What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you'll be covered even if forget your keys in your car. It is important to act immediately.
The longer you put off, 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're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's essential to be at peace and remain sane. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have put them. You should also go back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere or went into your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out of there.
Call the police if you are unable to locate them. Reporting the loss of keys to your car to police as soon as you can will help them find the keys and stop people from using your vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company of the car theft is also important. This way, they can help you obtain a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been taken with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the car therefore you must check with your landlord or home insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, you should contact the financing or leasing company as well. They'll likely want to report the theft to the police, too. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also speed up the process to get the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices typically cost a little more to set up, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but know it has been taken. You'll be provided with a crime reference code that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll be required to provide a thorough description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN number that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app on your phone). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it, and when, as well as any distinctive features, such a large dent or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is important to inform your insurance company immediately after you make a police report. This will help speed up the process and might even protect you from undue liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in an annual loss of more than $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. Also, you should roll up the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or homeowner's insurance might cover the items you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under these policies. If, however, you had electronics in your car it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts with care If you have personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find an extra key
In the past, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could have them duplicated at a low cost by your local key maker. Now, however, many automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the automaker or dealer to get assistance.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is safe and easily accessible when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer at home or in a box near the door. You can also offer a spare to a website neighbor or a friend who you trust.
If you have a spare key the next step is to contact your dealership to find out whether they are able to assist. The dealership will probably be able to disable the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. This should be a simple procedure, however it is contingent on your particular year and model of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will take care of things like keys left in stolen cars. This type of cover is typically covered in the majority of auto policies, but it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more information.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you must also file a police claim. This is especially crucial if your car is financed or leased because the lender will need to know about the incident. You might even be able to get a new set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't taken away with keys in it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report You should call your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by calling your agent directly rather than through a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. They will ask you to provide details regarding your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and the location and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also inquire whether the car has additional features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability coverage the car will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should have comprehensive coverage on your car.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. You could be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle, so you should keep a copy in your file or search for it online.
After the claim has been completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you're planning on buying a new car, you can use the money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether or not you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.