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 type of policy.
However, you should take precautions to prevent having your car stolen in the first place. Here are a few suggestions:
Preventive measures
A car is among the largest investments you will ever make. It is crucial to take every precaution to protect your vehicle. By taking preventive measures, you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase the chances of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft device which includes an GPS tracking device. These systems incorporate GPS and wireless technology to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They can also track the vehicle that is damaged or missing, which is helpful in recovering it.
Even if you're just going to be away for a short period of time, locking the doors and lowering the windows is an additional security measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their vehicles unlocked with their keys in the ignition or somewhere else. A skilled thief is able to open 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 places are often monitored and have security staff. You should also avoid the dark and unlit areas, as they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can deter thieves in addition to installing an anti-theft system with visible theft deterrents such as a steering-wheel lock or alarm stickers. These devices can make potential thieves think twice about trying to break into your vehicle and will need to remove or bypass the device.
Hide valuables and electronics as much as you can in your car. Items like chargers for mobile phones or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of sight or stored in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. If they ever are discovered, you can give this information to your insurance company as well as the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen, and theft of vehicles is a major expense, costing Americans around $8 billion annually. In many cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and it's a problem that's getting worse. It could happen when you leave your vehicle running to warm up or even if you're heading into the store for a short time. But there are ways to stop this from happening, such as removing valuable items from your car or keeping them hidden from view.
It is also crucial to inform the police as soon as your vehicle is stolen. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers the best chance of catching the perpetrator and restitution for your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is registered into national and state database of auto theft and will help prevent any future ownership issues or title issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. You can inquire whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely reimburse you for the loss. If you don't have this insurance you might want to thinking about switching to a different insurer.
When you file an insurance claim against a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, it's important to act swiftly. If you wait too long, the insurance company may refuse to pay or ask your motives for having left the keys in the car. They will conclude that you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
You should be aware that documents like your insurance card or registration could lead to identity theft. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their car which could lead to fraudulent transactions. If this is the case, you should inform your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts in detail. Also, you should inform the police and your insurance company if your vehicle was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
A lot of people tend to leave their vehicle running when they rush out the door to make a quick run to the store or purchase gas. Unfortunately, this could result in your vehicle being stolen. This is the reason you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not driving it. To avoid this, secure your car's doors when you are not in the car.
If you do leave your vehicle in the garage unattended with keys inside, you'll want to inform your insurance company as soon as you can. They may request you to provide information about the incident, including the location where the vehicle was abandoned and the date of the theft. It is crucial to do this so police can locate your car and hopefully recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems through which you can make an insurance claim, however it is recommended to call and speak with an agent. This will enable you to provide more detailed information about the incident and will car keys stolen no spare reduce the amount of back-and-forth that can delay your claim. Your agent could request a copy the police report as well as the list of valuables that are in your vehicle. This will assist 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 if you own a loaned or lease vehicle. This will stop them from attempting to repossess or reclaim your car. If your car is discovered with significant damage your comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repair.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to file an insurance claim, it may take up to 30 days before you receive an amount. Make sure to check your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage to cover the cost of a car rental while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property casualty insurer is an expert in the field. He has studied the insurance market for more than five years and is often quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
The first thing you need to do when you discover that a vehicle has been taken with the keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department number in your local area.
If you do then you should give them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number is typically located on the driver's door or near to the windshield. The seven digits in the last seven of the VIN are also engraved onto the headlights and mirrors to make it even harder for anyone who tries to alter the identity of the vehicle.
It is helpful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle when it was taken can be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or Specific Perils, it will likely cover theft of the vehicle regardless of whether you left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make the mistake of leaving their cars running with the key in the ignition while running errands or getting ready to leave for work early in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, since it only takes only a few seconds to get in your car and drive off.
The most frequent day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is Saturday followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the country for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing can be an inviting victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is generally cheaper to purchase a new set of keys rather than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true in the case of an electronic key fob, or smart key, which can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will spare you the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.