What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. It is important to act quickly.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you go to get your car and realise you're unable to locate your keys. It can make your day miserable and be frustrating. This is why it's crucial to stay at peace and remain sane. First, make sure you've checked everything - in your pocket, bags and other places you might have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
Contact the police if you cannot locate them. It's essential to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as possible in order to help the police find the keys and hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They will assist you obtain a new set.
Always check your insurance policy to see whether it covers your car's loss. The majority of policies cover a car that has been stolen with the keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings in the car, so you should check with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leasing. They'll likely want to report the theft to the police as well. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It could also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These can include a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These devices typically cost a little bit more to install however they could save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not park it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you can't find your car and you suspect it's stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. They will give you the crime reference number that is essential in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You will have to provide a complete description of your car, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your phone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it, and when and any distinctive characteristics, such as a large dent or custom-designed additions, or distinctive scratches or marks.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you submit a police complaint. This will speed up the process, and you may be protected from a high risk of liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held liable depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in losses annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. It is also recommended to close your windows to the maximum and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended and especially with keys in it.
If you have renters or homeowner' insurance, it may cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts carefully if you have any personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck stubs and receipts. These might be used for identity theft and you will be required to notify your bank and other institutions as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could take them to your local locksmith and have them duplicated at an cheap cost. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without going to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have an extra key, you must put it in a spot that is secure and easy to access 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. You could also give an extra key to a neighbor or friend who you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. They'll probably be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the make and year of your car.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will take care of things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of coverage is typically covered in the majority of insurance policies, but it is best to review your specific policy for more details.
Another thing to do in the event that your car was stolen with keys in it is to submit a claim to the police. This is especially important if your car is financed or leased, as the lender here will need to know about the incident. You might even be able to obtain new keys or replacements for lost ones via the insurance claim.
Even if you're only stepping out for a few seconds, you should lock your vehicle's doors to stop it from being stolen in the future. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
You should contact your insurer immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems that make the process very quick and easy. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of contacting an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they have. You will be asked to provide information regarding your vehicle, including the year, model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are not left in the vehicle. However, if you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. This is why it is important to always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You will most likely be asked to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or find one online.
After the claim is processed, you may be given a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the money to purchase a brand new car if you plan to. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Speak to your agent if you're not sure whether you should submit claims.