Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
Why Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
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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 quickly.
The longer you put off, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car and realise you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be very frustrating. It's important to be calm and rational. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. Also, go back through your day - maybe you set them down in a place or reached in your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out of there.
Contact the police if are unable to find them. Notifying the police about the loss of your car keys to the police immediately will assist them in finding the keys and prevent someone from using the vehicle without your permission. Informing your insurance company of the car theft is also important. This way, they will be able to help you obtain new keys.
Always check your insurance policy to see whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a stolen car with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance company.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, you should contact the financing or leasing company, too. They may need to report the theft to the police as well. This will prevent them from being liable for the car in the event of theft, and it may also help speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These devices can include an GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These gadgets will typically cost a bit more to install however they could save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good repair and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.
Call the police
If you are unable to locate your vehicle and 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 tracking the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of the vehicle, including model and make as well as the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). If you have any other information about where and when you last saw it like distinctive features such as large dents or custom add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must provide that too.
It is crucial to notify your insurer as soon you make a police report. 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 and you are held liable depending on your state laws 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 taken in the United States. This results in a loss each year of over $8 billion.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times and to not leave valuables out in the open. You should also open your windows to the maximum, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions that you have in your car, if they were insured 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 inside your vehicle. They could be used to commit identity theft and you will need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get a spare key
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could bring them to your local key maker and have them duplicated at an inexpensive price. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without having to go to the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a place that is secure and easy to reach when you are at home. It can be stored in a here drawer at home or in a box close to the door. You could also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend you consider trustworthy.
Once you have an extra key the next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they are able to assist. They'll probably be able to deactivate the stolen key fob, so that it won't be able to start your car. This is a simple procedure, but it will depend on the particular year and model of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will take care of things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of cover is usually included in most auto policies, but it is best to review your policy specifically for more information.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you should also file a police report. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You may be able to receive a new set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones through the insurance claim.
Even if you are just stepping out for a few seconds it is recommended to close the doors of your car to prevent it from being stolen in the future. It is also recommended to put in antitheft devices that make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. These include steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. It is also recommended to 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 completed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have online systems that make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and forth by calling your agent directly rather than through an automated call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide information about your car including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They may 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 any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are left in the car. However, if you only have liability insurance, the car is not covered. It is for this reason that you must have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of the vehicle you have stolen which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to submit a third-party assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or locate one online.
After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted a waiting period, which will vary by insurer. During this period, your insurer will search for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be in a position to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it isn't the case, you will be refunded for the cash value of your stolen car (minus the deductible). If you're planning on buying a new vehicle then you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance representative and ask their advice.