Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is stolen with the keys inside, you'll have to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and the kind of policy.
However, it is important to take precautions to prevent having your car stolen in the first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is the largest investment you can make. It is crucial to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Preventive measures can lower the chance of theft and increase the chances that you recover your car if it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device that includes an GPS tracking device. These systems combine GPS and wireless technology to allow you to keep an eye on your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the car is moved. They can also track vehicles that are damaged or missing which can be helpful in recovering it.
Another preventive measure is to lock the doors and roll up the windows of your car when it's parked even if you're only going to be away for a short period of time. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked with keys in the ignition or elsewhere. A skilled burglar can gain access to an unlocked car through a window that's only rolled up an inch or two.
Parking in secured parking garages and lots is a great way to deter thieves since these areas are usually monitored and have security staff. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and with poor lighting, since these are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system, you can also discourage thieves by using visible theft deterrents such as a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. They can make a potential burglar think twice before entering your vehicle because they'll have deal with the added difficulty of removing or bypassing the device.
Make sure to hide electronics and valuables as much as you can in your car. Items like mobile phone chargers, navigation equipment, and electronic cords should be kept out of view or stored in the trunk. It is also a good idea to note the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in the event that they are stolen. If they're ever found, you can provide this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and car theft costs Americans $8 billion per year. In many cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and it's an issue that's becoming more prevalent. It could happen if you leave your car running to warm it up or if you're just going to the grocery store for a few minutes. You can prevent this by getting your valuables out of the car and locking them away.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle has been stolen is also crucial. This gives the police a greater chance to catch the criminal and return your vehicle. Also, it can help ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into national and state auto theft databases, which can prevent future title or ownership issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles that have the keys in the ignition. In most cases, the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss in the event that you have a comprehensive insurance. If you do not have this coverage, switching to another insurer may be worth it.
If you are filing a claim for a vehicle that was stolen with keys in the ignition, you need to act quickly. If you wait too much the insurance company could decline your claim. They might also ask you about why you left the keys of your car inside. They believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
It is important to be aware that documents like your registration or insurance card can be used to commit identity theft. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their car which could result in fraudulent transactions. If this is the case, you should notify your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts carefully. Also, you should inform the police and your insurance company if your vehicle has been recovered so they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people have a tendency to leave their vehicle running when they're rushing out of the door to get to the grocery store or take gas. Unfortunately, this can result in your car being stolen. This is why you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not driving it. To prevent this, lock your vehicle's doors when you're not in the car.
If you do happen to leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the car, you'll want to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. They may ask you to provide specific details regarding the incident, including the location where the vehicle was abandoned and the time of the theft. It's important that you do this so the police can track your vehicle and hopefully find it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems where you can submit an insurance claim, however it is best to call and speak to an agent. This will allow you to provide more precise information about the incident and cut down on the amount of back-and-forth that can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy the police report and an inventory of all the valuables in your car. This will help the police with their investigation and help determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or finance company if you have a financed or leased vehicle. This will stop them from trying to repossess your car or claiming it. If your car is found and has significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance will pay for the repair it.
If you decide to file a claim against your car and it is not returned the settlement can take up to thirty days. Make sure to check your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage to pay for a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance and the Head of MoneyGeek's Insurance. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is check here frequently quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your vehicle has been taken with keys inside is to confirm that it was actually stolen. Contacting the non-emergency number for the police department in your area can aid you in this.
You'll have to provide them the following information if you do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number is typically located on the driver's door or near to the windshield. The last seven digits of the VIN are also engraved onto the mirrors and headlights in order to make it harder for anyone who tries to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It is useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. It may be useful to list any personal items that were in the vehicle at the time of theft.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specific Perils coverage, it will likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. However, if you have Liability only insurance, then this may not be the case.
Many people make the error of running their cars with the ignition on while running errands or getting ready for work early in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster because it only takes a shrewd criminal a few seconds to hop into your vehicle and leave.
The most popular day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is on Saturday followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being 1st in the country for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing can be an inviting victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to file an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true in the case of an electronic key fob or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you will avoid dealing with the insurance company in the future.