Everything You Need To Know About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Dos And Don'ts
Everything You Need To Know About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Dos And Don'ts
Blog Article
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. However, it's important to act quickly.
The longer you wait the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. It's essential to remain calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. Also, take a walk back through the day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached into your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out.
If you can't find them, you need to contact the police. Reporting the loss of car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find the keys and hinder anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, but the conditions and terms vary. Some companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle. Make sure to check with your home insurance or renters insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your vehicle is leasing. They'll likely be required to report the theft to the police as well. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It could also speed up the process to get the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a little more to install, but they can save you money over the long term by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
If you can't find your vehicle and suspect it's stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. They will provide you with a crime reference number which is crucial in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including model and make and the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document that you can access on your phone or an application). If you have additional 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 provide that too.
It is important to inform your insurer as soon you file a police report. This will make the process easier, and protect you from liability that is too high. 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 in which keys are left in the car are increasing. In fact, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times and not leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should close the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might protect the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Get a spare key
A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace the key on an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have an additional key, you must put it in a spot that is safe and easy to reach when you are at home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a specific drawer or in a box near the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbor or a friend you trust.
If you have an extra key, the next step is to call your dealership to inquire if they can help. They'll likely be able deactivate the stolen key fob, so that it can't be used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will take care of things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. The majority of auto policies provide this type of insurance however you must check the policy for specific details.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police report. It is essential to notify the lender that you own a car that is financed or leased. Insurance claims can even help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
Even if you are just taking only a few minutes, you should close the doors of your car to prevent it from being stolen in the future. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online platforms 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 any questions. You will be asked to provide information about your vehicle, such as the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They may also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were left in it. However, if you only have liability insurance, your car will not be paid for. This is why it is important to always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the moment of the theft plus any applicable deductible. You will most likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your car and keep it on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been processed, you could be granted a waiting period. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If not then you will be compensated for the cash value of your stolen car (minus the deductible). If you're planning on buying a new car, you can use this cash to purchase it. Keep in mind, though, that any claims made on your policy could increase your rates. If you're unsure if you should submit a claim, talk to your read more insurance representative and get their opinion.