If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered even if keys are still in the vehicle. However the insurance company will conduct a fraud investigation to see whether you were negligent in causing the theft.
The most effective thing to do is file a claim as soon as you are aware that your vehicle has been stolen. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim being rejected or the subject of a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
If your car was stolen with keys in it the most important thing is to remain calm and avoid make a poor decision that could only exacerbate the situation. The first thing to do is contact the police. As soon as you call the police, give them as much information about your vehicle as you can, including the make, model and license plate number. You should also inform them of any valuables in the vehicle, such as a laptop, identification badges for work or other personal items.
The police can give you the most accurate information about the vehicle that was stolen and what they are planning to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle or catch the thieves.
Many people forget to close their windows or lock their car, especially when they are in a rush or have children with. It may seem silly but it's a simple mistake to make and can have disastrous consequences. In these instances thieves can simply climb into the driver's seat and drive away as if it were their own vehicle. If no one knows that it's not their vehicle, thieves can travel for a long period of time before being stopped by police.
Another common error that is easily made is to put keys in the ignition or a spare key buried on your property or person. This is risky since it makes it easier to start the car and get away with. People often do this when they enter to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a short period of time while they are in the shop. Other mistakes that are common include running the car while it is warming up or hurrying into a gas station in order to pay for fuel.
It is essential to be aware of these mistakes and take proactive measures in order to prevent them in the future. This can be done in a number of ways, from installing an alarm system to parking in well-lit areas. In addition, certain automakers offer security features that can discourage thieves or stop them from getting the car started. These range from a simple audible alarm to more sophisticated devices that use GPS technology to locate the vehicle.
2. Call the police
As a car owner, it's your obligation to report any attempted or actual theft. The police department can assist you by providing you with advice on what to do next. They can also offer you advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, like installing a wheellock. They will also be able to provide you with an identification number for the crime, which will assist you when making contact with your insurance company.
It is essential to provide as many details as you can when submitting a report of the theft of a vehicle. Make sure to provide the same details to your insurance company as well as the police. This increases the chances of your car being returned or retrieved.
You should be prepared to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number, the year, make and model of your vehicle, in addition to any other distinguishing features. If your vehicle has an GPS tracking device, or other anti-theft technology, be sure to include that information as well.
A second aspect important is the presence of any personal belongings in the vehicle at the time the theft occurred. It could be a wallet, purse or any other item that might contain personal information. It's recommended to notify banks, credit card companies and other companies that could be involved in the event of a stolen item in your car.
If your personal property is stolen, you should be in touch with your homeowners' or renters' insurance. This is because these possessions are typically covered by the personal property section in these policies, while auto insurance will only cover the damage to your vehicle.
There is no way to avoid an auto burglary, but you can minimize the risk by removing valuables from your car by locking the doors and putting up windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set keys somewhere else than your vehicle. Also, you should review your insurance policy annually to ensure you have enough coverage.
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy the insurance company will pay for the loss of your car with the exception of any deductible applicable. Liability insurance doesn't cover theft of cars therefore, make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy before lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Don't Try to Search for Your Vehicle Alone
As a car owner, you have a responsibility to safeguard your property. It is essential to secure your vehicle, even when you're not in the vehicle. It is essential to lock your car each when you leave, and to open the windows fully up. Additionally, it's always recommended to keep your keys in your car, or anywhere else that could be a target for criminals.
One of the main reasons for car thefts is when people forget to leave keys that are not used in the vehicle. This is a simple error that can have grave consequences especially in the current world.
Modern thieves have advanced beyond the traditional hotwiring methods you'd observe in a action film, and are using more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This is a type of attack known as a relay attack which is where two thieves use an electronic device to record the signal from the owner's key fob and then unlock the car and take it away.
The good news is that police are now beginning to use more efficient technology to identify thieves who are trying to steal vehicles with their keys inside. Some companies will install an electronic device to track your vehicle which can transmit the exact location of your vehicle to the police. This could help reduce the number of thefts, and increase the chances of being found.
In addition to a device for tracking You may also want to consider installing an immobilizer in your car to prevent it from starting. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can more info also determine whether someone tried to start the vehicle by contacting the police.
If you decide to search for the vehicle that was stolen do not attempt to search it by yourself. This could result in more damage and possibly the theft of your personal belongings from your vehicle. Instead, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as possible and let them know that your vehicle has been stolen with keys in it. Also, inform them of any personal possessions that were inside the vehicle at the time of the theft, like mail, a purse or wallet that contains your credit cards or cash or office badges, other forms of identification, and any medication or other medical equipment that was in the vehicle.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy (which typically covers a wide range of situations, including theft) it is essential to contact your insurance company and make a claim as quickly as you can. This will enable them to begin the investigation and ensure that you are protected in the event that your vehicle is damaged or stolen.
You must provide your insurance with as many details about your vehicle as you can recall including the year the make, model, and year and the license plate number, the VIN (vehicle ID number) and the location you last saw it. It is also helpful to provide information on the manner in which the theft occurred, what time of day it was, and if there was any snow or rain. If you're unsure about any of these information, you can ask police to check the records.
In certain situations, it could also be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will help prevent the criminal from utilizing your vehicle in any manner that can violate the law or cause damage to another' property.
When you call your insurance company, you'll be required to bring the police report in hand so that they can begin the investigation. You should also be ready to provide any other details required by your insurance agent.
Make sure to note any personal items you have stolen with your vehicle, as they may be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance (depending on the area you reside in). Additionally, you should notify your finance or leasing company to inform them that the vehicle was reported stolen.
Although this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is important to stay calm and take action quickly. These suggestions will help you accomplish this and may help you get your vehicle back in good condition. If you are required to make a claim on keys stolen from a vehicle in it the best thing you can do is consult an independent insurance agent who will guide you through the process and find you discounts to make the whole process as easy as it can be.