What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if lose the keys to your car. It is important to act quickly.

The longer it takes, the more likely your claim will be rejected or subjected to a fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

It's a scary moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can make your day miserable and be frustrating. This is why it's crucial to remain calm and think rationally. First, ensure that you've checked everything in your pockets bags, purses and any other places where you may have placed them. Also, take a walk back through the day - maybe you set them down somewhere, or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and then knocked your keys out of there.

If you are unable to locate them, you need to call the police. It is essential to report the loss of your keys to your car immediately to help the police find the keys and stop anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the car theft is also important. They will then assist you to obtain a new set.

You should always examine your insurance policy to see if it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with the keys inside, however the conditions and terms differ. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the car. Make sure to check with your home insurance or renters the insurance company.

If the car you are leasing or financed, you should contact the leasing or financing company as well. They will likely be required to report the theft to the police as well. This will keep 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 back.

It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include the locking of your steering wheel, car stolen with keys inside alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a little more to set up however they could save you money over the long term by preventing the theft of your vehicle. It is important to keep your vehicle in good repair and not leave it in a dangerous area.

Call the police

Call the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but know it has been taken. You will be given an identification number that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.

You'll need to provide an exact description of the vehicle, including make/model and color along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper document that you carry around on your phone, or an application). If you have additional information about where and when you last saw it like distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed add-ons, or distinct scratches and marks, you must include that information as well.

It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held liable based on your state's 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 in loss annually.

The best way to avoid this is to always secure your vehicle and never put valuables in plain view. You should also roll your windows up all the way, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is especially true when you have keys in the car.

Another aspect to be aware of is that your home or renters insurance may cover the things that you have in your car keys stolen from unlocked house (g28-car-keys14338.Blog-mall.com) If they were insured under these policies. If, however, you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.

It's also important to monitor your financial accounts with care If you have personal documents in your vehicle, such as paycheck receipts and stubs. They could be used to commit identity theft, so you'll need to inform your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.

Find a spare key

The loss of your car keys was not a huge problem in the past. You could have them duplicated at a minimal cost by your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of a stolen vehicle without going to the automaker or dealer for help.

If you have an additional key, you must put it in a place that is secure and easy to reach when you are at home. For instance, you might keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a key box near the door. You could also give a spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.

Call your dealership and ask whether they can assist you. The dealership will probably be able deactivate the key fob, preventing it from being used to start your car. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of your my car was stolen with the keys in it.

It is also possible to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen car keys cars with keys inside. Most auto policies include this type of coverage however, you should verify the policy for specific details.

If your car stolen with keys was taken with keys inside, you should also file a police complaint. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have a financed or leased car. You may even be able to receive an additional set of keys or replacements for lost ones through the insurance claim.

Even if you are just stepping out for only a few minutes it is important to close the doors of your car to prevent it from being stolen in the future. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.

Contact your insurance company

If you have completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company right away. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process simple and quick. Avoid delays and back and forth by calling your agent directly rather than through the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. They will request information about your car, including the year, model and year of the vehicle, the color and its license plate number and the location and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are not left in the car. However, if you only have liability insurance, the my car keys got stolen is not covered. This is the reason that you must have a full coverage on your vehicle.

Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the moment of the theft, less any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle and keep it on file or find one online.

Once the claim has been completed, you might be notified of a waiting time. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time your insurance company will be searching for the vehicle to be recovered. If it is, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).

If you're fortunate your vehicle will be located and returned to you within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the funds to buy a new car should you choose to. Remember, however that any claims you make to your insurance policy could raise the cost of your insurance. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether or not you should file claims.