If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive your car will be covered even if keys are not in the vehicle. However the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine whether you were negligent in causing the theft.
It is best to file a claim immediately when you realize that your car has been stolen. If you delay, it could result in your insurance claim getting rejected or subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
It is important to be at peace and avoid making a mistake which will only cause the situation to get worse. The first thing you need to do is contact the police. After that give them as much information as you can about the vehicle, including the model, make and license plate number. Also, inform them if there were any valuables in your vehicle, like laptops, work ID badge or other personal belongings.
The police will give you the best information regarding your stolen vehicle and the steps they plan to take in the future. They may be able locate your vehicle and catch the thieves.
Many people fail to shut their windows or lock their car, especially when they are in a rush or have children with. Although it might appear like a foolish error to make, it is very easy to make and often has tragic consequences. In these situations thieves can simply climb into the driver's seat and drive off as if it were their own car. If no one is aware that it's not owned by the owner, thieves can travel for a long period of time before being stopped by police.
A common error is to leave an ignition key on your person. This is a risk because it makes it much easier to start the vehicle and then run off with. It is commonplace for people to do this when they enter to get something or leave their vehicle running for a few minutes while they go in a shop. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or running into a gas station to pay for fuel.
It is crucial to keep in mind these mistakes and take proactive measures to avoid them from happening again. There are a myriad of ways to prevent this including installing an alarm system to simply parking in areas that are well-lit. Additionally, some automobile manufacturers offer security features that discourage thieves or stop them from beginning the car. These options include anything from a sounded alarm to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that monitor the vehicle.
2. Call the police
As the owner of your vehicle, it's your duty to report any theft or attempted theft. Your police department will be capable of giving you information on what steps you should do next. They may also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, like installing the wheel lock. They can also provide you with an identification number for the crime, which can assist you in reaching out to your insurance.
In reporting a vehicle that's stolen, it's important to be as detailed as possible. Make sure that all the information you provide to the police and your insurance company are the same. This increases the chances of your car being returned or recovered.
You must be ready to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number and the year, model and model of your vehicle, as well any other distinctive features. If your vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracking device, or other anti-theft device, make sure to include that information as well.
Another important piece of information is any personal items which were in the vehicle at the time of theft. It could be a wallet, purse or any other item that could contain personal information. This is why it's a good idea to alert credit card companies, banks and any other organizations that could be involved in the instance of a stolen item being found in your vehicle.
You should also contact your homeowners or renters insurer if any of your personal possessions were taken. This is because this type of property is usually covered under the personal property section of these policies. However, auto insurance covers only damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent a car theft, you can reduce the risk of this happening by removing any valuables from your vehicle by locking your doors, and opening your windows at all times. Also, keep a spare key somewhere else than inside your car. Also, review your insurance coverage annually to ensure that you are covered.
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance provider will cover the loss of your car without deductibles, minus any applicable. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts, so be sure to have comprehensive coverage before lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Do not attempt to search for your vehicle on your own
You have a duty as an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. This is why it's crucial to keep your vehicle secured even when you're not in the car. It's important to lock your car every time you leave and to roll the windows fully up. It's also a good idea to keep spare keys in your car or anywhere other place where criminals could get them.
One of the most frequent reasons for car thefts is the fact that people leave a spare key near or in the vehicle. This is a simple error that can have serious implications, especially in today's world.
Modern thieves are moving beyond the hotwiring techniques that you've seen in action movies and are employing more sophisticated tactics to steal cars. This is a type of attack known as a relay attack, which is when two thieves employ an electronic device to capture the signal from the owner's key fob and then unlock the vehicle and drive it away.
The good news is that police are beginning to use more efficient technology to track down thieves who attempt to steal vehicles with their keys inside. For instance, some companies are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your car that will report its location to the police. This could help reduce the amount of thefts and increase the chances of being recovered.
In addition to a device for tracking, you may want to consider installing an immobilizer on your vehicle to stop it from being started. This will make it more difficult for criminals to steal your car, and you can determine whether a burglar has attempted to start it by calling the police and providing your name.
If you do decide to locate your stolen vehicle it is not advisable to search it by yourself. This can lead to more damage and possibly the theft of personal items from your vehicle. Instead, you should call your insurance company as quickly as possible and inform them that your car was taken with keys inside. You should also inform them of any personal possessions that were in the car at the time of theft, including mail, a purse or wallet that contained your credit cards or cash, an office badge or other identification documents, and any medications or other medical supplies that were inside the vehicle.
4. Call more info Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy (which typically covers a broad range of incidents such as theft) it is essential to call your insurer and make a claim as quickly as possible. This will allow them to begin the investigation and ensure you are covered in the event that your vehicle is damaged or destroyed.
You will want to give your insurance company all the information you can remember about your car including: the year the model, make and year and the license plate number and the VIN (vehicle identification number) and the location you last saw it. It is also helpful to include details about the manner in which the theft occurred and what time of the day it was, and whether there was any rain or snow. If you are unsure of any of these details it is possible to ask the police to check their records for the information you need.
In some instances, it might be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will stop a thief from using your vehicle to violate the law or damage another property.
You will require the police report to be available when you call your insurer so they can begin the investigation. You should also be ready to provide any additional information that your insurance agent might require.
You may be able to claim any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle by your renters' or homeowners insurance, based on the location you live in. Also, you should inform your leasing or finance company that the vehicle was reported stolen.
Even though this is a very stressful situation to be in, it's essential to remain calm and take action quickly. These tips will help you do this, and hopefully will result in your car returning in a safe and secure manner to you. If you do have to make a claim for a stolen car with keys in it the best thing you can do is to work with an independent insurance agent who can guide you through the process and help you find discounts to make the experience as smooth as possible.