7 Tricks To Help Make The Most Of Your Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
7 Tricks To Help Make The Most Of Your Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you wait longer, the more likely that your claim will be denied. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also extremely difficult. It is essential to be calm and rational. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. Also, revisit your day. Maybe you dropped them in a place or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, but knocked out your keys.
Contact the police if you cannot find them. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to your car to police as soon as you can will assist in locating the keys and stop anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. They will assist you get a new set.
Always examine your insurance policy to determine if it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the car therefore you must check with your landlord or home insurance company.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, you must contact the leasing or financing company as well. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It may also accelerate the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. They could include the lock on your steering wheel or car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices typically cost a bit more to install however, they can save you money over the long term by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in a dangerous area.
Call the police
If you can't find your car and you suspect it's stolen, the first thing to do is call the police. They will give you a crime reference number which is essential in keeping track of the progress of the investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later on.
You will be required to provide a thorough description of your car, including the make/model, color and the license plate number as well as the VIN which is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app for your smartphone). If you have other information regarding where and when you last saw it, such as distinctive features like large dents or custom add-ons or distinguishing scratches or marks, please give that information too.
If you've completed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from excessive liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held accountable, based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times, and to never display valuables. You should also close the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your car running while unattended and especially with keys in it.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or home insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle, if they were insured under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts with care if you have any personal documents in your car, such as paycheck receipts and stubs. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Find an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could bring them to your local key maker and have them duplicated at an cheap cost. Many cars now have high-tech security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without contacting the dealer or automaker for assistance.
If you have a spare key the first step is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're away from home. You could keep it in a drawer within your home or in a box close to the door. You could also give a spare key to a neighbor or friend that you are confident in.
If you have a spare key the next step is to call your dealership to inquire if they can help. The dealership will likely be able to disable the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your car. This is a simple procedure, but it will depend on the specific model and year of your vehicle.
You may also want to contact your insurance company to inquire about comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage, but you should check your policy for specific details.
Another thing to do should your car be stolen with keys inside is to submit a claim to the police. It is important to inform the lender that you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.
To avoid having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for a few seconds. It is also recommended to put in antitheft systems to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company right away. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Try to contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this time sensitive situation. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide information regarding your vehicle, including the year, model, color license plate number, color and the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will get more info be covered regardless of whether the keys were left in it. However, if you only have liability insurance, your car is not covered. This is the reason why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will cover the cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of the theft, less any applicable deductible. You will most likely be asked to submit a third-party assessment of your car so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed, you could be given a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this time the insurer will be looking for the vehicle. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). If you're planning on buying a new car then you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should make claims.