Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is taken with keys inside, you'll have to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will be based on the amount and the kind of policy.
You must take steps to prevent your car from being taken. Here are some helpful tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It is advisable to take every precaution to protect it. Preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase the odds of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft device with GPS tracking is one of the most effective ways to ensure your vehicle's safety. These systems use a combination of GPS and wireless technologies to allow you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They are also able to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can be helpful in recovering it.
Even if you're just going to be away for a short time closing the doors and opening the windows is another preventive measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year due to owners leaving their vehicles unlocked and keys in the ignition. A skilled burglar can gain access to an unlocked vehicle through a window that's only rolled up an inch or two.
Parking in secured parking garages and lots is a great way to deter thieves, since these facilities are often monitored and have security personnel. You should also avoid dark and secluded areas because they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can discourage thieves by installing an anti theft system by putting up visible theft deterrents, such as a steering-wheel lock or alarm stickers. These will make a would-be burglar think twice before trying to break into your car as they'll have to endure the burden of removing or avoiding the device.
Keep electronics and valuables hidden as much as you can in your car. Things like mobile phone chargers as well as navigation equipment and electronic cords should be kept out of view or stored in the trunk. It is also a good idea to keep track of the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can then give this information to the police and your insurance company if 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 per year. In a lot of cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and this is an issue that's becoming more prevalent. It could happen when you leave your vehicle running to warm up or even if you're heading into the shop for a few minutes. There are things you can do to avoid this occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or making sure they are locked out of view.
Notifying the police immediately after your vehicle has been stolen is also important. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers an increased chance of locating the culprit and returning your vehicle. Also, it can help ensure that your vehicle is registered into the state and national database of auto theft and will help prevent any future title issues or ownership issues.
Contact your insurance company. They can tell you if your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. In most instances the insurance company will compensate you for your loss if you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this type of coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it could be worth it.
If you are filing an insurance claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, it's important to act swiftly. If you delay too long, the insurance company might reject your claim. They might also ask you on the reason why you left keys to your car in it. This is due to the fact that they believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware of the potential for identity theft if there are documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep receipts or paychecks in their cars, which can lead them to commit fraud. If this is the case, notify your financial institutions and monitor your accounts in detail. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people leave their cars running as they rush out the door for a quick trip to the store or gas station. This can cause your car to be stolen. This is why you must never leave your car in a parking lot when you're not driving it. To prevent this, lock your car's doors when you are not in the car.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle in the garage unattended with keys inside, you'll want to inform your insurance company as soon as you can. They may request you to provide details about the incident, including the location where the car was left and the time of the theft. It's important that you complete this form so that police can locate your car and hopefully recover it.
You can submit claims online through certain car insurance companies, but it is best to speak to an agent. You can provide additional details about the incident, and the back-and-forth could delay your claim. Your agent may ask for an official copy of the police report as well as the list of valuables that are in your vehicle. This will aid the police in their investigation and determine whether your possessions are covered under your comprehensive coverage.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company if you have a financed or leasing vehicle. This will stop them from attempting to seize your car or claiming it as stolen. If your car is found with significant damage the comprehensive portion of your policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If you decide to file a claim on your car and it is not returned the settlement can be up to 30 days. If you don't have another vehicle to use in the meantime, you should check your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage that could pay for a rental car while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurance company is an expert in the field. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is often quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you need to do when a car has been stolen with keys inside is to verify that it was indeed stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department number in your local area.
You'll have to provide them the following information if you do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is usually located click here on the driver's side door or in the vicinity of the windshield. The last seven digits of the VIN are also engraved on the headlights and mirrors to make it harder for anyone who tries to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It can be useful to note any distinctive features of your vehicle. A description of any personal items that were inside the vehicle when it was stolen could be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage - If you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, this will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be true.
Many people make this error when they are running for errands or getting ready to go to work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster as it only takes an opportunistic criminal just a few seconds to get in your vehicle and drive off.
The most popular day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is Saturday followed by Monday and Friday. Colorado is the top state for car thefts. If you leave your car blazing could be a signal to criminals.
It is usually cheaper to buy a new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is true especially when you have an electronic key fob or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you'll avoid having to deal with the insurance company in future.