What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will protect your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act quickly.
The longer you wait the more likely it is that your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a frightening moment when you get to your car and realise you're unable to locate your keys. It can be a disaster and be frustrating. It is essential to be calm and rational. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. You should also go back through your day and see if you've set them down somewhere or went inside your bag to retrieve your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.
If you're unable to locate them, it's time to call the police. It's essential to inform the police about the loss of your car keys immediately to aid the police in finding the keys and hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They can then help you obtain a new set.
You should always verify the insurance policy to see whether it covers the car's loss. The majority of policies cover a stolen car with keys inside however the terms and conditions vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items inside the vehicle. Check with your renters insurance or home insurance insurer.
It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your vehicle is leased. They should also report the crime to the police. This will help them avoid being liable for the car in the event of theft and could aid in speeding the process of obtaining the vehicle back.
You should also think about installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. This could include the lock on your steering wheel and car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a little more to install, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in areas that are prone to danger.
Call the police
Contact the police if cannot find your car but are aware that it was stolen. They will give you a crime reference number which is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You will need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number along with the VIN that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this could be either a physical document or an app on your smartphone). If you have any other information regarding where and when you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed add-ons or distinguishing scratches and marks, you must give that information too.
Once you have completed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. This will speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because, if the thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle, you could be 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. In fact, 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 vehicle and never put valuables in plain view. It is also recommended to roll your windows up to the maximum, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.
Another important thing to remember is that your renters or homeowner's insurance could cover the possessions you had in your vehicle in the event that they were covered by those policies. If you had electronics in your car it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.
It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts with care when you have personal documents in your vehicle like paycheck stubs and receipts. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.
Find a spare key
Losing your car keys was not a big problem in the past. 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 on a stolen vehicle without going to the dealer or manufacturer for assistance.
If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a key box close to the door. Or, you could give the spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Once you have a spare key, the next step is to call your dealer to see if they can help. They'll probably be able to deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your car. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the model and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover things like keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however you must check your policy for specific information.
Another option to take should your car be stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. This is especially crucial when your vehicle car stolen with keys in it is being financed or leased because the lender must be aware of the incident. Insurance claims can assist you in getting a new key or replace your lost one.
Even if you are just taking a few seconds it is important to lock your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to get into it. Some examples include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or the title.
Contact your insurance company
After you've completed a police report You should call your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online services which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of contacting a call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will request information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number, as well as where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with extra features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have coverage that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered regardless of whether keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. This is why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.
Typically, your insurance will pay for the cash value of your stolen vehicle which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be required to provide a third-party assessment of your car, so keep one on file or find one online.
After the claim has been processed, you could be granted a waiting period. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is found, you will be compensated for the car (minus your deductible).
If you're fortunate your car will be found and returned to you within the waiting period. If it isn't then you will be compensated for the cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). You can use the funds to purchase a new vehicle in the event that you decide to. Be aware, however that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise your premiums. If you aren't sure if you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.