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 your keys in your car. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car and cannot locate your keys it's an incredibly stressful moment. It can be a disaster and be frustrating. This is why it's crucial to remain calm and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked every place - in your pocket, bags, and any other places you might have placed them. It is also advisable to revisit your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Call the police if you are unable to find them. Reporting the lost car keys to the police as soon as you can will assist them in finding them, and could stop anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. This way, they will be able to help you get new keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a vehicle that has been stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items inside the car. Contact your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
If your car is leased or financed, it is best to contact the financing or leasing company, too. They will also want to inform the police. This will help them avoid being held accountable for the vehicle in the event of theft and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by protecting you from theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your car and you suspect it's stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. You'll be provided with a crime reference code that is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document on your phone or an application). If you have any other details about the location and time you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons, or distinct scratches or marks, please provide that too.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company immediately after you make a police report. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from excessive liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held accountable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where 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 of losses annually.
It is advisable to lock your car at all times, and to never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to roll your windows up all the way and make sure you don't leave the car running unattended. This is especially true if you have keys in the car.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it could 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 not likely to cover them.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could have them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without contacting the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a key box near the door. You could also give an extra key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Once you have a spare key, the next step is to contact your dealer to see if they can help. They'll probably be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your car. This is a simple procedure, however it is contingent on the specific model and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage however, you should verify your policy for specific details.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police report. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in the car for a moment. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you have filed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies offer online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contact your agent directly rather than through a call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will require you to provide information regarding read more your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number and where and when it was stolen and any other pertinent information. They will also ask if the vehicle has any extra features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be protected. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle, which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle, 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 the insurer will be looking for the vehicle. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky, your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use this money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. If you're unsure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.