What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It's important to take action quickly.
The longer you delay, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you go to get your car and realise you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your day, and it's also very difficult. This is why it's important to stay calm and think rationally. Make sure you've checked everything in your pockets bags, bags, and any other places where you may have placed them. It is also advisable to go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Call the police if you can't locate them. Reporting the loss of car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find them, and could prevent anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They can then help you get a new set.
Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that has been taken with the keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Check with your renters or home insurance' insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leased. They will likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will prevent them from being liable for the car in the event of theft, and it may also help speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or a car alarm. These devices typically cost a little more to set up however, they can save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good condition and not leave it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but you know it's been taken. You will be given an identification number that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). Please provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and the date, as well as any distinctive features, such large dents, 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 the process and could even shield you from excessive liability. This is because if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts when keys are left in the car are on the increase. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times and never leave valuables on display. Also, you should roll your windows up to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is especially important when you have keys in the car.
If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts with care if you have any personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck stubs and receipts. They could be used for identity theft and you will be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could take them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for an affordable cost. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key on a stolen vehicle without asking the automaker or dealer to seek assistance.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a place that is safe and easy to reach when you are away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a box near the door. You can also give an extra to a neighbor or a friend who you are confident in.
Call your dealership and ask whether they can help you. They'll likely be able to deactivate the stolen key fob, so that it can't be used to start your car. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the particular model and year of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of insurance is usually included in most auto policies, but it's best to check your policy specifically for more details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen with keys in it is to file a claim with the police. It is important to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
To avoid having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have made a police complaint You should call your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of through a call center. Prepare to answer all questions. They will request information regarding your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle as well as the color and license plate number and where and when it was stolen and any other relevant details. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like a GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will check here be covered - regardless of whether keys were put in the car. If you only have liability coverage the car won't be covered. This is the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will pay for the cash value of your stolen vehicle, which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You could be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your car, so you should keep one in your file or search on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed, you will be given a waiting period that will differ by insurer. During this period your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the actual value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the money to buy a new car if you plan to. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will raise your rates. Speak to your agent if you're not certain whether you should make a claim.