What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if forget the keys in your car. It's important to take action immediately.
The longer you put off longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car and cannot locate your keys it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin your entire day, and it can also be really frustrating. This is why it's crucial to remain in a calm state and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked every place in your pockets bags, purses and any other places you could have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It's essential to notify the police of the loss of your car keys as soon as you can to help the police find the keys and hinder someone from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company of the car theft. They will assist you get a new set.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal items in the car, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is being leased. They'll also want to report the crime to the police. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It can also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or a car alarm. These devices will usually cost a little more to install however they could save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and avoid parking it in areas that are prone to danger.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your car and know it's stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will give you a crime reference number which is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will also aid in your insurance claim later on.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color as well as 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). If you have other details about the location and time you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents, custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
If you've made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will help speed up the process and may even protect you from undue liability. This is because should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts when keys are left in the car are increasing. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is robbed 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 car and not put valuables in plain view. It is also recommended to close the windows completely and ensure that you do not leave your car running while unattended particularly with keys inside.
If you have renters or home insurance, it might cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Get a spare key
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost from your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without going to the dealer or automaker to seek assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a place that is secure and easy to reach when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or put it in a container near the door. You can also offer an extra to a neighbor or a friend you trust.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. The dealership will likely be able to deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your car. This should be a simple procedure, however it is contingent on the specific year and model 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 automobile policies, however it is best to review your policy specifically for more details.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen with keys in it is to submit a claim to the police. This is particularly important when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender must know about the incident. You may even be able to receive an additional set of keys or replacements for lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
Even if you're only stepping out for only a few minutes it is important to close the doors of your car to prevent it from being stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. You should also park in areas that are well-lit and secure and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you have filed a police report, you should contact more info your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have online systems that make the process simple and quick. Make sure to contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer any questions. They will request information about your vehicle, including the year, make and model as well as the color and license plate number and the location and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also ask if the vehicle has any special features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, your car is not covered. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft plus any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or locate one 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's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be in a position to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you will be compensated for the cash value of the car you lost (minus your deductible). If you're thinking of buying a new vehicle you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Contact your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit a claim.