additional features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are left in the vehicle. If you only have liability insurance, the car is not covered. It is for this reason that you should have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be required to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or find one online.
Once the claim has been processed, you could be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be in a position to get your car back in the time period. If not, you'll be compensated the cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. 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 increase your rates. Talk to your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit an claim.