Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is damaged and the keys are still inside, you'll have to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and kind of policy.
However, it is important to take precautions to prevent having your car stolen in the first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A car is among the biggest investments you'll ever make. It is advisable to take every precaution to protect it. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase the odds of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system which includes an GPS tracking device. These systems integrate GPS and wireless technology to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring service whenever the vehicle is moved. They also have the ability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which can aid in locating it.
Another preventive measure is to lock the doors and close the windows on your vehicle while it is parked, even if you are just going away for a few minutes. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked with their keys in the ignition or in another location. Unlocked vehicles can be opened by a skilled thief, even when the window has only rolled an inch or two.
Parking in garages and parking lots which are monitored by security guards is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and that have poor lighting, as these are more likely to attract thieves.
You can discourage thieves by installing an anti theft system by using visible theft deterrents, such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These will make a would-be criminal think twice about trying to break into your car because they'll have face the additional hassle of removing or bypassing the device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, you should keep them as hidden as possible. Keep items such as electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from view or in the trunk. It's also a good idea to keep track of the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in the event that they are stolen. If they ever are found, you can provide the information to your insurance company as well as the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a car is stolen, and theft of vehicles costs Americans approximately $8 billion each year. In many cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and this is an issue that's becoming more prevalent. It can happen when you leave your car running to warm it up or even if you're heading to the shop for a few minutes. You can prevent this by removing valuables from your car and locking them.
Notifying the police right away after your vehicle has been taken away is crucial. This gives the police a greater chance to locate the culprit and return your vehicle. Also, it will help ensure that your vehicle is entered into state and national auto theft databases that can help avoid future title issues or ownership problems.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. They will be able to determine if your policy covers the theft of a car with keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely pay for the loss. If you do not have this type of coverage switching to a different insurance company might be worth it.
It's important to move quickly in submitting a claim for stolen vehicles with keys still in the ignition. If you wait too much the insurance company could deny your claim. They could also ask you on the reason why you left keys to your car in it. This is due to the fact that they believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware of the possibility of identity theft if you keep documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their car, which can lead to fraudulent activity. If this is the case, notify your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts in detail. It is also important to inform the police and your insurance company if your car was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people leave their car running as they rush out for a quick trip to the grocery store or gas station. This can lead to your car being stolen. You should never leave your car in the garage unattended when you're not driving. To prevent this, lock your car's doors when you are not inside.
You must notify here your insurance company right away when you leave your vehicle in a parking lot and you don't have keys. You might be asked to provide specifics about the incident including where the vehicle was left and when it was stolen. This will assist the police locate your vehicle and may even recover it.
You can submit claims online through certain insurance companies for cars, but it is better to talk to an agent. This will allow you to provide more precise information about the incident and cut down on the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy of the police report and a list of all the valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police with their investigation and will determine whether your possessions are covered under your comprehensive coverage.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company if you have a financed or lease vehicle. This will prevent them from attempting to take possession of your vehicle or claim it for repossession. If your car is discovered and has suffered significant damage the comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repair.
If you decide to file a claim on your vehicle and it's not returned, the settlement can be up to 30 days. 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 help you pay for a rental vehicle while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance and the MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
When a car is stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you have to do is verify that the vehicle was stolen. You can do this by calling the number of the police department that is non-emergency in your area.
You'll have to provide them the following details if you decide to do this:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a number that can be found on the back of the vehicle. It is usually located on the door to the driver's side or in the vicinity of the windshield. The last seven digits are also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle.
Any Distinctive features - If there's anything that makes your vehicle appear different from other vehicles similar to it, this can be helpful. A description of any personal items that were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen can also be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage - If you have Comprehensive or specified Perils coverage, it will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you put keys inside it. If, however, you have Liability only insurance, then this might not be the situation.
Many people make the error of leaving their vehicles running with the key in the ignition while they run errands or getting ready to leave to work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster, as it only takes a criminal only a few seconds to get into your car and drive off.
The most frequent day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being ranked first in the country for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a prime potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to file an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true when you have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be easily repaired at your local car dealership for around a hundred dollars. This is less expensive than your deductible, and you will avoid having to deal with the insurance company in future.