7 Things You've Never Knew About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
7 Things You've Never Knew About 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 insurance that is comprehensive for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is crucial to act promptly.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your entire day, and can be really annoying. This is why it's crucial to stay in a calm state and think rationally. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have put them. You should also go back and review your day. Perhaps you dropped them in a place or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. It is crucial to inform the police about the loss of your car keys as soon as possible to assist the police in locating them and may stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. It's also important to notify your insurance company of the theft of your car. This way, they can assist you obtain a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it however the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if the car is leased. They will also want to inform the police. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also expedite the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include the locking of your steering wheel, car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a little bit more to install, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good working order and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
If you can't find your car and know that it's gone missing the first thing you should do is call the police. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is essential in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle, 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 could be either a physical document or an app for your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including where you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like large dents, custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.
Once you have made a police complaint, it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will accelerate the process and you may be protected from excessive liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held accountable based on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the increase. In reality, a vehicle is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over more info $8 billion of losses each year.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure 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 the car running in the dark. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
If you have renters or homeowner' insurance, it may cover the items inside your car if they're covered under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Today, however, many automobiles are equipped with 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 place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're away from home. You could keep it in a drawer within your home or put it in a container near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend you are confident in.
If you have a spare key the next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they can assist. The dealership should be able to deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of your car.
You might also want to contact your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys inside. This type of coverage is typically covered in the majority of auto policies, but it is best to review the specific policy for more details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. It is important to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a few seconds. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to break into it. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you have completed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this time sensitive situation. Prepare to answer any questions. They will require you to provide information about your vehicle, including the year, make and model, the color and its license plate number and the location and when it was stolen and any other relevant details. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are not left in the vehicle. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be protected. This is the reason why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or find one online.
Once the claim is approved after which you will be provided with a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you're thinking of buying a new car then you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims filed on your policy could increase the cost of your insurance. If you aren't sure if you should make a claim, speak to your insurance representative and ask their advice.