Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Your Next Big Obsession
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Your Next Big Obsession
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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's important to take action immediately.
The longer you wait the longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to get in your car and cannot locate your keys it's an incredibly stressful moment. It can ruin your entire day, and can be really difficult. This is why it's important to be at peace and remain sane. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to contact the police. It is essential to report the loss of your keys to your car immediately to aid the police in finding the keys and hinder the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is important. In this way, they can help you obtain a new set of keys.
You should always verify the insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys in it however the terms and conditions differ. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the vehicle therefore you must check with your home or renters insurance provider.
You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leased. They'll also want to report the incident to the police. This will help them avoid being held accountable for the vehicle should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of obtaining the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These devices can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or a car alarm. These gadgets are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in areas that are prone to danger.
Call the police
If you can't find your car and you suspect it's stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. You will be given an identification number that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle, 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 for your phone). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it like distinctive features such as large dents or custom accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please give that information too.
After you've made a police complaint It is essential to notify your insurer as soon as you can. This will make the process easier, and you may be protected from excessive liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses each year.
It is recommended to secure your car at all times and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also close the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your car running when you are not there particularly with keys in it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions you had in your vehicle If they were insured under those policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as soon as you can.
Get a spare key
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or automaker to seek assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a spot that is secure and easily accessible when you are at home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a specific drawer or in a keybox close to the door. Or, you might give a spare key to a friend or neighbor who you are confident in.
If you have an extra key The next step is to contact your dealer to see if they can help. They'll likely be able deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of your car.
You may also want to inquire with your insurance provider for comprehensive coverage, which covers items check here like stolen vehicles with keys inside. This type of cover is usually included in most insurance policies, but it's best to check the specific policy for more details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. This is especially important when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender needs to be informed of the incident. You may be able to get new keys or a replacement for your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't and the keys inside it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a few seconds. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to break into it. These include the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to park in well-lit and secure areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've made a police complaint and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies offer online services that make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, rather than through the call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will ask you to provide details about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle as well as the color and license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also want to know if the vehicle has any special features, such as an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were left in it. However, if you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be paid for. This is why it is important to always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual value of your vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft and less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to provide a third-party assessment of your vehicle, so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim is completed, you might be given a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the actual cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). You can use the money to purchase a brand new car should you choose to. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether you should make a claim.