What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered even if lose the keys to your car. However, it's important to act quickly.
The longer you put off longer, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you get to your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can ruin your day, and can be very difficult. This is why it's important to stay calm and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked everything - in your pocket bags, bags, and any other places you could have put them. Also, walk back through your day and see if you've set them down somewhere or reached in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
If you can't find them, you need to call the police. It is essential to notify the police of the loss of your keys to your car immediately in order to assist the police in locating them and could hinder someone from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. This way, they can help you get a new set of keys.
You should always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a car that has been stolen with the keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your home or renters insurance provider.
If the car you are leasing or financed, you must contact the leasing or financing company as well. They'll also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect them from being liable for the car in the event of theft and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle can also deter thieves. These could include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These are more expensive to set up, but will save you money by protecting you from theft. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good condition and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect it's stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. 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 will have to provide a complete description of your vehicle including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number as well as the VIN which is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be a physical document or an app for your phone). If you have additional information regarding where and when you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please provide that too.
After you've filed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you can. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held liable based on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in an annual loss of over $8 billion.
It is best to lock your car at all times and never display valuables. It is also recommended to close the windows completely and ensure that you do not leave your car running while unattended and especially with keys inside.
Another aspect to be aware of is that your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle If they were insured by those policies. However, if you had electronics in your car the chances are they won't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts closely when you have personal documents in your vehicle such as pay receipts and stubs. You should alert your bank as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an inexpensive price. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the automaker or dealer for assistance.
If you have an extra key, you must keep it in a location that is secure and easy to access when you are at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a box near the door. Or, you might give an extra key to a friend or neighbor who you are confident in.
Contact your dealership and inquire if they can assist you. The dealership will probably be able to deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the make and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things such as keys left in stolen cars. This type of insurance is typically covered in the majority of auto policies, but it is best to review your specific policy for more information.
Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you own a car that is financed or leased. You may be able to obtain an additional set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones via the insurance claim.
Even if you're just stepping out for just a few seconds it is recommended to lock your vehicle's doors to prevent it from being stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've filed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies offer online systems which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid delays and back-and-forth in this time sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. They will ask you to provide details regarding your car, such as the year, model and year of the vehicle along with the color and license plate number and the location and when it was taken and any other relevant details. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any extra features, such as a GPS system or get more info other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if keys are left in the vehicle. However, if you only have liability insurance, the car will not be covered. This is the reason that you must have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your vehicle which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. You may be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your car, so you should keep a copy in your file or search for it online.
Once the claim is approved and the claim is approved, you will be granted an opportunity to wait for a period of time, which will vary by insurer. During this period your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. If you are planning on purchasing a new car then you can use this cash to purchase it. Be aware, however that any claims filed on your policy could increase your premiums. Contact your agent if you're not sure whether you should submit an claim.