Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with keys inside, you'll need to submit a claim for comprehensive coverage. The deductible is contingent on the type of policy and the amount.
However, it is important to take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your vehicle stolen in first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures to take
A car is among the largest investments you will ever make. It is advisable to take every precaution to protect it. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of theft and increase your chances of return your vehicle in the event of theft with the keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft system that comes with the GPS tracking device. These systems use a combination of GPS and wireless technologies that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring company whenever the car is moved. They are also able to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can help in recovering it.
Another way to prevent theft is to lock the doors and close the windows of your vehicle when it's parked, even if you are only away for a few minutes. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars 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 by an inch or two.
Parking in secured parking garages and lots is a great way to deter thieves, as these places are often monitored and have security personnel. It is also recommended to avoid areas that are the dark and unlit areas because they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft device and a security system, you can also deter thieves with visible deterrents to theft, like a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. These devices can make potential thieves think twice about breaking into your car, as they'll require removing or bypassing the device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, put them in the most secure place possible. Things like chargers for mobile phones as well as navigation equipment and electronic cords should be kept out of sight or stored in the trunk. It is also important to record the serial number of any expensive gadgets or equipment in case it is stolen. You can then provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company in the event that they ever find them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and car theft costs Americans $8 billion per year. In many cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and this is a problem that's getting worse. It could happen if you leave your car running to warm it up or if you're just going to the shop for a few minutes. You can avoid this by removing valuables from your car and locking them away.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle is stolen is also crucial. By doing this, you give law enforcement officers a better chance of catching the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. It can also help ensure that your vehicle is entered into the auto-theft databases of the state and national databases, which could help prevent future ownership or title issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can inquire if your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. In most instances, the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss if you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this coverage, it may be worth thinking about changing to a different insurance provider.
When you file an insurance claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, you need to act fast. If you wait too long, the insurance company may reject your claim or inquire with your motives for having left the keys in your car. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should be aware of the possibility of identity theft if you keep documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep receipts or paychecks in their cars, which may make them vulnerable to fraud. If this is the case, notify your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts in detail. If your car is found, you should also notify the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and bring charges against the perpetrator.
Notifying your insurance provider
A lot of people tend to let their car run when they rush out the door to make a quick run to the grocery store or purchase gas. Unfortunately, this could result in your car being stolen. This is the reason you should never leave your vehicle unattended when you're not using it. To prevent this, lock your vehicle's doors when you're not inside.
If you do happen to leave your vehicle unattended with the keys inside, you'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You might be here asked to provide specifics about the incident including the location of the vehicle and the date it was taken. This will assist the police locate your vehicle and may even recover it.
You can file a claim online with some car insurance companies, but it is best to speak to an agent. You can provide more details about the incident, and the back-andforth can delay your claim. Your agent may ask for an original copy of the police report, as well as a list of valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police with their investigation and determine if your items are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or finance company if you own a loaned or lease vehicle. This will stop them from trying to seize or take back your vehicle. If your car is discovered with significant damage your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of fixing it.
If you decide to file a claim against your car and it is not refunded the settlement could take up to thirty days. If you don't have a second vehicle to use in meantime, make sure to check your policy to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage which can provide a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property casualty insurer is an expert in the field. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Check the condition of your vehicle
If a vehicle is stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you have to do is ensure that the vehicle was stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department can assist you in this.
If you do this, you will want to send them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The VIN is the number that identifies the vehicle. It is usually located on the driver's door or in the vicinity of the windshield. The seven digits in the last seven of the VIN are also engraved on the mirrors and headlights to make it even harder for anyone who attempts to alter the identity of the vehicle.
Unique Features - If there is something that makes your car look different than others of the same type this could be helpful. A description of any personal items that were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen could be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or specified Perils coverage, this will likely cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. However, if you have Liability-only insurance, this might not be the situation.
Many people make the error of leaving their cars running with the key in the ignition while running errands or getting ready to work in the morning. This is a recipe of catastrophe, as it only takes only a few seconds to get into your car and drive away.
Saturday is the most frequent day to steal a car that has the keys in ignition followed by Friday and Monday. Colorado is the top state for car thefts. The act of letting your car puff could be a beckon for criminals.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be easily replaced at your local auto dealer for around a hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying the deductible and it will eliminate the stress of dealing with your insurance company in the future.