What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. However, it's important to act swiftly.
The longer you delay, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
When you're trying to get into your car and cannot locate your keys it's an incredibly stressful moment. It can ruin your entire day, and it can also be really difficult. It is essential to be calm and rational. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. It is also advisable to look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but knocked out your keys.
If you are unable to locate them, you need to contact the police. It is crucial to report the loss of your car keys as soon as possible, as this will help the police find them and may hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company about the theft of your vehicle is important. They will assist you find a replacement.
It is advisable to verify the insurance policy to see if it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a car that was stolen with keys inside, but the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies don't cover personal belongings in the car therefore you must check with your home or renters insurance company.
If the car you are leasing or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company, too. They may be required to report the theft to the police, too. This will prevent them from being liable for the car if it's stolen and can assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.
You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include a steering wheel lock and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These are more expensive to install, but will save you money by preventing theft. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and to not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but know it has been stolen. You'll be provided with an identification number that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to give a detailed description of the vehicle, including make/model and color as well as the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document on your phone or an app). If you have additional details about the location and time you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing marks and scratches, please give that information too.
After you've completed a police report, it's crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held liable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise according to NICB data. In reality, a car is stolen with keys inside it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of losses annually.
The best way to prevent this is to always lock your car and never leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should roll your windows up all the way and be sure to not leave the car running in the dark. This is especially true for keys that are in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that website your home or renters insurance could cover the possessions you kept in your vehicle, if they were insured under those policies. If, however, you had electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft, and you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Find a spare key
A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost from your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to replace the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without contacting the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have an additional key, you must keep it in a location that is safe and easy to access when you are at home. It can be stored in a drawer at home or in a box near the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbour or friend that you are confident in.
Contact your dealer and ask if they can assist you. The dealership will probably be able deactivate 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 your particular model and year of vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will take care of things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically included in all insurance policies, but it is recommended to look over your specific policy for more information.
If your car was stolen with the keys inside, you must also file a police claim. This is especially important if your car is financed or leased because the lender will need to be aware of the incident. Insurance claims may even help you get a new key or replace your lost one.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't taken away with keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're 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. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or in the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you have completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Try to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Prepare to answer any questions. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year model, color, license plate number and the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also want to know if the car has any unique features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were left in it. If you only have liability coverage, the car won't be covered. It is for this reason that you should have a full coverage for your car.
Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, minus any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or search for one online.
After the claim has been completed, you might be granted a waiting period. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period your insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it is found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).
If you're lucky enough, you may be successful in getting your vehicle back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the funds to buy a new car if you plan to. Remember, however that any claims filed on your policy will raise your rates. Contact your agent if you're unsure whether or not you should file an claim.