What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if you forget your keys in your car. But, it's crucial to act swiftly.
The longer you put off, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to enter your car and cannot locate your keys it's a frightening moment. It can ruin your entire day, and can be very frustrating. It is essential to remain calm and logical. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere in your pockets bags, bags and other places you might have put them. You should also walk back through your day - perhaps you put them down in a place or reached in your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out.
If you can't find them, it's time to contact the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately will assist in locating them, and could hinder someone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the car theft. In this way, they can help you obtain new keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Some companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Make sure to check with your home insurance or renters insurer.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They will likely be required to report the theft to the police as well. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It could also expedite the process of getting the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include the lock on your steering wheel or car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install, but can save you money by stopping theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in areas that are risky.
Contact the police
Contact the police if are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was stolen. You will be given an identification number that is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an application). If you have any other information about where and when you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents or custom accessories or distinctive scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
After you've filed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will make the process easier, and you may be protected from liability that is too high. If the person who stole your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times and never display valuables. You should also open your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
If you have home or renters' insurance, it may cover the items inside your vehicle if they're covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your car the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts carefully if you have any personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck receipts and stubs. It is essential to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Find an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without contacting the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have an additional key, it is best to put it in a spot that is safe and easy to reach when you are away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a box by the door. You could also give the spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can assist you. The dealership should be able to deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. This type of cover is typically covered in the majority of insurance policies, but it is recommended to look over the specific policy for more details.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. 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 your lost one.
To avoid having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a short time. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to gain access to it. These include steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies have online systems that make the process easy and fast. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this time sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. They will request information about your car, including the year, make and model, the color and its license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also want to know if the vehicle has any special features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive, the car will be covered regardless of the fact that keys were not put in the car. If, however, you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should always have comprehensive coverage on your car.
The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the moment of the theft and less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your file or search on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an amount of time to wait that will differ by insurer. During this time, your insurer will be looking more info for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't the case, you will be refunded for the actual value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus the deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car in the event that you decide to. Remember, however that any claims you make on your policy will raise the cost of your insurance. If you're not sure whether or not you should make a claim, speak with your insurance agent and get their opinion.