Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car has been broken into with the keys still inside, you'll be required to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the limit and type of policy.
However, you should take preventive measures to avoid getting your car stolen in the first place. Here are some suggestions:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. It is essential to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft device that includes GPS tracking is one of the best methods to ensure the safety of your vehicle. These systems integrate GPS and wireless technology to enable you to keep an eye on your car. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They can also locate the vehicle that is damaged or missing and assist in locating it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a few moments closing the doors and rolling up the windows is another preventive measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year because owners leave their vehicles unlocked and keys in the ignition. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled thief even in the case that the window is just rolled one inch or two inches.
Parking in secure parking garages and parking spaces is a great way to deter thieves, since these facilities are often monitored and have security personnel. You should also avoid secluded and poorly lit areas as they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can discourage thieves by installing an anti theft system with visible theft deterrents such as an alarm lock on the steering wheel or stickers. These devices will make a potential thief reconsider breaking into your car and will have to take off or bypass the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to put them in the most secure place possible. Keep things like electronic cords chargers for phones and navigational equipment away from sight, or put them in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. You can provide this information to the police and your insurance company in the event that they ever find them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft is a major expense, costing Americans $8 billion each year. This problem is getting worse. In many cases, keys are left inside vehicles when they are stolen. This could happen if you leave your car on to warm up, or even if you visit the store for a short period of time. However, there are some ways to prevent this from occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or locking them out of sight.
It's also important to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. This will give the police a better chance to catch the criminal and return your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into the state and national auto theft databases that can help avoid future title issues or ownership problems.
You should also contact your insurance company. They'll be able to inform you if your policy covers the theft of a car with keys in the ignition. In most cases the insurance company will compensate you for your losses when you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this coverage check here it might be worth thinking about switching to a different insurer.
If you are filing a claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, you need to act quickly. If you put off action for too long, the insurance company may deny your claim or question the reason you left the keys in the car. They believe you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
You should be aware of the risk of identity theft if you have documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their car which could lead to fraudulent activity. If this is the case, you should inform your financial institutions and monitor all of your accounts closely. If your car is recovered, you should also notify the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and pursue the perpetrator.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people leave their car running as they rush out to go to the grocery store or gas station. This can result in your car being stolen. You should never leave your car unattended when not driving. The best way to prevent this from happening is to lock your car doors when you're not using it.
You'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible if you leave your car without keys and leave it unattended. They may request you to provide information about the incident, such as where the car was left and the time of the theft. It's important that you provide this information so that police can locate your vehicle and hopefully find it.
You can make claims online through certain insurance companies, however it is recommended to speak with an agent. This will allow you to provide more detailed information about the incident and cut down on the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent might ask for a copy the police report and an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police in their investigation and help determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance firm if you own a loaned or leased vehicle. This will stop them from trying to seize or claim your car. If your car is found with significant damage the comprehensive portion of your insurance policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If you decide to file a claim on your car, and it's not returned the settlement can take up to thirty days. If you don't have another car to use in the meantime, make sure to check your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage which can help you pay for a rental vehicle while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance and the MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has studied the insurance market for more than five years and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your vehicle has been taken with the keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. Calling the non-emergency number of the police department in your area can aid you in this.
You will need to give them the following information if you do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is typically located in the driver's door or in the vicinity of the windshield. The seven digits that make up the VIN are also stamped onto the mirrors and headlights to make it more difficult for anyone trying to alter the vehicle's identity.
It is helpful to note any distinctive features of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were in the vehicle at the time it was taken can 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 or not you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make this mistake when they are running for errands or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, since it only takes a criminal a few moments to jump in the car and drive off.
Saturday is the most popular day to steal a vehicle with keys in the ignition followed by Friday and Monday. With Colorado being the top state in the country for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing can be an inviting potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is generally cheaper to purchase a new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that is easily repaired at your local car dealership for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible, and it will spare you the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.