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's important to take action quickly.

The longer you delay longer, the more likely that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

It's a frightening moment when you head out to your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and be frustrating. This is why it's important to stay at peace and remain sane. Make sure you've checked everything in your pockets, bags and any other places where you may have placed them. Also, walk back through your day - perhaps you put them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone and then knocked your keys out.

If you can't find them, you need to call the police. It's essential to inform the police about the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can, as this will assist the police in locating them and may stop the use of your vehicle by someone without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the car theft is also crucial. This way, they can assist you get new keys.

Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. The majority of policies cover the loss of a vehicle with keys inside, but the terms and conditions vary. Some companies do not cover personal belongings in the car. Make sure to check with your renters insurance or home insurance the insurance company.

If the car you are leasing or financed, you should call the leasing or financing company as well. They will likely need to report the theft to the police, too. This will protect the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen car keys replacement - G28carkeys54558.ageeksblog.com -. It can also expedite the process of getting the vehicle returned.

It is also recommended to install anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include a steering wheel lock or car alarms, or a GPS tracker. These devices will usually cost a 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 working order and not leave it in a dangerous area.

Contact the police

If you are unable to locate your vehicle and suspect that it's gone missing the first thing you should do is contact the police. They will provide you with an identification number for the crime that is vital in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later on.

You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, which includes the make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an application). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it, and when and any distinctive characteristics, such as a large dent or custom-designed additions, or distinctive scratches or marks.

It's important to notify your insurance company as soon as you file a police report. This will speed up the process and may even shield you from excessive liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle and you are held liable depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.

NICB data shows that car thefts where keys are left in the car are on the rise. In fact, a car stolen with keys is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for over $8 billion of losses annually.

The best way to prevent this is to lock your car and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also close the windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your vehicle running unattended and especially with keys inside.

Another important thing to remember is that your renters or homeowner's insurance may cover the things that you have in your car stolen with keys in it, if they were insured under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle it is likely that they wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.

You should also keep an eye on your financial accounts if you have personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. It is important to notify your bank immediately.

Find an extra key

The loss of your car keys was not a major problem in the past. You could bring them to your local locksmith and have them duplicated at an cheap cost. Today, however, many automobiles have security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the dealer or automaker to get assistance.

If you have a spare key, the first step is to put it somewhere secure and easy to access when you're at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a specific drawer or in a keybox near the door. You can also offer a spare to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

If you have an extra key, the next step is to contact your dealership to inquire if they can help. They'll likely be able disable the stolen key fob so that it isn't able to start your car. It should be a straightforward process, but it will depend on the make and year of the vehicle.

If you have comprehensive insurance, it is likely that your insurer will cover things such as keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. Most auto policies include this type of insurance, but you should check your policy for specific information.

Another option to take if your car got stolen keys with keys inside is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have a financed or leased car was stolen with keys inside. Insurance claims can help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.

To prevent having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even if you're away for a short time. It is also recommended to put in antitheft systems to make it more difficult for thieves to break into your vehicle. This includes the locking of the steering wheel and brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

After you've filed a police report You should call your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have online systems which make the process quick and easy. Contact your agent directly rather than an operator in a call center to avoid back-and-forth and delays in this highly-sensitive situation. Prepare to answer all questions. You will be asked to provide details about your car key stolen from house including the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might be looking for additional information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like a GPS system or any other security measures.

If you have coverage that is comprehensive, the car will be covered - regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. If, however, you only have liability insurance, the vehicle will not be covered. This is the reason why you should always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.

Typically, your car insurance will cover the cash value of your vehicle which is the value that was in the market for the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to provide an independent assessment of your vehicle, so keep one on file or find one online.

After the claim has been processed and the claim is approved, you will be granted an opportunity to wait for a period of time that will differ by insurer. During this period, your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. If it's found, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).

If you're lucky enough, you may be successful in getting your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll be compensated the actual cash value (minus your deductible) of your stolen vehicle. You can use the funds to purchase a new vehicle should you choose to. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you aren't sure if you should make a claim, speak with your insurance agent and get their opinion.