Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is stolen with keys inside, you'll have to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and kind of policy.
You must take steps to prevent your car from being taken. Here are a few tips:
Preventive measures to take
A car is the largest investment you can make. It is crucial to take every precaution to protect your vehicle. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of theft and increase your chances to recover your car in the event of theft with the keys inside.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device which includes the GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technologies to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring company whenever the vehicle is moved. They also have the capability to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which could aid in locating it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a short time, locking the doors and lowering the windows is a good measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in their ignitions or in another location. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled burglar even in the case that the window is just rolled an inch or two.
Parking in secured parking garages and parking lots is a great strategy to deter thieves since these facilities are often monitored and have security staff. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and with poor lighting, since they are more likely to attract thieves.
You can discourage thieves by installing an anti-theft device by using visible theft deterrents, such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These devices will make a potential burglar think twice about entering your vehicle in the event that they have to take off or bypass the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to hide them as much as possible. Things such as chargers for mobile phones as well as navigation equipment and electronic cords should be kept out of sight or in the trunk. It's also a good idea to note the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in the event that they are stolen. You can provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a car is stolen and car theft is a major expense, costing Americans an estimated $8 billion per year. This problem is getting worse. In many instances keys are left in cars when they are stolen. This could happen if you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you just go to the store for a short period of time. You can prevent this from happening by removing valuables from your vehicle and locking them.
It's also important to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. This will provide law enforcement officers with an increased chance of locating the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle is included in the auto-theft databases of the state and national databases, which can prevent any future title or ownership issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance your insurer will likely compensate you for the loss. If you don't have this type of coverage, switching to another insurer may be worth it.
It's crucial to act quickly when claiming stolen vehicles, with the keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long the insurance company could reject your claim or inquire with you as to why you left the keys in the car. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware of the possibility of identity theft if you keep documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars which could lead to fraud. In this situation you must notify your financial institutions. Also, you should monitor your accounts closely. It is also important to inform the police and your insurance company if your vehicle was seized so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people leave their cars running as they hurry out of the house to go to the supermarket or the gas station. This can lead to your car being stolen. It is a bad idea to leave your car in the garage unattended when you're not driving. The best way to stop this from happening is to lock your vehicle doors whenever you're not in it.
You'll need to inform your insurance company right away when you leave your vehicle in a parking lot and you don't have keys. They may ask you to provide specific details regarding the incident, including where the car was left and the time of the theft. It's crucial to provide this information so that police can locate your vehicle and hopefully find it.
Some car insurance companies have online platforms where you can file a claim, but it's best to call and speak to an agent. This will enable you to provide more precise details about the incident and cut down on the amount of back and forth that can delay your claim. Your agent could request a copy the police report and a list of valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police in their investigation and will determine if your items are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company that you own a finance or leasing vehicle. This will stop them from trying to seize or claim your car. If your vehicle is discovered damaged, your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of fixing it.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to file an insurance claim, it could take up to get more info 30 days to receive an amount. If you don't have a second vehicle to use in meantime, make sure to check your policy to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage that could provide a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurer, is an expert in the field. He has been analyzing the insurance market for over five years and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
The first thing you must do when a car has been stolen with keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the number of the police department that is non-emergency in your local area.
You will need to give them the following details if you decide to do this:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually found in the driver's door or close to the windshield. The seven digits that make up the last seven are stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it even more difficult for anyone to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It is useful to note any distinctive features of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle when it was stolen could be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or specified Perils coverage, this will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you left your keys in it. If you only have liability insurance, this might not be the case.
Many people make this error while running for errands or getting ready to go to work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, since it only takes a few moments to jump in the car and drive away.
The most frequent day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being ranked first in the country for car thefts If you leave your vehicle blazing could be a prime target for opportunistic criminals.
It is usually cheaper to pay for a new set of keys than to file an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true if you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is easily replaced at your auto dealership for around a hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will eliminate the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.