Car Stolen With Keys Inside Tips From The Best In The Industry
Car Stolen With Keys Inside Tips From The Best In The Industry
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Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is broken into and the keys still inside, you'll have to make an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the type of policy and the limit.
You must take steps to protect your vehicle from being stolen. Here are some helpful tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is among the biggest investments you'll ever make. It is advisable to take all available precautions to safeguard it. Taking preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of theft and increase the odds of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft device that includes GPS tracking is among the most effective ways to ensure the safety of your vehicle. These systems use a combination of GPS and wireless technologies that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or monitoring services whenever the vehicle moves. They also have the capability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which could be helpful in recovering it.
Another preventive measure is to lock the doors and open the windows of your vehicle while it is parked, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in their ignitions or in another location. A skilled thief can open the vehicle that is locked window that's only folded up a few inches.
Parking in secure parking garages and lots is a great way to deter thieves, since these places are often monitored and have security staff. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and with poor lighting, as these are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft device, you can also discourage thieves by using visible deterrents to theft, like a steering lock or alarm decals. These devices will make potential thieves think twice about trying to break into your vehicle, as they'll require removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to put them in the most secure place possible. Keep electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational equipment out of sight, or put them in the trunk. It's also a good idea to note the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. If they ever are discovered, you can give this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen and theft of vehicles is a major expense, costing Americans approximately $8 billion per year. The problem is becoming more severe. In many instances keys are left in cars after they've been stolen. This could happen if you leave your car on to warm up or even if you just go into the store for a short period of time. However, there are some ways to stop this from happening, such as removing important items from your vehicle or keeping them hidden from view.
It's also important to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. By doing this, you provide law enforcement officers with the best chance of catching the culprit and returning your vehicle. Also, it can help ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into the state and national auto theft databases that can help avoid future title issues or ownership issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. You can inquire if your policy covers thefts of vehicles with 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 type of coverage switching to a different insurance company might be worth it.
If you file an insurance claim against an unintentionally stolen vehicle with keys in the ignition, you need to act fast. If you put off action for too long the insurance company could reject your claim or inquire with your motives for having left the keys in the car. They believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should also be aware of the possibility of identity theft if you keep documents in your car, like your insurance card or registration. Some people keep receipts or paychecks in their cars, which may lead them to commit fraud. In this instance you should notify your financial institutions. You should also monitor your accounts closely. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your car was seized so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people leave their cars running while they hurry out of the house to go to the store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could lead to your car being stolen. It is not advisable to leave your car unattended while not in use. To avoid this, lock your car's doors when not inside.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys inside, you'll need to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. You might be asked to provide details regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was left and the time it was stolen. This will help the police find your car and may even recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems where you can submit an insurance claim, however it is recommended to call and speak with an agent. This will allow you to provide more specific details about the incident and cut down on the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent may ask for an official copy of the police report as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will help the police with their investigation and assist them to determine if you are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
If your vehicle is financed or leased, it is important to inform your leasing company or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from attempting to take possession of your vehicle or claim it for repossession. If your car is recovered and is damaged the comprehensive portion of your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing it.
If your car isn't returned and you choose to make an insurance claim, it may take up 30 days to receive a settlement. Examine your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage to pay for a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of insurance for property and casualty and the Head of MoneyGeek's Insurance. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
If a vehicle is stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you need to do is ensure that the vehicle was stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department will aid you in this.
If you do you must provide them with the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The VIN is the number that identifies the vehicle. This is usually found in the door to the driver's side or in the vicinity of the windshield. The last seven digits are also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it even more difficult for anyone to try to change the identity of the vehicle.
It is useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal items that were in the vehicle when it was stolen could be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or specific Perils, it will likely cover theft of more info the vehicle regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. However, if you're covered with Liability only insurance, then this might not be the situation.
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 for disaster as it only takes a shrewd criminal a few seconds to hop in your vehicle and leave.
The most common day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being 1st in the country 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 of keys than file an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or smart key that can be easily replaced at your auto dealership for just a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than your deductible, and you will not have to deal with the insurance company in the future.