Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is stolen with the keys inside, you'll need to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible depends on the policy type and limit.
You must take steps to stop your car from being taken. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A car is the largest investment you will make. It's best to take all available precautions to safeguard it. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase your chances of regaining your vehicle in the event of theft with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft system that includes the GPS tracking device. These systems make use of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service whenever the vehicle is moved. They also have the capability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which can help in recovering it.
Another method to protect yourself is to lock the doors and open the windows of your vehicle when it's parked, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their vehicles unlocked with keys in the ignition or elsewhere. A skilled burglar can gain access to the vehicle that is locked window that's only folded up 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 secluded areas and those with poor lighting, as they are more likely attract thieves.
You can stop thieves from entering your home by installing an anti-theft system with visible theft deterrents, such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These will make a would-be thief think twice about trying to break into your car, since they'll have to deal with the added burden of removing or avoiding the device.
Keep electronics and valuables hidden as possible in your car. Keep electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from view, or put them in the trunk. You should also note the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. You can then provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company if they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion per year. This problem is getting worse. In many cases keys are thrown away in vehicles when they are stolen. This can happen if you leave your car on to warm up, or even if you visit the store for a brief period of time. However, there are some things you can do to avoid this happening, such as taking important items from your vehicle or locking them out of sight.
It is also crucial to inform the police as soon as your vehicle is stolen. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers a better chance of catching the culprit and returning your vehicle. Also, it will help ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into national and state database of auto theft, which can prevent future title issues or ownership issues.
Contact your insurance company. They can tell you whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles that have the keys in the ignition. In the majority of instances, the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss when you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this coverage it might be worth looking into changing to a different insurance provider.
It's crucial to act quickly when filing a claim on stolen vehicles, with the keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long the insurance company may decline your claim. They could also ask you about why you left the car keys in it. They will conclude that you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
You should be aware of the possibility of identity theft if there are documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars, which may cause them to commit fraud. If this is the case, inform your financial institutions and monitor all of your accounts closely. It is also important to 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 tend to leave their car running while they're hurrying out of the door to make a quick run into the store or to get gas. Unfortunately, this could lead to your car being stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car unattended when you're not driving it. The best way to stop this from happening is to lock your car doors when you're not in it.
If you do leave your vehicle unattended, with the keys in the car, you'll want to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can. They may request you to provide information about the incident, such as where the car was left and the time of the theft. This will help the police locate your vehicle and, if they find it, recover it.
Some car insurers have online systems through which you can make a claim, but it's best to contact and speak with an agent. You can check here provide more information about the incident, and the back and forth could delay your claim. Your agent could request an official copy of the police report as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police with their investigation and help them determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is financed or leased, you'll need to inform your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from attempting to repossess or take back your vehicle. If your vehicle is reclaimed and has significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing it.
If you decide to file a claim for your car and it is not returned, the settlement can take up to 30 days. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will cover the cost of a car rental while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for more than five years and is often quoted in national media.
Check the condition of your vehicle
If a vehicle is stolen with keys inside, the first thing you have to ensure is that the vehicle was stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department will aid you in this.
You'll need to provide them the following details if you choose to do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The VIN is the number that identifies the vehicle. It is typically located in the door to the driver's side or on the windshield. The number seven is also placed on the headlights and the mirrors, making it even more difficult for anyone to change the vehicle's identity.
It is useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. It may be helpful to describe any personal items found in the vehicle at the time of theft.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, it will likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left keys inside it. However, if you're covered with Liability only insurance, then this might not be the situation.
Many people make the error of leaving their vehicles running with the key in the ignition while running errands or getting ready for work early in the morning. This is an ideal situation for disaster since it only takes an opportunistic criminal a few seconds to hop into your vehicle and drive off.
The most frequent day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is Saturday, followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being 1st in the nation for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a prime victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is generally cheaper to purchase a new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is true especially if you own an electronic key fob or smart key, which can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will save you the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.