15 Interesting Facts About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It You've Never Known
15 Interesting Facts About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It You've Never Known
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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 forget your keys in your car. It is crucial to act promptly.
The more time passes the more likely that your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're not able to find your keys. It can ruin your day, and it can also be extremely difficult. It's important to be calm and rational. Check your pockets, bags and other places you may have put them. Also, walk back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere or reached into your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out.
If you can't find them, you need to call the police. Reporting the lost car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find them and may stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They will assist you obtain a new set.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a car that has been stolen with keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings inside the vehicle and you should confirm this with your home or renters insurance provider.
You should also contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They'll also want to inform the police. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also expedite the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These can include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your vehicle and suspect it's been stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is vital 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 vehicle including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app for your smartphone). If you have additional information about where and when you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches or marks, please include that information as well.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will speed up the process and may even protect you from undue liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be accountable based on your state laws 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 in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always lock your car and not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close the windows completely and make sure you don't leave your car running while unattended and especially with keys inside.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it could protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts check here closely when you have personal documents in your car such as pay stubs and receipts. It is important to notify your bank immediately.
Find an extra key
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an inexpensive price. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on an unintentionally stolen vehicle without asking the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're at home. You could keep it in a drawer in your home or put it in a container near the door. Or, you could give a spare key to a neighbor or friend who you trust.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can help you. The dealership should be able to deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your car. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things such as keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. Most auto policies include this type of protection however you must check your policy for specific details.
Another option to take should your car be stolen with keys inside is to make a claim with the police. It is important to inform the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may even be able to receive new keys or an alternative to your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a few seconds. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
It is important to contact your insurance company right away after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Contact your agent directly rather than a call center operator to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer any questions. They will require you to provide information regarding your car, such as 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 relevant details. They will also ask if the vehicle has any special features, such as a 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. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be covered. This is the reason that you must have a full coverage on your car.
Your car insurance policy will typically cover the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the date of theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You'll likely be required to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed, you may be granted a waiting period. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period the insurer will search 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 the case, you will be refunded for the actual value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). If you're thinking of purchasing a new car, you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether or not you should file a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.