10 Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tricks Experts Recommend
10 Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tricks Experts Recommend
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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 crucial to act promptly.
The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to enter your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin your whole day, and can be very difficult. It's important to be calm and rational. Check your pockets, bags and other places you may have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Maybe you dropped them in a place or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. It is essential to report the loss of your car keys as soon as you can, as this will aid the police in finding them and could hinder someone from using your vehicle without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company of the theft of your car. They can then help you get a new set.
Always check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a car that was stolen with keys inside, however the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the car and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance company.
If your car is leased or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company, too. They may need to report the theft to the police as well. This will protect them from being liable for the car in the event of theft and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or a car alarm. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by stopping theft. The key is to keep your car in good shape and not leave it parked in areas that are risky.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect it's been stolen the first thing to do is call the police. They will give you a crime reference number which is vital in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This will also aid in 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 document that you can access on your phone or an application). If you have additional information about where and when you last saw it such as distinctive features like large dents, custom-designed add-ons, or distinct scratches or marks, please give that information too.
It is important to inform your insurance company immediately after you make a police report. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in a loss each year of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your car and not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close your windows all the way and be sure to not leave the car running unattended. This is especially important when you here have keys in the car.
If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could go to a local key maker and have them duplicated for an cheap cost. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace the key on an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to keep it in a place that is secure and easy to access when you're away from home. You could keep it in a drawer at home or in a box close to the door. Or, you could give a spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
Once you have an extra key, the next step is to call your dealer to see whether they are able to assist. The dealership will likely be able deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will take care of things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically included in all automobile policies, however it's best to check your specific policy for more details.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys in it is to file a claim with the police. It is important to inform the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. Insurance claims can even help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you're just taking only a few minutes it is recommended to close the doors of your car to stop it from being stolen in the future. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly instead of contacting a call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will ask you to provide details about your vehicle, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was stolen and any other pertinent information. They will also inquire whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive your car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability insurance the car won't be protected. This is the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will typically cover the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You may be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your files or search on the internet for.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given a waiting period that will differ by insurer. During this period, your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. If it's found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be in a position to get your car back in the time period. If not, you'll receive the actual cash value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the money to purchase a new vehicle if you plan to. Be aware, however, that any claims made to your insurance policy could raise the cost of your insurance. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit an claim.