What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
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 terrifying moment when you get to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can make your day miserable and be a source of frustration. This is why it's crucial to be calm and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, purses and other places you might have put them. You should also go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them in a place or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to contact the police. Reporting the loss of keys to your car to police as soon as you can will help them find them, and could prevent anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. This way, they will be able to help you get a new set of keys.
Always check your insurance policy to see if it covers the loss of your car. Most of the policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it, but the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings in the car, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance provider.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, you should contact the leasing or financing company as well. They will likely want to report the theft to the police, too. This will protect them from being held accountable for the vehicle if it's stolen, and it may also aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. These devices can include a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to install but will save you money by preventing theft. The key is to keep your car in good condition and avoid parking it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but know it has been taken. They will give you the crime reference number that is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an app). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents, custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches or marks, please include that information as well.
After you've completed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurer as soon as possible. This will speed up the process and might even protect you from undue liability. This is because, should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your car and never leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is particularly true when you have keys in the car.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your renters or home insurance might cover the items that you have in your car If they were insured under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts closely if you have any personal documents in your vehicle such as pay receipts and stubs. It is important to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
In the past losing your car keys was not an issue. You could have them duplicated at a low cost by your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without going to the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first step is to keep it in a place that is safe and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a keybox by the door. You could also give an extra key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Call your dealership and ask whether they can assist you. They'll likely be able disable the stolen key fob, so that it can't be used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. This type of insurance is typically covered in the majority of automobile policies, however it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more information.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you must also file a police claim. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.
Even if you're just taking just a few seconds it is recommended to lock your vehicle's doors to stop it from being stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside 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 areas is also advised. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or in click here the title.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very quick and easy. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. They will ask you to provide details about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other relevant information. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, such as an GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car is not covered. This is the reason that you must have a full coverage on your car.
Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the value of your vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the moment of the theft, less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, so keep one on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been processed after which you will be provided with an amount of time to wait that will differ by insurer. During this period the insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are fortunate your car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the money to purchase a new vehicle in the event that you decide to. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. If you're unsure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.