Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It May Be More Dangerous Than You Realized
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It May Be More Dangerous Than You Realized
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if forget the keys in your car. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and can be really difficult. This is why it's important to be in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. Also, take a walk back through the day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and then knocked your keys out.
Contact the police if you can't find them. It is crucial to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car as soon as possible to help the police find them and could hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company about the theft of your car is crucial. They can then help you find a replacement.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a car that has been stolen with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings inside the car and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if the car is leased. They will also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect them from being held accountable for the vehicle if it's stolen and could help speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also deter thieves. This could include the locking of your steering wheel or car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a bit more to install however, they can save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good condition and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was taken. They will give you an identification number for the crime that is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will have to provide a complete description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number, as well as the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your phone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and the date and any distinctive characteristics, such as a large dent or unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
If you've made a police complaint It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held accountable based on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. In fact, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of losses annually.
It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times and never leave valuables on display. Also, you should close your windows all the way, and avoid leaving the car running in the dark. This is especially important when you have keys in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance may cover the things that you have in your car If they were insured by those policies. If you had electronics in your car it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts carefully If you have personal documents in your car like paycheck receipts and stubs. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Find an extra key
In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could take them to your local key maker and get them duplicated at an cheap cost. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to place it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer within your home or in a box near the door. Or, you might give a spare key to a neighbor or friend whom you trust.
Once you have an extra key, the next step is to contact your dealer to see whether they can assist. They'll probably be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it isn't able to start your car. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage, but you should check your policy for specific information.
Another option to take if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims may even help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a short time. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after filing the police report. Most insurance companies offer online platforms that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer any questions. They will require you to provide information regarding your car, such as the year, make and model along with the color and license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also inquire whether the car has extra features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are not left in the vehicle. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be protected. It is for this reason that you must have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the cash value of your vehicle that is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You will most likely be required to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or search for one online.
Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this period your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be reclaimed. If it's found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able website to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it's not then you will be compensated for the cash value of the car you lost (minus your deductible). If you are planning on purchasing a new car then you can use this cash to purchase it. Be aware, however that any claims filed on your policy will raise your rates. Talk to your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit an claim.