Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is broken into and the keys still inside, you'll need to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the type of policy and the amount.
However, you should take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your vehicle stolen in the first place. Here are some suggestions:
Preventive measures
A car is the biggest investment you'll ever make. It's best to take every precaution to safeguard it. Preventive measures can reduce the chance of theft and increase the chances that you get your car back if it is stolen with the keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft system that incorporates GPS tracking is one of the most effective ways to ensure your vehicle's safety. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring service whenever the vehicle is moved. They also have the ability to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can aid in locating it.
Even if you're only planning to be gone for a short period of time locking the doors and lowering the windows is another preventive measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their vehicles unlocked with keys in the ignition or elsewhere. Unlocked vehicles can be opened by a skilled thief, even in the case that the window is just turned one inch or two.
Parking in secure parking garages and parking lots is a great strategy to deter thieves, since these areas are usually guarded and have security personnel. You should also avoid the dark and unlit areas as they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can stop thieves from entering your home by installing an anti-theft device by putting up visible theft deterrents such as an alarm lock on the steering wheel or stickers. These devices can make potential thieves think twice about breaking into your car in the event that they have to take off or bypass the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to keep them as hidden as possible. Items such as chargers for mobile phones or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of sight or in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive accessory or equipment in the event that it is stolen. If they're ever found, you may provide the information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a vehicle is stolen and car theft costs Americans an estimated $8 billion annually. In a lot of cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and it's a problem that's getting worse. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm up or even if you just go into the store for a brief period of time. You can prevent this by getting your valuables out of the car and locking them away.
It is also crucial to inform the police immediately if your vehicle is stolen. This will give the police a greater chance to locate the culprit and return your vehicle. It can also help ensure that your car is included in the auto-theft databases of the state and national databases, which can prevent future ownership or title issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. They can tell you whether your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will most likely reimburse you for the loss. If you don't have this coverage, it may be worth thinking about changing to a different insurance provider.
It's crucial to act quickly in submitting a claim for stolen vehicles with keys still in the ignition. If you put off action for too long the insurance company could refuse to pay or ask you as to why you left the keys in the car. They will conclude that you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
Be aware that documents like your insurance or registration card can be used to commit identity theft. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their cars, which could lead them to commit fraud. In this situation you must notify your financial institutions. You should also keep an eye on your accounts closely. It is also important to inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle has been recovered so they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people let their vehicle running while they rush out for a quick trip to the grocery store or gas station. This can result in your vehicle being stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car unattended when you're not driving it. To avoid this, lock your car's doors when you are not inside.
If you do leave your vehicle in the garage unattended with keys inside, you'll need to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. You could be asked to provide details regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was left and the time it was stolen. This will help the police locate your vehicle and, if they find it, recover it.
Some car insurers have online systems through which you can submit an insurance claim, however it's best to call and speak with an agent. This will allow you to provide more detailed details about the incident, and cut down on the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent may also request a copy of the police report along with a list of all valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police in their investigation and help them determine if you're covered under your comprehensive insurance.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company if you own a loaned or leasing vehicle. This will prevent them from attempting to take possession of your car or claiming it. If your car is found damaged your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of fixing it.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to make an insurance claim, it could take up to 30 days before you receive an amount. Check your policy to see whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will pay for a rental car while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurance company, is an expert in the field. He has studied the insurance market for over five years and is often quoted in national media.
Inspection of your vehicle
The first thing you should do when you discover that a car has been stolen with the keys inside is to verify that it was indeed stolen. You can do this by calling the number of the police department that is non-emergency in your area.
If you do this you must give them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is typically located in the door to the driver's side or on the windshield. The last seven digits of the VIN are also stamped onto the headlights and mirrors to make it harder for anyone who attempts to alter the vehicle's identity.
It is helpful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were in the vehicle when it was taken can be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or specific Perils, it will likely more info cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this might not be true.
Many people make the error of leaving their vehicles running with the ignition key on while they run errands or getting ready to leave for work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster as it only takes an opportunistic criminal only a few seconds to jump into your car and leave.
The most frequent day for car thefts that have 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 beckon for criminals.
It is generally cheaper to purchase a new set of keys rather than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true in the case of an electronic key fob, or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and it will eliminate the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.