Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips From The Best In The Business
Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips From The Best In The Business
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. But, it's crucial to act swiftly.
The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to discover that you're not able to find your keys. It can be a disaster and cause frustration. This is why it's important to be at peace and remain sane. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere in your pockets bags, purses and any other places where you may have placed them. You should also revisit your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Contact the police if you can't locate them. It is crucial to notify the police of the loss of your car keys as soon as possible, as this will assist the police in locating the keys and stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is crucial. They will then assist you to find a replacement.
Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it, but the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, it is best to contact the leasing or financing company as well. They should also report the crime to the police. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These devices can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These gadgets are more expensive to install but can save you money by protecting you from theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good condition and not leave it parked in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
Contact the police if are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was stolen. You will be given the crime reference number which is vital for tracking 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, which includes the make/model and color 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 carry around on your phone, or an application). If you have any other details about the location and time you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please give that information too.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company immediately after you file a police report. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held liable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts when keys are left in the car are increasing. In fact, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of loss annually.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times and never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to close your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave the car running in the dark. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
If you have renters or home insurance, it might cover the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank as soon as you can.
Find a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could bring them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for a relatively cheap cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without going here to the dealer or automaker to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a specific drawer or in a keybox near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbor or friend that you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can help you. They'll likely be able to disable the stolen key fob, so that it isn't able to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the model and year of your car.
You may also want to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys in them. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of protection however, you should verify your policy for specific details.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police complaint. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. You may even be able to obtain an additional set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
To prevent 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 stepping away for a short time. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to break into it. These include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving 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. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Make sure to contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. They will request information about your vehicle, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and the location and when it was stolen and any other pertinent information. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like the GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage, the vehicle will be covered regardless of the fact that keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. This is why it is important to always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft and less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle and keep it on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this time your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are lucky, your car will be found and returned to you within the waiting period. If it's not then you will be compensated for the actual cash value of your stolen car (minus the deductible). If you are planning on buying a new car then you can use this cash to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. If you're unsure if you should make a claim, speak to your insurance agent and ask their advice.