Learn More About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It While Working From At Home
Learn More About Car Got Stolen With Keys In It While Working From At Home
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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 lose the keys to your car. It is important to act quickly.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. 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 and see if you've set them down somewhere or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and knocked your keys out of there.
Contact the police if can't find them. Reporting the loss of keys to the police as soon as you can will help them find the keys and prevent someone from using the vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. In this way, they can help you obtain a new set of keys.
Always check your insurance policy to determine if it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a car that has been taken with keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal items inside the vehicle. Check with your renters or home insurance' insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, you must contact the leasing or financing company as well. They will likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These could include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These gadgets will typically cost a little more to install, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to keep your car in good condition and avoid parking it in a dangerous area.
Contact the police
Call the police if you cannot find your car but you know it's been stolen. They will provide you with the crime reference number that is essential in keeping track of 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 your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number as well as the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when and any distinctive features, like large dents, unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.
It is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will speed up the process and may even protect you from undue liability. This is because if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. In fact, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and not put valuables in plain view. Also, you should roll your windows up all the way, and avoid leaving the car running in the dark. This is especially true when you have keys in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or homeowner's insurance may cover the things you kept in your vehicle If they were insured under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type more info of insurance is not likely to cover them.
It's also important to monitor your financial accounts closely if you have any personal documents in your car like paycheck stubs and receipts. They could be used to commit identity theft, and you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find a spare key
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Now, however, many cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have an extra key, you must put it in a spot that is secure and easy to reach when you are away from home. It could be kept in a drawer at home or in a box near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or friend that you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can help you. The dealership should be able to disable the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of the 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 coverage is typically covered in the majority of auto policies, but it is best to review your policy specifically for more details.
If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police claim. This is especially important when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender must know about the incident. You may even be able to obtain a new set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To avoid having your car taken away with keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a short time. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to get into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside 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. The majority of insurance companies have online services that make it easy and quick to complete the procedure. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this highly sensitive time. Prepare to answer all questions. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, model, color, license plate number and the make and model. They may also ask for other pertinent information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, like the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive coverage the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be paid for. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of your stolen vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You could be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
Once the claim is approved, you will be given an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this period the insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be reclaimed. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're fortunate the vehicle will be located and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the cash value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle you lost. If you're planning on buying a new car, you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware, however that any claims filed on your policy will raise the cost of your insurance. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should make a claim.