15 Best Documentaries On Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in ItIf you have insurance that is comprehensive for your vehicle it will protect your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. However, it's important to act quickly.
The more time passes the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you head out to your car only to discover that you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and cause frustration. This is why it's essential to stay in a calm state and think rationally. Check your pockets, bags and other places you may have put them. You should also go back and review your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere, or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but then threw out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to contact the police. It's essential to inform the police about the loss of your keys to your car immediately in order to help the police find them and could stop anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company of the car theft is also important. This way, they can help you obtain a new set of keys.
You should always verify the insurance policy to determine whether it covers your loss of your vehicle. The majority of policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys inside however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings inside the vehicle and you should confirm this with your renters or home insurance company.
If your car is leased or financed, you must contact the leasing or financing company, too. They will also want to inform the police. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It could also accelerate the process to get the vehicle back.
Installing anti-theft gadgets on your vehicle can also discourage thieves. They could include a steering wheel lock, car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These gadgets are more expensive to install but can save you money by protecting you from theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good shape and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Contact the police
If you are unable to locate your car and you suspect it's been stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. You will receive an identification number that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give an accurate description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an app). If you have other information regarding where and when you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches or marks, please provide that too.
After you've filed a police report It is essential to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. This will speed up the process, and protect you from a high risk of liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held accountable, based on your state laws and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in an annual loss of over $8 billion.
The best way to prevent this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also close your windows to the maximum and be sure to not leave the car running in the dark. This is particularly true if you have keys in the car.
If you have renters or home' insurance, it may cover the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If, however, you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. It is essential to notify your bank as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
The loss of your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost through your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without going to the automaker or dealer for help.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to keep it in a place that is safe and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a keybox near the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or friend that you trust.
If you have an extra key, the next step is to call your dealership to inquire if they can help. They'll probably be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the make and year of your car.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage however, you should verify the policy for specific details.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you should also file a police claim. This is particularly important when your vehicle is being financed or leased because the lender needs to be aware of the incident. Insurance claims may even help you obtain a replacement key or replace the one you lost.
Even if you are just stepping out for only a few minutes it is important to secure your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.
Contact your insurance company
If you have made a police complaint and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies have online systems that make the process very easy and fast. Try to contact your agent directly instead of an operator in a call center to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this time sensitive situation. more info 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 as well as the color and license plate number and the location and when it was stolen and any other pertinent information. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like an GPS system or any other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are not left in the vehicle. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be covered. It is for this reason that you must have comprehensive coverage on your car.
The insurance policy for your car will typically cover the actual value of your vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the time of theft plus any applicable deductible. You will likely be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, so you must keep one in your files or search on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed, you will be given an amount of time to wait that will differ by insurer. During this time your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. If it is, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be able to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it's not the case, you will be refunded for the actual value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). If you're thinking of buying a new vehicle then you can use this cash to purchase it. Keep in mind, though that any claims you make on your policy will raise your rates. If you aren't sure whether you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and get their opinion.