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 forget the keys in your car. It is important to act quickly.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car and can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can ruin your entire day, and it can also be very frustrating. It's important to remain calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, bags and other places you could have placed them. You should also revisit your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Contact the police if cannot locate them. It's essential to notify the police of the loss of your car keys immediately, as this will aid the police in finding them and could prevent anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. It is also essential to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. They will assist you get a new set.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a vehicle that has been taken with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Contact your home insurance or renters insurer.
If your car is leased or financed, it is best to contact the leasing or financing company, too. They should also report the incident to the police. This will prevent them from being liable for the car if it's stolen and can help speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by preventing theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good working order and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was stolen. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, including the model and make and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document that you carry around on your phone, or an app). If you have additional information about where and when you last saw it like distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
It is crucial 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 if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. In reality, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of losses annually.
It is advisable to lock your car at all times and never leave valuables on display. It is also recommended to close the windows completely and ensure that you do not leave your car running while unattended, especially with keys inside.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. However, if you had electronics in your vehicle the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts carefully If you have personal documents in your car, such as paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used for identity theft and you will need to inform your bank and other institutions as soon as possible.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost from your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have an extra key, you must put it in a place that is secure and easily accessible when you are away more info from home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or put it in a container near the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbor or friend that you consider trustworthy.
Once you have an extra key the next step is to contact your dealership to inquire whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to disable the stolen key fob so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. This should be a simple procedure, however it is contingent on the particular model and year of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of coverage is typically included in all automobile policies, however it is best to review the specific policy for more details.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to file a claim with the police. This is especially important if your car is financed or leased as the lender must know about the incident. Insurance claims can even help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a short time. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider right away after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. 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. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. They will ask you to provide details about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also inquire whether the car has additional features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage, the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were left in it. If you only have liability coverage the car will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should have a full coverage on your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft and less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide an independent assessment of your car and keep it on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an amount of time to wait that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time your 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're fortunate the vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it's not, you will be compensated for the actual cash value of the vehicle you've stolen (minus your deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a new vehicle in the event that you decide to. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit claims.