5 The 5 Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Good Thing
5 The 5 Reasons Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Good Thing
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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 your keys in your car. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you get to your car only to discover that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it can also be very difficult. It's essential to be calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, bags and any other places where you may have put them. You should also go back through your day and see if you've set them down in a place or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. Reporting the lost car keys to the police immediately will assist them in finding them, and could stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is crucial. They can then help you obtain a new set.
Always verify the insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your car. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, however the conditions and terms differ. Some companies don't cover personal items inside the vehicle. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is being leased. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also expedite the process to get the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These could include a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to install, but can save you money by protecting you from theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your car but know it has been taken. They will provide you with 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 on.
You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, including model and make and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document on your phone or an application). Provide any additional details you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it and when and any distinctive features, such an enormous dent, or custom-designed additions, or distinctive marks or scratches.
It is important to inform your insurer as soon you make a police report. This will speed up the process and might even shield you from excessive liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys 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 an annual loss of more than $8 billion.
It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times, and to never leave valuables on display. Also, you should close your windows to the maximum and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or home insurance could cover the possessions you had in your vehicle If they were insured by those policies. If, however, you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also monitor your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank immediately.
Get a spare key
A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get them duplicated for a small cost from your local key maker. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the automaker or dealer to get assistance.
If you have an extra key, you must put it in a spot that is secure and easy to reach when you're at home. You could keep it in a drawer within your home or in a box close to the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend you are confident in.
Once you have a spare key The next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they can assist. The dealership will probably be able deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward procedure, but it'll depend on the model and year of your vehicle.
It is also possible to contact your insurance company to inquire about comprehensive insurance, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys in them. This type of coverage is typically included in all insurance policies, but it's best to check the specific policy for more details.
If your car was stolen with keys inside, you must also file a police claim. It is important to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may even be able to get a new set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't and the keys inside it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in here the car for a short time. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices to make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. 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
You should contact your insurer right away after you've filed the police report. The majority of insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You'll be asked to provide details regarding your vehicle, including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the make and model. They might also ask for other pertinent information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle has any extra features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive your vehicle 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 the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the moment of the theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or find one online.
Once the claim has been completed, you might be granted a waiting period. It will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time the insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Remember, however that any claims you make to your insurance policy could raise your rates. If you're not sure whether or not you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.