What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act quickly.
The more time passes the more likely that your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and can be extremely annoying. It is essential to remain calm and rational. Check your pockets, bags and other places you may have placed them. It is also advisable to go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but then threw out your keys.
Contact the police if cannot locate them. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police as soon as you can will assist in locating the keys and stop people from using your vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is crucial. They can then help you find a replacement.
Always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. The majority of policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it however the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle therefore you must check with your home or renters insurance company.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company as well. They should also report the incident to the police. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It can also expedite the process to get the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These could include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These devices typically cost a little bit more to install however, they can save you money over the long term by preventing theft of your vehicle. The key is to keep your car in good condition and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but are aware that it was stolen. You will be given the crime reference number which is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will also aid in your insurance claim later on.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including the model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). If you have other information about where and when you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please include that information as well.
After you've completed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from excessive liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss each year of over $8 billion.
It is best to lock your car at all times and never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to open your windows all the way and make sure you don't leave the car running in the dark. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
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 by those policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Find a spare key
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could take them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for an affordable cost. Nowadays, however, a lot of cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without going to the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an extra key, it is best to put it in a place that is secure and easy to reach when you are at home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or in a box near the door. You could also give an extra to a neighbor or friend that you consider trustworthy.
Contact your dealer and ask if they can assist you. They'll likely be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your car. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the specific model and year of your vehicle.
You may also want to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen cars with keys in them. Most auto policies include this type of insurance however, you should verify the policy for specific details.
Another thing to do in the event that your car was stolen with keys inside is to make a claim with the police. It is essential to notify the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can 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, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a few seconds. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft systems to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online platforms that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays read more and back and forth by contact your agent directly rather than through a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You will be asked to provide details about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color, license plate number and the make and model. They might also ask for other pertinent details such as the time and location of the theft. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that keys were not left in it. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be protected. This is why you should always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. If it's found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the actual value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus the deductible). You can use the money to purchase a new vehicle should you choose to. Keep in mind, though that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise your rates. If you're unsure whether you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and ask their advice.