Is Car Got Stolen With Keys In It As Important As Everyone Says?
Is Car Got Stolen With Keys In It As Important As Everyone Says?
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It's important to take action immediately.
The longer you wait the more likely it is that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's an incredibly stressful moment. It can ruin your day, and can be very annoying. This is why it's essential to remain calm and think rationally. Make sure you've checked everywhere in your pockets, bags, and any other places where you may have put them. You should also revisit your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Contact the police if you cannot locate them. It is essential to inform the police about the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can, as this will help the police find them and could hinder someone from using your vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. In this way, they can assist you get a new set of keys.
It is advisable to check your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your car. Most of the policies cover a stolen car with keys inside however the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the car. Make sure to check with your home insurance or renters' insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leasing. They'll likely be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also expedite the process to get the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by stopping theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good shape and not leave it parked in areas that are risky.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was taken. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is vital in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later on.
You will have to provide a complete description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app on your phone). Provide any additional details you may have about the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as large dents, custom additions, or distinguishing scratches or marks.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you submit a police complaint. This will accelerate the process and you may be protected from a high risk of liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held liable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in an annual loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your vehicle and never read more leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should open the windows completely and avoid leaving your car running when you are not there, especially with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or homeowner's insurance may cover the things you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts with care if you have any personal documents in your car like paycheck stubs and receipts. These might be used for identity theft and you will want to alert your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Find an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could bring them to your local locksmith and have them duplicated at an affordable cost. Nowadays, however, a lot of cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should keep it in a location that is secure and easily accessible when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. You could also give the spare key to a friend or neighbor who you trust.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can help you. The dealership will likely be able to deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will take care of things like keys left in stolen cars. This type of coverage is typically included in all automobile policies, however it is best to review your specific policy for more details.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen with keys in it is to make a claim with the police. This is especially important when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender must be aware of the incident. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a short time. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Examples of this include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very simple and quick. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this time sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year, color, model license plate number, the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If, however, you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. It is for this reason that you must have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the moment of the theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You could be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your file or look it up on the internet for.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given an amount of time to wait that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurance company will be searching for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're fortunate your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it's not, you will be compensated for the actual value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus your deductible). You can use the money to purchase a brand new car in the event that you decide to. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase your rates. If you're not sure whether or not you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and get their opinion.