What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It's important to take action immediately.
The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a terrifying moment when you go to get your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin your day, and it's also really difficult. This is why it's essential to be calm and think rationally. First, make sure you've checked every place in your pockets, bags, and any other places you could have placed them. It is also advisable to look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you dropped them somewhere or reached in your pocket to pick up your phone, only to knock out your keys.
Call the police if you are unable to find them. It's essential to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can in order to aid the police in finding them and may stop someone from using your vehicle without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is important. This way, they will be able to help you get a new set of keys.
Check your policy to see if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the policies cover a car that is stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the vehicle, so you should check with your renters or home insurance company.
If your car is leased or financed, it is best to contact the financing or leasing company as well. They'll likely want to report the theft to the police as well. This will shield the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It can also speed up the process of getting the vehicle returned.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include the locking of your steering wheel and car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices typically cost a little bit more to install, but they can save you money over the long term by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good condition and avoid parking it in areas that are prone to danger.
Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been taken. You'll be provided with the crime reference number which is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later on.
You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, including the make/model and color as well as the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you can access on your phone or an app). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, such as where you last saw it, and when, as well as any distinctive features, such an enormous dent, or unique additions, or distinct scratches or marks.
It's important to notify your insurer as soon you submit a police complaint. This will help speed up the process and might even protect you from undue liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you could be held accountable based on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.
NICB data indicates that car thefts in which keys are left in the car are increasing. In fact, a car is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. Also, you should open your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is especially true when you have keys in the car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items you kept in your vehicle, if they were insured by those policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, and you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.
Get a spare key
The loss of your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost by your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of the vehicle that has been stolen without going to the dealer or manufacturer to seek assistance.
If you have an extra key, you should put it in a place that is safe and easily accessible when you are away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a keybox close to the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbor or friend that you are confident in.
If you have an extra key, the next step is to contact your dealer to see whether they can assist. The dealership will likely be able to disable the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the particular model and year of your vehicle.
You may also want to inquire with your insurance provider for comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys in them. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of insurance however, you should verify your policy for specific information.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen with keys in it is to make a claim with the police. This is particularly important in the event that your car is loaned or leased because the lender must know about the incident. You may be able to get a new set of keys or an alternative to your lost ones through the insurance claim.
To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a moment. It is also recommended to put in antitheft systems to make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle. This includes steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You should also park in areas that are well-lit and secure and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.
Contact your insurance company
After you have made a police complaint and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies offer online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of stolen car keys contacting the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year color, model license plate number, color and the make and model. They may also ask for other pertinent details, such as the location and date of the theft. They will also inquire if the vehicle has any additional features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are not left in the vehicle. If, however, you only have liability insurance, your car will not be paid for. This is why you should always ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
Your insurance policy for car owners typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the time of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked to submit an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or look it up on the internet for.
After the claim has been processed, you could be given a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If it's not, you will be compensated for the cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). You can use the money to buy a new car if you plan to. Be aware, however, that any claims made on your policy will raise your rates. If you're not sure if you should submit a claim, talk with your insurance agent and ask their advice.