5 Facts Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Good Thing
5 Facts Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Good Thing
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if forget the keys in your car. It's important to take action quickly.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. This is why it's essential to stay in a calm state and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, purses and other places where you may have placed them. It is also advisable to look back and reflect on your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere, or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to contact the police. It's essential to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can in order to aid the police in finding them and may prevent someone from using your vehicle without your permission. It's also important to notify your insurance company of the theft of your car. They will assist you find a replacement.
It is advisable to verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside however the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle, so you should check with your home or renters insurance provider.
If your car is leased or financed, you must call the leasing or financing company as well. They will likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will shield the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It can also speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also discourage thieves. These can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or a car alarm. These devices typically cost a little more to set up however, they can save you money over the long term by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you're unable to locate your car and know it's been stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later on.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app for your phone). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like an enormous dent, or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
Once you have made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will speed up the process, and also protect you from excessive liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing, according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of loss annually.
The best way to prevent this is to lock your vehicle and never leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should roll up the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys in it.
If you have renters or homeowner' insurance, it may cover the items inside your vehicle if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts with care if you have any personal documents in your car such as pay receipts and stubs. These might be used for identity theft, and you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as soon as you can.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could go to a local key maker and have them duplicated for an inexpensive price. Today, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere accessible and safe when you're away from home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or put it in a container near the door. Or, you could give a spare key to a neighbor or friend that you are confident in.
If you have an extra key The next step is to contact your dealership to inquire whether they can assist. The dealership will likely be able deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of the vehicle.
It is also possible to inquire with your insurance provider if you have comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of protection, but you should check the policy for specific details.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. This is especially crucial when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender will need to know about the incident. Insurance claims may even help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after filing the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online platforms that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and forth get more info by calling your agent directly instead of contacting an automated call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide information about your car including the year color, model, license plate number and the model and make. They may be looking for additional information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle, which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. You could be required to provide a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or look it up online.
After the claim has been processed, you will be given an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period your insurer 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're lucky enough, you may be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you are planning on purchasing a new car then you can use this money to purchase it. Be aware, however, that any claims made on your policy will raise the cost of your insurance. If you're unsure whether or not you should make a claim, speak to your insurance representative and ask their advice.