What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if forget the keys in your car. It is important to act immediately.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to get into your car, and you are unable to locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin your entire day, and it's also really frustrating. It's important to remain calm and rational. First, make sure you've checked everything - in your pocket bags, bags, and any other places where you may have placed them. You should also go back and review your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find the keys and stop someone from using the vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your car. Most policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance' insurance provider.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your car is being leased. They'll likely be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will keep the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also speed up the process to get the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These are more expensive to install, but can save you money by preventing theft. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you can't find your car and know that it's gone missing the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will give you the crime reference number that is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give a detailed description of the vehicle, including model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you can access on your phone or an application). Please provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it, and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, such an enormous dent, or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are on the rise according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in an annual loss of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to lock your vehicle and never put valuables in plain view. It is also recommended to roll up your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys in it.
If you have home or renters' insurance, it may cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also monitor your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an inexpensive price. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the automaker or dealer to get assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a place that is secure and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you could keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a keybox by the door. Or, you could give an extra website key to a friend or neighbor that you are confident in.
If you have an extra 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 deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your car. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. Most auto policies include this type of insurance, but you should check your policy for specific information.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police complaint. This is especially important if your car is financed or leased, as the lender will need to be aware of the incident. You may be able to receive a new set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones via the insurance claim.
Even if you're only taking only a few minutes it is recommended to secure your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to break into it. These include steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. You should also park in areas that are well-lit and secure and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online services which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of through the call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You'll be asked to provide details about your vehicle, such as the year color, model, license plate number and the model and make. They might be looking for additional details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle has any special features, such as a GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage, the car will be covered regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. This is why it is important to always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your files or search on the internet for.
Once the claim has been processed, you may be granted a waiting period. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't the case, you will be refunded for the cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a new vehicle in the event that you decide to. Keep in mind, though that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise your rates. If you aren't sure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance representative and ask their advice.