How Do You Know If You're Ready For Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
How Do You Know If You're Ready For Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is crucial to act immediately.
The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can make your day miserable and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to remain calm and think rationally. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. Also, revisit your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It's essential to notify the police of the loss of your car keys immediately to aid the police in finding the keys and stop someone from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. This way, they can help you get a new set of keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the car and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance provider.
If your car is leased or financed, you must contact the financing or leasing company, too. They will also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect them from being held responsible for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also deter thieves. This could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices are more expensive to install but can save you money by stopping theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not park it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but know it has been taken. They will provide you with a crime reference number which is vital in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will also aid in your insurance claim later.
You will have to provide a complete description of your vehicle including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app for your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it, and when and any distinctive characteristics, such as a large dent or unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will accelerate the process and protect you from excessive liability. This is because, should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle and you are accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing, according to NICB data. In reality, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
It is best to lock your car at all times, and to never leave valuables on display. Also, you should roll your windows up all the way, and avoid leaving the car running unattended. This is particularly true if you have keys in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or home insurance may cover the things you had in your vehicle in the event that they were covered by those policies. If you had electronics in your car, they here likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Now, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without going to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first step is to place it somewhere accessible and safe when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer within your home or in a box close to the door. Or, you could give the spare key to a neighbor or friend that you are confident in.
Call your dealership and ask whether they can assist you. They'll probably be able to deactivate the stolen key fob, so that it won't be able to start your car. This is a simple process, but it depends on your particular year and model of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however, you should verify your policy for specific details.
Another option to take if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. You may be able to obtain an additional set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to get into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after filing the police report. Many insurance companies have online services that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of contacting a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will request information about your vehicle, including the year, model and year of the vehicle as well as the color and license plate number and the location and when it was stolen and any other relevant details. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any extra features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car will not be paid for. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the date of theft and less any applicable deductible. You will likely be asked for an independent assessment of your vehicle, and you should keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurer will be searching for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're fortunate the vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you're thinking of buying a new vehicle, you can use the money to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise your premiums. If you're not sure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.