Car Stolen With Keys Inside 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Car Stolen With Keys Inside 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
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Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with keys inside, you'll have to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and type of policy.
However, it is important to take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your vehicle stolen in the first place. Here are some suggestions:
Preventive measures
A car is the biggest investment you'll ever make. It's best to take all available precautions to protect it. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase your chances of regaining your vehicle in the event it's stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device that comes with the GPS tracking device. These systems integrate GPS and wireless technology to allow you to keep an eye on your car. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the car is moved. They also have the capability to locate a missing or damaged vehicle, which can help in recovering it.
Another method to protect yourself is to lock the doors and roll up the windows of your car while it is parked even if you're 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 vehicles unlocked with their keys in the ignition or elsewhere. A skilled thief can open the vehicle that is locked window that is only rolled up a few inches.
Parking in secured parking garages and parking lots is a great strategy to deter thieves, as these facilities are often monitored and have security personnel. Avoid secluded areas and those that have poor lighting, as these are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft device, you can also deter thieves with visible theft deterrents, like a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. These will make a would-be thief think twice about trying to break into your car because they'll have deal with the added hassle of removing or bypassing the security device.
Make sure to hide electronics and valuables as much as you can in your car. Things like mobile phone chargers, navigation equipment, and electronic cords should be kept out of view or stored in the trunk. It is also a good idea to note the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. If they are ever found, you may provide the information to your insurance company as well as the police.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion per year. This problem is getting worse. In many instances, keys are left inside cars when they are stolen. It can happen when you leave your car running to warm up or when you're going to the shop for a few minutes. There are things you can do to prevent this from happening, such as taking important items from your vehicle or locking them out of sight.
It's also essential to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. This will provide law enforcement officers with a better chance of catching the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is registered into state and national auto theft databases that can help avoid future title or ownership problems.
You should also call your insurance company. They'll be able to inform you if your policy covers theft of a vehicle that has keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance your insurer will likely compensate you for the loss. If you do not have this coverage switching to a different insurance company could be worth it.
If you file an insurance claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, it's important to act swiftly. If you are waiting too long, the insurance company might reject your claim. They might also ask the reason you put the car keys in it. They will claim that you haven't taken "reasonable" care of your property.
Be aware of the risk of identity theft if there are documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their vehicles which could lead to fraud. In this instance you must notify your financial institutions. You should also monitor your accounts with care. You should also inform the police and insurance company if your car was seized so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
A lot of people tend to leave their car running while they're hurrying out the door to make a quick run to the store or purchase gas. This can lead to your car being stolen. It is a bad idea to leave your car unattended while not in use. To avoid this, lock your vehicle's doors when you're not inside.
If you do leave your vehicle in the garage unattended with keys in the car, you'll want to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can. You could be asked to provide details regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was left and the date it was taken. It's important that you complete this form so that the police can search for your car and hopefully recover it.
You can file a claim online with some insurance companies, however it is recommended to speak to an agent. This will enable you to provide more specific details about the incident, and will reduce the amount of back-andforth that can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy the police report along with an inventory of all the valuables that are in your car. This will assist the police in their investigation and will determine whether your belongings are covered under your comprehensive coverage.
In addition, if your vehicle is owned by a finance company or leased, you'll want to inform your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from attempting to take possession of your vehicle or claim it as stolen. If your vehicle is reclaimed with significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance will cover the cost of fixing it.
If your vehicle isn't returned, and you decide to file an insurance claim, it could take up to 30 days before you receive a settlement. Examine your policy to determine whether you have rental reimbursement coverage to pay for a rental car while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance 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
The first thing you must do if you suspect that your vehicle is stolen with keys inside is to confirm that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department's number in your area.
If you do this you must send 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 on the mirrors and headlights to make it more difficult for anyone trying to change the identity of the vehicle.
Particular Specifications - If there's something that makes your car look different from others similar to it this could be helpful. It is useful to document any personal items found in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
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. However, if you're covered with Liability only insurance, then this might not be the case.
Many people make this mistake when they run around, or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a more info recipe for catastrophe, as it only takes only a few seconds to get into your car and drive off.
Saturday is the most common day to steal a vehicle with keys in the ignition, followed by Friday and Monday. Colorado is the top state for car thefts. If you leave your car blazing could be a beckon for criminals.
It is often cheaper to purchase a new set of keys than to submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key inside. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be replaced at your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you will avoid dealing with the insurance company in future.