Why Car Stolen With Keys In It Can Be More Risky Than You Thought
Why Car Stolen With Keys In It Can Be More Risky Than You Thought
Blog Article
If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
As long as you have a comprehensive insurance policy your insurance policy will be able to cover your vehicle stolen even if you have left the keys in the car. However, the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine if you were negligent in causing the theft.
The most efficient way to proceed is to file an insurance claim as soon you realize the vehicle was stolen. Your insurance claim will be denied if you put off filing.
1. Don't Panic
If your car was stolen with keys in it, it is extremely important to remain calm and not make a poor decision that will only compound the situation. First, contact the police. When you have done that give them as much information as possible about the vehicle, including the make, model and license plate number. Also, let them know if there were any valuables inside your vehicle, such as laptops, badge from your job or any other personal items.
The police will provide you with the most accurate information about your vehicle stolen and what they intend to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle or arrest the thieves.
Many people forget to close their windows or lock their car especially when they are in a hurry or have children. While it may appear like a foolish error to make however, it's very easy to make and often has tragic consequences. In these situations, thieves will simply climb into the driver's seat and drive away as if it were their car. If no one around them realizes that it's not the owner, they can travel for a long distance before being arrested by a police officer.
Another common error that is easily made is leaving keys in the ignition or having a spare key hidden on your person or property. This is a risk because it makes it easier to start the car and get away with. This is often done when people go into an establishment to buy something or leave the car running while they are there. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or going to the gas station to pay for fuel.
Keeping these mistakes in mind it is vital to take preventive measures to prevent them from happening in the future. There are a myriad of ways to do this including installing an alarm system, to parking in areas with good lighting. Additionally, some automakers offer security features that can discourage thieves or stop them from starting the car. These features include anything from a sound-based alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that monitor the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
As an owner of a vehicle, it is your obligation to report any attempted or actual theft. Your police department will be able to help you by providing you with information on the steps to take next. They could also give advice on protecting your vehicle in the future, for instance, installing an electronic lock on your wheel. They will also be able to provide you with an identification number for the crime, which will help you when reaching out to your insurance.
When you report a car that has been stolen, it's important to be as detailed as you can. Make sure that all the information you provide to the police and your insurance company are the same. This will increase the likelihood of your car being returned or recovered.
You must be ready to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number as well as the year, make, and model of your vehicle, in addition to any other distinguishing features. Include any details about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other anti-theft technology.
Another important piece of information is the personal belongings which were in the vehicle at the time of theft. It could be a wallet, purse or any other item that might contain personal information. It's important to notify the credit card companies, your bank, and any other company which could be involved if an item is stolen from your car.
If your personal property is stolen, you must be in touch with your homeowners' or renters' insurance. This is because these items are usually covered under the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
There is no way to avoid the possibility of a car burglary, however you can reduce your risk by getting rid of valuables from your vehicle, locking the doors, and rolling up windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your vehicle, and to check your insurance policy each year to ensure that you have sufficient coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance your insurance provider will pay for the loss of your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance won't cover car thefts. Make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy prior to lending your vehicle.
3. Do not attempt to look for your vehicle alone
As a vehicle owner, you are responsible to ensure the security of your property. That is why it's important to keep your vehicle secured, even when you're not there. It's important to lock your car each when you leave, and to open the windows fully up. Additionally, it's always recommended to not leave your keys in your car, or anywhere else that could be a target for criminals.
One of the most frequent reasons for car thefts is that people keep an extra key in the vicinity or in the vehicle. This is a simple error that can have grave consequences especially in the current world.
Modern thieves are stepping beyond the hotwiring techniques you've seen in action films and are employing more sophisticated tactics to steal vehicles. This is what's known as a relay attack which is where two thieves employ an electronic device to detect the signal from the owner's key fob. They then unlock the vehicle and drive it away.
The good news is that the police are now using more efficient technology to locate thieves who attempt to steal cars with keys inside. Some companies will install the device of tracking on your vehicle that will send the location of your car to the police. This can reduce the likelihood and frequency of theft.
In addition to a device for tracking, you may want read more to consider installing an immobilizer on your car to prevent it from being started. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You can also determine if someone has tried to start the vehicle by contacting the police.
You should never look for your vehicle in the event that you decide to locate it down. This can lead to more damage, or even the theft of personal belongings from your vehicle. You should instead contact your insurance company and inform them that the car was stolen with the keys inside. You should also tell them about any personal possessions inside the car at the moment of theft, such as mail or a purse containing credit cards or cash, office badges or other form of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy (which typically covers a wide range of situations such as theft) it is essential to contact your insurer and make an insurance claim as soon as possible. This will allow them to begin the investigation and ensure that you are protected in case your car is damaged or destroyed.
You must provide your insurance with as much information about your vehicle as you can recall including the year the make, model, and year and the license plate number as well as the VIN (vehicle ID number), and where you last saw it. It is also helpful to include details about the circumstances of the theft and what time of the day it occurred, and if there was any snow or rain. If you're unsure about any of these details, you can ask police to look up the information.
In some instances it is required to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the criminal from being able to use your vehicle in any manner that can violate the law or cause damage to another property.
If you contact your insurance company, you'll need to have the police report in hand so that they can begin the investigation. You should also be prepared to provide any additional information requested by your insurance company.
Make sure to note any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle, as they could be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the location you live in). Additionally, you should notify your leasing or finance company that the vehicle was reported stolen.
Even though this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is crucial to remain at peace and act swiftly. These tips will help you do this, and hopefully result in your vehicle getting back safe and sound to you. If you do have to make a claim for a stolen car with keys in it the best thing you can do is consult an independent insurance agent who will guide you through the process and provide you with discounts to make the process as easy as it can be.