What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. But, it's crucial to act quickly.
The longer you delay, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be really annoying. This is why it's essential to be in a calm state and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked every place in your pockets, bags, and any other places where you may have put them. Also, go back through your day - maybe you set them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out.
Call the police if you are unable to locate them. It's essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car immediately to assist the police in locating the keys and stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. This way, they can help you obtain new keys.
Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been stolen with keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the car, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance provider.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, you should contact the leasing or financing company, too. They should also report the incident to the police. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also expedite the process to get the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also discourage thieves. These could include an GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or a car alarm. These devices typically cost a more to set up, but they can save you money in the end by preventing theft of your vehicle. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in areas that are risky.
Call the police
If you're unable to locate your car and you suspect that it's gone missing the first thing to do is contact the police. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which is essential for keeping track of the progress of your investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your car, including the make/model, color and the license plate number, as well as the VIN which is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your smartphone). If you have additional details about the location and time you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will help speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the vehicle are on the rise. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
It is advisable to lock your car at all times and to never leave valuables on display. You should also roll up the windows completely read more and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended particularly with keys inside.
If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might cover the items inside your car if they're covered under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts closely if you have any personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
In the past, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could get them duplicated for a small cost by your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of a stolen vehicle without contacting the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have an additional key, you must keep it in a location that is secure and easily accessible when you're at home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or in a box near the door. You could also give a spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
Once you have a spare key, the next step is to contact your dealership to find out whether they can assist. The dealership will likely be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the specific year and model of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. The majority of auto policies provide this type of insurance however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
Another option to take if your car got stolen with keys in it is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender that you own a financed or leased car. Insurance claims may even assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
Even if you're just stepping out for a few seconds it is important to lock your vehicle's doors to stop it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break 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 areas that are well-lit and secure and avoid leaving 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 right away. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very easy and fast. Make sure to contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, color, model, license plate number and the model and make. They might also request other relevant details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know 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. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be protected. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the cash value of your vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will likely be asked for a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your file or look it up online.
Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an amount of time to wait, which will vary by insurer. During this period your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you're planning on buying a new car, you can use this money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether or not you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.