What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance for your vehicle, it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.
The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
If you're trying to get in your car and cannot locate your keys it's a frightening moment. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to remain in a calm state and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked everywhere in your pockets bags, purses and other places where you may have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to contact the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find them, and could hinder anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. In this way, they can help you get a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a car that has been stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal belongings inside the car, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, you must call the leasing or financing company as well. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will shield the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle back.
You should also consider installing anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to discourage thieves. These devices can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These devices will usually cost a bit more to install, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good condition and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your car but are aware that it was taken. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN number that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your smartphone). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct scratches or marks, please give that information too.
It's important to notify your insurer as soon you file a police report. This will speed the process and could even shield you from excessive liability. This is because should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle you could be accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in an annual loss of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight. It is also recommended to roll up the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your car running when you are not there particularly with keys in it.
If you have home or renters insurance, it might protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is unlikely to cover them.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you keep personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank as soon as you can.
Find a spare key
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring them to your local key maker and get them duplicated for a relatively inexpensive price. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of a stolen vehicle without going to the dealer or automaker to seek assistance.
If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is safe and easy to reach when you are at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a keybox close to the door. You can also give an extra to a neighbor or friend that you trust.
If you have a spare key The next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they can assist. They'll likely be able to disable the stolen key fob, so that it won't be able to start your car. This is a straightforward process, but it depends on the particular model and year of your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will cover things such as keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of cover car keys stolen no spare is usually included in most automobile policies, however it's best to check your specific policy for more information.
If your car was taken with the keys inside, you must also file a police report. This is especially crucial in the event that your car is loaned or leased because the lender must be aware of the incident. Insurance claims may even help you obtain a replacement key or replace the one you lost.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a moment. Also, you should consider putting in antitheft devices that make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. 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
If you have completed a police report You should call your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies offer online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have. You will be asked to provide information about your vehicle, such as the year color, model, license plate number and the model and make. They might also ask for other pertinent details such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also want to know whether the vehicle has any special features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage, the car will be covered regardless of whether keys were left in it. If you only have liability insurance, the car will not be paid for. This is the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle you have stolen which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your car so keep one on file or search for one online.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given an amount of time to wait that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky your car will be found and returned to you within the time period. If not, you'll receive the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. If you are planning on buying a new vehicle then you can use this cash to purchase it. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. If you aren't sure if you should file a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.