15 Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Benefits That Everyone Should Be Able To
15 Car Got Stolen With Keys In It Benefits That Everyone Should Be Able To
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. It is important to act immediately.
The longer you put off, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and can be very difficult. This is why it's essential to remain in a calm state and think rationally. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have placed them. You should also take a walk back through the day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached into your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
Call the police if you are unable to find them. It is essential to inform the police about the loss of your car keys as soon as possible, as this will help the police find the keys and stop anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the car theft is also important. They will then assist you to get a new set.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a stolen car with keys inside, but the terms and conditions differ. Some companies do not cover personal items in the car. Make sure to check with your renters insurance or home insurance the insurance company.
If your car is leased or financed, you must call the leasing or financing company, too. They should also report the incident to the police. This will protect them from being held accountable for the vehicle should it be stolen, and it may also aid in speeding the process of obtaining the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to deter thieves. These could include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or a car alarm. These devices will usually cost a more to install however they could save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and not leave it parked in a dangerous area.
Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but know it has been stolen. They will give you the crime reference number that is vital in tracking 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, including the make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document on your phone or an application). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches or marks, please give that information too.
After you've filed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you can. This will accelerate the process and you may be protected from liability that is too high. If the thief drives your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held liable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Car thefts with keys left in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. In reality, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in losses annually.
It is recommended to secure your vehicle at all times and never display valuables. You should also close your windows all the way, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is especially important for keys that are in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or home insurance may cover the things that you have in your car, if they were insured under these policies. However, if you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft, so you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.
Find a spare key
In the past losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the dealer or automaker to get assistance.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're away from home. You could keep it in a drawer at home or in a box near the door. You could also give a spare key to a friend or neighbor that you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire if they can assist you. They'll likely be able disable the stolen key fob, so that it can't be used to start your car. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.
It is also possible to speak with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen vehicles with keys in them. This type of insurance is typically included in all auto policies, but it is best to review the specific policy for check here more details.
Another thing to do in the event that your car was stolen with keys in it is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims may even help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To avoid having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in the car for a short time. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in areas that are well-lit and secure and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back and forth by calling your agent directly rather than through an automated call center. Prepare to answer all questions. They will require you to provide information about your vehicle, including the year, make and model along with the color and license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other pertinent information. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as 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 car. If you only have liability insurance the car won't be protected. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners will typically cover the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft plus any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to submit an independent assessment of your vehicle so keep one on file or search for one online.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this time the insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the actual cash value of the car you lost (minus your deductible). If you are planning on buying a new vehicle, you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit claims.