Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with keys inside, you'll have to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will be based on the amount and the type of policy.
It is important to take preventative measures to protect your vehicle from being taken. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A car is the biggest investment you will make. It is essential to make every effort to protect your vehicle. Preventive measures can help reduce the chance of theft and increase the odds of getting your car back in the event it's stolen with keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system that includes an GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technologies to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring company whenever the car is moved. They also have the ability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which could help in recovering it.
Another method to protect yourself is to lock the doors and roll up the windows of your vehicle while it is parked even if you're only going to be away for a few minutes. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year due to owners leaving their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled burglar even if the window is only moved by one inch or two inches.
Parking in garages and parking lots that are monitored by security guards is a great deterrent for thieves. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and with poor lighting, since these are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft device, you can also discourage thieves by using visible theft deterrents such as a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. These will make a would-be criminal think twice about breaking into your vehicle, since they'll have to endure the hassle of removing or bypassing the security device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, hide them as much as possible. Items like mobile phone chargers or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of view or in the trunk. You should also note the serial number of any expensive accessory or equipment in case it is stolen. You can then give this information to the police as well as your insurance company if they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and car theft costs Americans $8 billion a year. The problem is becoming more severe. In many cases keys are thrown away in vehicles when they are stolen. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm up or even if you just visit the store for a brief period of time. But there are things you can do to stop this from happening, such as removing important items from your vehicle or keeping them hidden from view.
It's also important to notify the police as soon as your vehicle is stolen. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers the best chance of catching the perpetrator and restitution for your vehicle. Also, it will help ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into the state and national auto theft databases that can help avoid future ownership issues or title issues.
You should also call your insurance company. You can ask them if your policy covers thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will most likely reimburse you for the loss. If you do not have this type of coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it may be worth it.
It is crucial to act quickly when claiming a stolen vehicle with the keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long the insurance company could deny your claim or question the reason you left the keys in the car. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware that documents such as your insurance or registration card can be used to commit identity theft. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can lead to fraud. In this case you must notify your financial institutions. You should also keep an eye on your accounts with care. If your car is found, you should also notify the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and pursue the perpetrator.
Notifying your insurance company
A lot of people tend to leave their car running when they're rushing out the door to make a quick run to the store or purchase gas. Unfortunately, this could cause your car to be stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car get more info in a parking lot when you're not driving it. To avoid this, secure your car's doors when not inside.
You'll need to inform your insurance company right away if you leave your car in a parking lot and you don't have keys. You may be asked to provide details regarding the incident, such as the location where the vehicle was left and when it was stolen. This will help the police locate your vehicle and, if they find it, recover it.
You can file a claim online with some car insurance companies, but it is recommended to speak to an agent. This will enable you to provide more precise details about the incident, and reduce the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent may ask for an original copy of the police report, as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police with their investigation and help them determine if you are covered by your comprehensive insurance.
If your vehicle is being financed or leased, you'll want to inform your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from trying to repossess your vehicle or claiming it as stolen. If your vehicle is reclaimed with significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance will cover the cost of fixing it.
If you decide to file a claim against your vehicle and it's not refunded, the settlement can take up to 30 days. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will pay for a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of insurance for property and casualty and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has studied the insurance market for more than five years and is often quoted in national media.
Check the condition of your vehicle
If a vehicle is stolen with keys inside the vehicle, the first thing you need to do is verify that your vehicle really was stolen. You can do this by calling the number of the police department that is non-emergency in your local area.
You will need to give them the following details if you choose to do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually located in the driver's door or close to the windshield. The last seven digits are also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to change the identity of the vehicle.
Unique features - If there's anything that makes your vehicle appear different from other vehicles of the same type, this can be helpful. A description of any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle when it was stolen can also be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specific Perils coverage, this will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you have left your keys in it. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be true.
Many people make the mistake of running their cars with the key in the ignition while they run errands or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe of catastrophe, as it only takes just a few minutes to get in the car and drive away.
The most common day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a prime potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is generally cheaper to pay for a new set of keys rather than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or smart key that is easily replaced at your local auto dealer for just a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible and it will save you the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.