If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have comprehensive insurance your car will be covered even if keys are still in the car. However the insurance company will conduct a fraud investigation to see if you were negligent in causing the theft.
The most efficient way to proceed is to file a claim as soon as you are aware that your vehicle was stolen. Any delay could result in your insurance claim being denied or subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't Panic
It is crucial to remain calm and be careful not to make a mistake that could cause the situation to get worse. The first thing you should do is call the police. Once you do, provide them with the most complete information you can about the vehicle, including the make, model and license plate number. You should also inform them if you have any valuables in the vehicle, such as laptops, a work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police can give you the most accurate information about the vehicle that was stolen, and what they plan to do next. They may even be able to locate your vehicle on your behalf, or they may be able to locate the thieves who stole it.
Many people fail to lock their vehicles or shut the windows, especially if they are in rush or have children around. Although it might seem like a stupid mistake, it is very easy to make and often results in tragic consequences. In these situations thieves can simply climb into the drivers seat and drive away as if it was their car. If nobody knows it's not the owner the thieves could travel for a long time before being arrested by the police.
Another common mistake that is easily made is to leave keys in the ignition or a spare key hidden on your property or in your personal possessions. This is dangerous because it makes it much easier to start the vehicle and get away with. It is commonplace for people to do this when they go in to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a short time while they visit a store. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or rushing to an gas station to pay for fuel.
It is crucial to keep in mind these mistakes and take proactive measures in order to prevent them from happening again. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, ranging from installing an alarm system to parking in well-lit areas. Additionally, some automakers have security features that can deter thieves or prevent them from getting the car started. They can vary from a simple alarm that sounds to the car, or more sophisticated devices that make use of GPS technology to track the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
It is your obligation as a vehicle owner to report any attempted or real theft. Your police department can help you by providing information on what you should do next. They may also give you tips on how you can protect your vehicle in the future such as installing a lock. They can also provide you with a crime reference number that will be helpful when contacting your insurance company.
It is crucial to provide as much information as you can when reporting the theft of a vehicle. Ensure that all of the information you provide to the police and your insurance company is identical. This increases the chances of your car being returned or retrieved.
The kind of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as your license plate number year, year, make and model, as well as any other distinguishing features. If your vehicle has a GPS tracking device, or other anti-theft device, make sure to include that information as well.
A second piece of information that is crucial is the presence of any personal items in the vehicle when the theft took place. This could include the purse, wallet or any other item that could contain personal information. This is why it's a good idea to alert credit card companies, banks and other companies who could be involved in the event of a lost item in your car.
If your personal property is stolen, you should also notify your homeowner's or renters insurance. This is because these items are usually covered under the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
There is no way to avoid an auto burglary, but you can minimize the risk by getting rid of valuables from your vehicle by locking the doors and rolling up windows at all times. Also, keep an extra key in a different location than inside your vehicle and review your insurance coverage annually to make sure you are protected.
If you have comprehensive insurance your insurance provider will pay for the loss of your car without deductibles, minus any applicable. Liability insurance doesn't cover car thefts. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance prior to lending your car.
3. Do not attempt to search for your vehicle alone
As a car owner you have a duty to ensure the security of your property. This is why it's essential to keep your vehicle secured even when you're away. It is essential to secure your vehicle each when you leave, and to open the windows up completely. Additionally, it's always recommended to not leave your spare keys in the car, or in any other location where it could be easily accessible to criminals.
In reality one of the main reasons that people have their vehicles stolen with keys in it is because they've left keys in the car or near the car. This is a simple error that can cause serious harm particularly in this day and age.
Modern thieves have shifted beyond the traditional hotwiring methods you'd encounter in action films, and are using more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This involves a relay attack in which two thieves employ electronic devices to detect the signal from the owner's keyfob, then unlock the car, and drive it off.
The good news is that police are now beginning to get more effective technology to identify thieves who attempt to steal cars with keys in them. Some companies offer to put an electronic device to track your vehicle that will send the location of your car to the police. This will help to decrease the number of thefts, and increase the likelihood of being recovered.
You may also want to install an immobilizer in order to prevent your car from being started. This will make it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You may also determine who attempted to start the vehicle by contacting the police.
It is not advisable to look for your vehicle in the event that you decide to locate it down. This could cause more damage and possibly the theft of your personal belongings from your vehicle. You should instead contact your insurance company and inform them that the car was stolen with the keys inside. You should also tell them about any personal belongings inside the car at the time of the theft, such as mail, a wallet or purse that holds credit cards, cash, office badges or other form of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive car insurance (which includes a variety of situations, including theft), you should contact your insurance company as soon as you can to file claims. This will assist them in getting started with the investigation and make sure that you're covered in case your car is stolen or damaged.
You must provide your insurance with as many details regarding your vehicle as you are able to recall including the year the make, model, and year as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN (vehicle ID number) and where you last saw it. It is also beneficial to include details about how the theft occurred and at what time of the day it occurred, and if there was any rain or snow. If you aren't sure about any of this information, you can request the police to look up their records to find the information you need.
In some cases, it may be necessary to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the thief from using your car to violate the law or damage another property.
You will need the police report on be available when you call your insurance company to start the investigation. You will also have to be prepared to provide any additional information that your insurance company might require.
Be sure to mention any personal items you have stolen with your vehicle, as they may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the area you reside in). It is also important to inform your finance company or leasing company that the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
It is essential to remain calm and act quickly, even though it is a terrible situation. These tips will help you do this, and hopefully will result in your vehicle getting back in a safe and secure manner more info to you. If you are required to file a claim as your car was stolen with the keys inside, it is best to work with an independent agent who can assist you in the procedure. They can also find discounts to make this whole ordeal as easy as possible.