What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. It's important to take action immediately.
The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get in your car and are unable to locate your keys, it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin your whole day, and it can also be very difficult. It's essential to remain calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down in a place or reached into your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
Contact the police if are unable to locate them. It is essential to report the loss of your car keys immediately in order to aid the police in finding them and may hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They can then help you get a new set.
It is advisable to verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a car that has been taken with the keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal items in the car and you should confirm this with your landlord or home insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if the car is being leased. They may need to report the theft to the police as well. This will prevent them from being held responsible for the car in the event of theft and can 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 the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or a car alarm. These are more expensive to install but can save you money by stopping theft. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you are unable to locate your vehicle and suspect it's stolen the first thing to do is call the police. You'll be provided with a crime reference code that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, including make/model and color as well as the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you can access on your phone or an app). Provide any additional details you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and the date, as well as any distinctive features, like a large dent or unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
It's important to notify your insurer as soon you submit a police complaint. This will speed up the process, and you may be protected from excessive liability. This is because, when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where keys are left in the car are increasing. In fact, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always lock your car and not put valuables in plain view. It is also recommended to roll up the windows completely and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or homeowner's insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts carefully if you have any personal documents in your vehicle such as pay stubs and receipts. It is essential to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Get a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an inexpensive price. Now, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without having to go to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. Or, you could give an extra key to a friend or neighbor that you trust.
If you have a spare key the next step is to contact your dealership to find out if they can help. They'll likely be able disable the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your car. This is a straightforward procedure, but it will depend on the specific model and year of vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys inside. This type of coverage is typically included in all auto policies, but it is recommended to look over your policy specifically for more details.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you must also file a police report. It is important to inform the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't and the keys inside it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You should also park in areas that are well-lit and secure and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies offer online platforms that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Try to contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They may also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle has any special features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be covered. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car and keep it on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time your insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it is found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky your vehicle will check here be located and returned to you within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you're thinking of buying a new car, you can use this money to purchase it. Keep in mind, though, that any claims made on your policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether or not you should file a claim, talk with your insurance agent and get their opinion.