The Little-Known Benefits Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
The Little-Known Benefits Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
Blog Article
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. It is important to act immediately.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can make your day miserable and be frustrating. This is why it's essential to stay at peace and remain sane. Make sure you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, bags and any other places where you may have put them. You should also take a walk back through the day and see if you've set them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out.
Contact the police if are unable to locate them. Reporting the loss of keys to your car to police as soon as you can will assist in locating them and may prevent someone from using the vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company about the theft of your car is important. They will then assist you to get a new set.
You should always check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your car. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside however the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your home or renters insurance company.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if the car is leasing. They should also inform the police. This will help them avoid being held responsible for the car should it be stolen and could assist in speeding up the process of getting the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include the lock on your steering wheel, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install, but can save you money by stopping theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and avoid parking it in areas that are prone to danger.
Call the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect that it's gone missing the first thing you should do is call the police. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is crucial in keeping track of the progress of the 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 model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an app). If you have any other information regarding where and when you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents or custom accessories or distinctive scratches or marks, please include that information as well.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company immediately after you file a police report. This will speed up the process, and you may be protected from liability that is too high. This is because, when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should roll up the windows completely and make sure you don't leave your car running when you are not there particularly with keys inside.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items that you have in your car, if they were insured under those policies. If, however, you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. It is important to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could go to a local key maker and get them duplicated for an affordable cost. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key on a stolen vehicle without asking the automaker or dealer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first step is to place it somewhere accessible and safe when you're at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a keybox near the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend who you are confident in.
Once you have an extra key, the next step is to call your dealership to find out if they can help. The dealership will probably be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. This is a simple procedure, but it will depend on the specific year and model of vehicle.
You may also want to inquire with your insurance provider if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen vehicles with keys inside. Most auto policies include this type of protection however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. This is especially important when your vehicle is being financed or leased, as the lender needs to be informed of the incident. Insurance claims can help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.
To prevent having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a short time. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. Some examples include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online services which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Try to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll be more info asked to provide information regarding your vehicle, including the year model, color, license plate number and the make and model. They may be looking for additional information such as the time and location of the theft. 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 left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be paid for. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
The insurance policy for your car will usually cover the value of your vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your car, so you should keep a copy in your file or look it up online.
After the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time the insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be in a position to get your car back in the time period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you're planning on purchasing a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase your rates. If you aren't sure if you should file a claim, talk with your insurance agent and get their opinion.