What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is crucial to act quickly.
The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you head out to your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and it can also be very annoying. It is essential to remain calm and logical. First, make sure you've checked everywhere in your pockets, bags, and any other places you could have placed them. It is also advisable to revisit your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to contact the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find them and may stop someone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the car theft. 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 a vehicle that has been stolen with keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leasing. They should also report the crime to the police. This will protect them from being held accountable for the vehicle if it's stolen, and it may also assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. This could include the locking of your steering wheel, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to install but will 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.
Call the police
Contact the police if 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 will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will have to provide a complete description of your car, including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app for your smartphone). If you have any other information about where and when you last saw it, like distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. In fact, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of loss annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure your vehicle and never put valuables in plain view. Also, you should close the windows all the way and avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys inside.
If you have renters or home' insurance, it may protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If, however, you had electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Get an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could bring them to your local key maker and have them duplicated for an affordable cost. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the automaker or dealer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing to do is to keep it in a place that is safe and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a key box close to the door. Or, you might give the check here spare key to a friend or neighbor who you trust.
If you have an extra key the next step is to call your dealer to see whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to disable the stolen key fob, so that it won't be able to start your car. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys in them. This type of insurance is typically included in all automobile policies, however it is recommended to look over the specific policy for more information.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you should also file a police report. It is essential to notify the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. You may be able to receive a new set of keys or replacements for lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a moment. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider right away after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contact your agent directly instead of through the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You will be asked to provide information about your car including the year color, model license plate number, the make and model. They might also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. However, if you only have liability insurance, the car will not be paid for. This is why you should always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will pay for the cash value of your vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You will likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your files or search on the internet for.
Once the claim is processed after which you will be provided with an opportunity to wait for a period of time, which will vary by insurer. During this time, your insurer will search for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your car back in the time period. If it's not the case, you will be refunded for the cash value of the car you lost (minus your deductible). If you're thinking of buying a new car, you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims filed on your policy could increase your rates. If you aren't sure if you should make a claim, speak to your insurance agent and ask their advice.