Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside, you'll have to submit a claim for comprehensive coverage. The deductible is contingent on the type of policy and the limit.
However, you should take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your car stolen in the first place. Here are some helpful tips:
Taking preventive measures
A vehicle is among the largest investments you will ever make. It's important to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Preventive measures can lower the likelihood of theft, and increase your chances of get your car back if it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device which includes the GPS tracking device. These systems combine GPS and wireless technology to allow you to keep an eye on your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They also have the capability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which can help in recovering it.
Another preventive measure is to lock the doors and roll up the windows of your vehicle when it's parked, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. In the U.S., tens of thousands vehicles are stolen each year because owners leave their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. A skilled burglar can gain access to the vehicle that is locked window that is only rolled up by an inch or two.
Parking in parking lots and garages that are monitored by security guards is a great deterrent for thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and that have poor lighting, as they are more likely attract thieves.
You can deter thieves in addition to installing an anti-theft system by using visible theft deterrents, such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. They can make a potential burglar think twice before trying to break into your car as they'll have to face the additional difficulty of removing or bypassing the security device.
Make sure to hide electronics and valuables as often as you can in your car. Keep items such as electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational equipment away from sight, or put them in the trunk. You should also note the serial number of any expensive gadgets or equipment in case it is stolen. If they're ever discovered, you can give this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft is a major expense, costing Americans $8 billion each year. The problem is becoming more severe. In many instances keys are thrown away in cars when they are stolen. This can happen if you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you go into the store for a short period of time. You can prevent this from happening by removing valuables from your car and locking them away.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle is stolen is also important. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers a better chance of catching the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle is included in the auto-theft national and state databases, which could prevent future ownership or title issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. In most instances the insurance company will compensate you for your losses if you have comprehensive coverage. If you do not have this coverage switching to a different insurance company may be worth it.
If you are filing an insurance claim for a stolen car with the keys in the here ignition, it's important to act quickly. If you delay too long the insurance company could decline your claim. They might also ask you on the reason why you left keys to your car in it. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
It is important to be aware that documents such as your insurance or registration card could lead to identity theft. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their vehicles which could result in fraudulent transactions. If this is the case, inform your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts in detail. If your car is found it is important to notify the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and pursue the perpetrator.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people tend to let their car run while they're hurrying out of the door to get to the grocery store or get gas. Unfortunately, this could cause your car to be stolen. It is a bad idea to leave your car unattended while not in use. To avoid this, lock your car's doors when not in the car.
You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible when you leave your vehicle in a parking lot and you don't have keys. You might be asked to provide details about the incident, including where the vehicle was left and the time it was stolen. This will assist the police locate your vehicle and may even recover it.
You can make a claim online with some car insurance companies, but it is recommended to speak with an agent. This will enable you to provide more precise details about the incident, and cut down on the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent might ask for an official copy of the police report, as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police with their investigation and help determine if you're covered under your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is financed or leased, it is important to notify your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will prevent them from trying to repossess your car or claiming it. If your car is discovered damaged, your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of repairing it.
If your car isn't returned, and you decide to file an insurance claim, it may take up to 30 days to receive a settlement. If you don't have another car to use in the meantime, make sure to check your policy to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage that could pay for a rental car while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of insurance for property and casualty and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Check the condition of your vehicle
The first thing you should do when you discover that a vehicle has been taken with the keys inside is to verify that it was indeed stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department will aid you in this.
If you do you must give them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - This is usually found in the driver's side door or in the vicinity of the windshield. The last seven digits are also placed on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to try to change the identity of the vehicle.
Unique Features - If there is something that makes your vehicle appear different from other vehicles of the same type This can be useful. It can be useful to document any personal items in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or specified Perils coverage, this will likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left keys inside it. However, if you have Liability only insurance, then this may not be the situation.
Many people make the mistake of leaving their vehicles running with the key in the ignition when they are running errands, or getting ready for work early in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster because it only takes an opportunistic criminal a few seconds to hop into your car and leave.
The most popular day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday, followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing could be a tempting victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is generally cheaper to buy a new set of keys than file an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true when you have an electronic key fob or smart key that can be easily replaced at your local auto dealer for around a hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible, and you'll avoid having to deal with the insurance company in the future.