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

If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if you leave the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.

The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.

Don't panic

When you're trying to enter your car and can't locate your keys, it's a terrifying moment. It can ruin your day, and it can also be extremely frustrating. It's important to remain calm and rational. First, ensure that you've checked everywhere - in your pocket bags, purses and other places where you may have placed them. Also, walk back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached inside your bag to retrieve your phone and then knocked your keys out of there.

If you can't find them, it's time to contact the police. It is crucial to inform the police about the loss of your car keys as soon as you can in order to help the police find them and may hinder the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. They will then assist you to get a new set.

Check your policy to see whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover a car that has been stolen with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal items inside the car. Make sure to check with your renters or home insurance insurer.

If your vehicle is leased or financed, it is best to call the leasing or financing company, too. They'll also want to inform the police. This will protect them from being liable for the car if it's stolen and could help speed up the process of getting the vehicle back.

You should also think about installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. These can include a steering wheel lock or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a bit more to install however they could save you money in the end by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to keep your car in good condition and to not leave it parked in areas that are risky.

Call the police

Contact the police if you are unable to locate your vehicle but are aware that it was stolen. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will assist you with your insurance claim in the future.

You'll have to provide a complete description of your vehicle including the make/model, color and the license plate number, as well as the VIN which can be found 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 about where and when you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom add-ons, or distinct scratches and marks, you must give that information too.

If you've made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurer as soon as possible. This will speed up the process and might even shield you from unnecessary liability. This is because should the burglar cause an accident while driving your vehicle and you are accountable based on your state laws and insurance coverage.

NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. In reality, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.

It is best to lock your car at all times and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also open your windows to the maximum and make sure you don't leave your car running when you are not there and especially with keys in it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your home or renters insurance might cover the items that you have in your car If they were insured by those policies. If you have electronic devices in your vehicle, this type of insurance is not likely to cover them.

It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts closely If you have personal documents in your car like paycheck receipts and stubs. It is essential to notify your bank immediately.

Get an click here extra key

The loss of your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a minimal cost from your local key maker. Many vehicles now have advanced security measures that make it difficult to replace the key of a stolen vehicle without asking the automaker or dealer for help.

If you have an additional key, it is best to keep it in a location that is secure and easily accessible when you are away from home. It could be kept in a drawer in your home or in a box close to the door. Or, you might give a spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.

Contact your dealer and ask whether they can assist you. They'll probably be able to deactivate the stolen key fob so that it can't be used to start your car. This is a simple procedure, but it will depend on the particular model and year of your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things such as keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. This type of coverage is usually included in most auto policies, but it's best to check the specific policy for more information.

Another thing to do if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. This is especially crucial if your car is financed or leased as the lender will need to be aware of the incident. You might even be able to receive an additional set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.

To prevent having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you must always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for a moment. Consider installing antitheft security devices in your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

Contact your insurance provider right away after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of contacting the call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They may also ask for other pertinent details such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle has any special features, such as an GPS system or any other security measures.

If you have comprehensive coverage, the car will be covered - regardless of whether keys were not put in the car. However, if you only have liability insurance, the car will not be covered. This is why it is important to always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.

Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the value of your vehicle. This is the market value at the time of theft and less any deductible that is applicable. You may be asked for a third-party evaluation of your car, so you should keep one in your file or search for it online.

Once the claim is processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted a waiting period, which will vary by insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle that is to be recovered. If it's found, you will be reimbursed for the vehicle (minus your deductible).

If you're fortunate your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the waiting period. If not, you will be compensated for the actual value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). If you're thinking of buying a new car, you can use this money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. If you aren't sure whether you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.