What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car and are unable to locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can make your day miserable and be a source of frustration. It's essential to remain calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked everything in your pockets bags, purses and any other places you could have placed them. You should also take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down somewhere, or reached into your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out of there.
Contact the police if you can't find them. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can to aid the police in finding them and may stop anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. They can then help you obtain a new set.
It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a car that has been stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal belongings in the vehicle. Check with your renters or home insurance insurer.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, you must contact the financing or leasing company, too. They'll also want to inform the police. This will prevent them from being held responsible for the car in the event of theft and could help speed up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also discourage thieves. These can include a steering wheel lock or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and know it's been stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number as well as the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your phone). If you have other details about the location and time you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct scratches and marks, you must include that information as well.
After you've made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will accelerate the process and also protect you from a high risk of liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the vehicle are increasing. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.
It is advisable to lock your car at all times, and to never display valuables. It is also recommended to close the windows all the way and avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended, especially with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items you kept in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under those policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a big issue in the past. You could get them duplicated for a small cost through your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key on a stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to place it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. It could be kept in a drawer in your home or in a box near the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbor or a friend you consider trustworthy.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can assist you. They'll likely be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your car. It should be a straightforward procedure, but it'll depend on the make and year of your car.
You might also want to contact your insurance company if you have comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys in them. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage however you must check your policy for specific information.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. It is important to inform the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you are just taking a few seconds, you should secure your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen read more in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in well-lit and secure areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after filing the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year, model, color license plate number, the make and model. They might also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know whether the car has any unique 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 vehicle. If you only have liability insurance, your car will not be paid for. It is for this reason that you should have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of the vehicle you have stolen which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to submit a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed, you will be given a waiting period that will differ by insurer. During this time, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are lucky, your car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Talk to your agent if you're not sure whether you should make an claim.