What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is important to act immediately.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you go to get your car only to discover that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's essential to stay in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. You should also walk back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere or went in your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out of there.
If you can't find them, you need to contact the police. Reporting the loss of keys to the police immediately will help them find them, and could hinder anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also important to notify your insurance company about the theft of your car. This way, they can assist you get a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that has been stolen with the keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Make sure to check with your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if the car is leasing. They'll likely want to report the theft to the police as well. 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.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also deter thieves. These devices can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These devices will usually cost a more to set up however they could save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but know it has been taken. You will receive an identification number that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, including the model and make and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). Provide any additional details you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as an enormous dent, or custom additions, or distinguishing scratches or marks.
It is crucial to notify your insurer as soon you file a police report. This will speed up the process, and protect you from a high risk of liability. This is because, when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing, according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of loss annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to roll your windows up to the maximum and make sure you don't leave the car running in the dark. This is especially important if you have keys in the car.
If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If, however, you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could take them to your local key maker and get them duplicated at an inexpensive price. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing to do is to put it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer in your home or put it in website a container near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or friend that you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can help you. They'll likely be able disable the stolen key fob so that it can't be used to start your car. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
You may also want to contact 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 insurance, but you should check your policy for specific details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police claim. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may even be able to receive new keys or an alternative to your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a moment. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. You should also park in well-lit and secure areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through the call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide specific information regarding your vehicle, including the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might also ask for other pertinent information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any extra features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the vehicle will be covered regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be covered. It is for this reason that you should always have a full coverage on your car.
The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual value of your vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the moment of the theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked for a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given an amount of time to wait, which will vary by insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. If it is, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are fortunate the vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the actual value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you are planning on buying a new vehicle you can use this money to purchase it. Be aware, however that any claims filed on your policy will raise your rates. Contact your agent if you're not certain whether you should make a claim.