If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered even if keys are still in the car. However, the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine whether you were negligent in causing the theft.
The best thing to do is make a claim as soon as you realize the vehicle has been stolen. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim getting rejected or being subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
It is crucial to remain at peace and be careful not to make a mistake that will only make the situation worse. The first thing you need to do is call the police. As soon as you call the police, give them as much detail about the vehicle as you can including the model, make and license plate number. Also, let them know that there was anything valuable in your vehicle, such as laptops, a work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police can provide you with the most accurate information about the vehicle that was stolen and the steps they are planning to take moving forward. They might even be capable of locating your vehicle on your behalf, or even be able to locate the thieves who took it.
Many people forget to close their windows or lock their cars particularly when they are in a rush or have children with. Although it might appear like a foolish error to make however, it's very easy to make and often results in tragic consequences. In these instances, thieves will just climb into the driver's seat like they were the owner and drive off. If nobody knows it's not their vehicle, thieves can travel for a long time before being stopped by police.
Another common error that is easy to make is leaving keys in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden on your person or property. This is extremely risky because it makes it easier for the vehicle to start and run away with. This is usually the case when people visit a store to pick up something or leave the car running while they're the store. Other mistakes that are common include running the car while it is heating up or running into a gas station to pay for fuel.
It is important to remember these mistakes and take preventative measures in order to prevent them in the future. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, from putting in an alarm system, to parking in well-lit places. Certain automakers also offer security features to discourage thieves and stop them from starting their vehicle. These range from a simple alarm that is audible to more sophisticated devices that use GPS technology to track the vehicle.
2. Contact the police
It is your responsibility as a car owner to report any attempted or real theft. The police department can assist you by giving you details on what to do next. They can also give you suggestions on how to protect your vehicle in the future, like installing a wheellock. They can also provide you with an identification number for the crime, which can assist you in making contact with your insurance company.
When reporting a stolen car, it's important to provide as complete a report as possible. Make sure to provide the same information to your insurance company and the police. This increases the chances of your car being returned or retrieved.
The type of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, year, make and model as well as any other distinctive features. Include any information regarding your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or other anti-theft technology.
Another crucial piece of information is the personal belongings that were in the vehicle at the time of the theft. It could be an item like a purse, wallet or any other item that could contain personal information. It is important to notify the credit card companies, your bank and any other company that may be involved if an item is stolen from your vehicle.
It is also advisable to contact your renters or homeowners insurance if any of your personal property was stolen. This is because these possessions are usually covered under the personal property section in these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers the damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to completely prevent car theft, you can reduce the chance of it occurring by removing all valuables from your vehicle by locking your doors, and opening your windows at all times. You should also keep a spare key somewhere else than in your car and examine your insurance coverage each year to make sure you are protected.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover the loss or damage to your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance doesn't cover car thefts therefore, make sure to have comprehensive coverage before lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Do not attempt to look for your vehicle by yourself
You have a duty as an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. It is essential to ensure that your vehicle is secured even when you are not there. It is essential to lock your car every time you leave and to open the windows up completely. It's also a good idea not to leave your spare keys in your car or anywhere other place where criminals could get the keys.
In reality, one of the main reasons people have their cars stolen with keys inside is because they've left keys in the car or close to the car. This is a common mistake that could have serious consequences, especially in today's world.
Modern thieves have advanced beyond the old hotwiring techniques you'd observe in a action film and are employing more sophisticated methods to rob vehicles. This is a relay attack, where two thieves use electronic devices to capture the signal of the owner's keyfob and then unlock the car, and drive it away.
The good news is that police are starting to use more efficient technology to catch thieves who are trying to steal vehicles with their keys in them. For instance, some businesses are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your car that will report its location to the police. This will reduce the number and likelihood of thefts.
In addition to a device for tracking it is also possible to consider installing an immobilizer inside your car to prevent it from being started. This will make it much more difficult for criminals to steal your car and you can find out the identity of a person who tried to start the car by contacting the police and providing your name.
If you decide to track down the vehicle that was stolen do not attempt to do it on your own. This could cause more damage, and even the theft of personal items from your vehicle. Instead, contact your insurance company and inform them that your car was stolen, with keys inside. You should also inform them of any personal items that were in the car at the time of the theft, including mail or a wallet that contains your cash or credit cards an office badge or other forms of identification, and any medications or other medical supplies that were in the vehicle.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive auto insurance (which includes a variety of situations, including theft) it is important to contact your insurer as soon as possible to make claims. This will allow them to begin the investigation and ensure that you are protected in the event that your vehicle is damaged or destroyed.
You must provide your insurance with as many details regarding your vehicle as you can remember, including the year the make, get more info model, and year and the license plate number, the VIN (vehicle ID number), and where you saw it last. You can also include details regarding the date and time of the theft, as well as the weather conditions, if it snowed or rained. If you aren't sure of any of these details it is possible to request the police to look up their records to find this information for you.
In some instances it might be required to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will prevent the thief using your car to violate the law or damage other property.
You'll need the police report on hand when you call your insurer so they can start the investigation. You should also be ready to provide any additional information that your insurance company may request.
Be sure to report any personal items stolen with your vehicle, since these could be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the location you live in). Also, you should contact your leasing or finance company to let them know the vehicle was reported stolen.
Although this is a very stressful situation to be in, it's crucial to remain calm and act quickly. These tips can help you to do this, and hopefully result in your vehicle getting back safe and sound to you. If you are required to file a claim because your car was taken with keys inside, it is best to contact an independent agent who can assist you in the process. They can also help you find discounts to make this process as simple as it can be.