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 you forget the keys inside. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you put off longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car and realise you're unable to locate your keys. It can make your day miserable and cause frustration. This is why it's crucial to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Make sure you've checked everything in your pockets bags, bags and any other places you could have put them. It is also advisable to go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them in a place or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but knocked out your keys.
Contact the police if you are unable to locate them. Reporting the loss of keys to the police immediately will help them find the keys and prevent someone from using the vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.
Always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers your loss of your car. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal items in the car and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance company.
It is also advisable to contact the leasing or financing company if the car is leasing. They should also report the incident to the police. This will keep the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. They could include the locking of your steering wheel or car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a bit more to install however they could save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect it's stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. They will give you an identification number for the crime that is vital in monitoring 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, which includes the make/model and color as well as the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an application). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when and any distinctive features, such an enormous dent, or custom-designed additions, or distinctive scratches or marks.
It is crucial to notify your insurer as soon you file a police report. This will make the process easier, and protect you from a high risk of liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts where keys are left in the car are increasing. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss each year of more than $8 billion.
The best way to avoid this is to always lock your car and never leave valuables in plain sight. It is also recommended to open your windows all the way and be sure to not leave the car running unattended. This is particularly true if you have keys in the car.
If you have home or renters insurance, it could protect the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this kind of insurance is not likely to cover them.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank immediately.
Get a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Now, however, many automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the dealer or automaker to get assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first thing to do is to put it somewhere accessible and safe when you're away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your house in a specific drawer or in a box near the door. Or, you could give the spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. The dealership should be able to disable the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. This is a straightforward process, but it depends on your particular model and year of vehicle.
It is also possible to contact your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers things such as stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of protection, but you should check the policy for specific details.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you should also file a police report. It is essential to notify the lender if you have a car that is financed or leased. Insurance claims can even help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you are just stepping out for a few seconds it is recommended to 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 more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance provider immediately after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of through the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will request information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also ask if the vehicle has any extra features, like an GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are left in the vehicle. If, however, you only have liability insurance, your car will not be covered. It is for this reason that you should have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will pay for the cash value of your stolen vehicle, which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will website most likely be required to provide an independent assessment of your car so keep one on file or locate one online.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given a waiting period, which will vary by insurer. During this time your insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you are lucky, your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the time period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. You can use the money to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Talk to your agent if you're unsure whether you should make an claim.