Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It's important to take action quickly.
The longer you delay longer, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to discover that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. It's important to be calm and rational. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have put them. Also, revisit your day. Perhaps you threw them in a place or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but then threw out your keys.
Call the police if you cannot find them. Reporting the loss of car keys to the police immediately will assist them in finding them, and could stop someone from using the vehicle without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a stolen car with keys inside however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal items in the car. Contact your renters insurance or home insurance the insurance company.
If your car is leased or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company, too. They'll also want to inform the police. This will protect them from being held responsible for the car if it's stolen and can help speed up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. They could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a bit more to install, but they can save you money in the end by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good repair and avoid parking it in areas that are prone to danger.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been stolen. You will receive an identification number that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later on.
You'll be required to provide a thorough description of your car, 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 could be a physical document or an app on your smartphone). You should also provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it and when, as well as any distinctive features, such a large dent or custom-designed additions, or distinctive marks or scratches.
After you've made a police complaint It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary 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 shows that car thefts when keys are left in the vehicle are on the rise. In fact, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of loss annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also open your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your home or renters insurance may cover the things that you have in your car If they were insured under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also monitor your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Find an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost by your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing to do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your house in a drawer that is here specifically designed for it or in a box by the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend who you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask if they can assist you. They'll likely be able deactivate the stolen key fob so that it won't be able to start your car. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
You may also want to speak with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage, but you should check the policy for specific details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police report. This is especially crucial in the event that your car is loaned or leased, as the lender needs to know about the incident. You may even be able to receive new keys or a replacement for your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when 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. This includes steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after filing the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process simple and quick. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contact your agent directly instead of through an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You will be asked to provide specific information regarding your vehicle, including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the make and model. They might be looking for additional details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the car has any unique features, like the GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive, the vehicle will be covered regardless of the fact that keys were not left in it. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be protected. This is why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft and less any deductible that is applicable. You will most likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you are fortunate, your car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the money to buy a new car should you choose to. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. If you're unsure if you should make a claim, speak to your insurance representative and ask their advice.