Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips That Will Change Your Life
Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Tips That Will Change Your Life
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if you forget your keys in your car. However, it's important to act quickly.
The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to enter your car and are unable to locate your keys, it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also very difficult. It's important to remain calm and rational. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. You should also take a walk back through the day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone, and then smashed your keys out.
Contact the police if can't find them. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to the police as soon as you can will assist in locating them, and could hinder anyone from using the vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the policies cover a stolen car with keys inside however the terms and conditions differ. Some companies do not cover personal belongings in the car. Contact your renters insurance or home insurance the insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if the car is leased. They should also report the incident to the police. This will prevent them from being held responsible 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 devices inside your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to install but can save you money by preventing theft. The key is to keep your car in good condition and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you're unable to locate your vehicle and suspect it's stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number, as well as the VIN number that is 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 have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it, and when and any distinctive features, like an enormous dent, or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is important to inform your insurance company immediately after you submit a police complaint. This will speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be held liable depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. Also, you should close your windows to the maximum and avoid leaving your car running when you are not there particularly with keys in it.
If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts with care when you have personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck receipts and stubs. It is important to notify your bank immediately.
Get an extra key
Losing your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an affordable cost. Many cars today have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of a stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere accessible and safe when you're away from home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a box near the door. Or, you might give a spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. They'll likely be able to deactivate the stolen key fob so that it isn't able to start your car. This should be a simple procedure, deactivate stolen car key fob however it is contingent on the particular year and model of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will cover things like keys left in stolen cars. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however you must check your policy for specific information.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys inside is to file a claim with the police. This is especially crucial when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender needs to be informed of the incident. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't taken away with keys in it in the future, you must always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a moment. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. You should also park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report You should call your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online services which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. They will request information about your car, including the year, make and model as well as the color and license plate number and the location and when it was stolen and any other relevant details. They will also want to know if the car has any unique features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be covered. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle, which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You could be required to provide a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or search on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed, you could be granted a waiting period. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period the 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 may be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it isn't, you will be compensated for the actual cash value of the car you lost (minus your deductible). If you are planning on buying a new car you can use this money to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims filed on your policy could increase your rates. Contact your agent if you're not certain whether you should submit claims.