If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
As long as you have a comprehensive insurance policy your insurance policy will be able to cover your vehicle stolen even if you left keys inside the car. The insurance company will investigate the incident to determine whether it was at fault.
It is best to file a claim immediately after discovering that your car is missing. Your insurance claim could be denied if you delay.
1. Don't Panic
If your car has been taken with keys inside, it is extremely important to remain calm and not make a poor decision which will only add to the situation. Call the police first. As soon as you call the police, give them as much detail about the vehicle as possible including the make, model, and license plate number. You will also want to inform them if you had any valuable items in the vehicle, such as laptops, identification badges for work or other personal items.
The police can provide you with the most accurate information regarding the vehicle that was stolen and what they intend to do next. They may even be in a position to locate your vehicle on your behalf, or they may be able to locate the thieves who stole it.
Many people forget to lock their vehicles or shut the windows, especially when they are in a hurry or have children in the car. It may sound silly, but it's very easy to make and can have devastating consequences. In these scenarios thieves can simply climb into the driver's seat and drive away as if it was their car. If no one else around them is aware it isn't the owner and they are able to travel a very long distance before being stopped by a policeman.
Another mistake that can be easily made is to leave keys in the ignition or a spare key hidden on your property or person. This could be extremely dangerous and makes the vehicle more easy to start and get away with. Many people do this when they go in to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a short period of time while they visit a shop. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or rushing to a gas station to pay for fuel.
Keep these mistakes in mind It is crucial to take proactive steps to avoid them in the future. This can be done in a variety of ways, ranging from installing an alert system to parking in a well-lit area. Certain automakers also offer security features to discourage thieves and keep them from starting their cars. These features range from a sound-based alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that track the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
As a car owner, it's your obligation to report any attempted or stolen theft. Your police department will be capable of providing you with information on the steps you should take next and may even offer advice around protecting your vehicle in the future, for instance, installing an electronic lock on your wheel. They can also provide you with a reference number that could help you contact your insurance company.
In reporting a vehicle that's stolen, it's important to be as thorough as you can. Ensure that all of the details provided to police and your insurance company are identical. This increases the chance that your vehicle is returned or retrieved.
You must be ready to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number and the year, model, and model of your vehicle, in addition to any other distinctive features. If your vehicle is equipped with an GPS tracking device or other anti-theft device, make sure to include it as well.
Another crucial piece of information is any personal belongings that were in the vehicle at the time of theft. This could include your wallet, purse, or any other object that holds personal information. It is important to inform credit card companies, your bank and any other entity that may be involved if an item is stolen from your vehicle.
You should also contact your homeowners or renters insurer for any personal property was taken. This is because these possessions are typically covered by the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers the damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to prevent a car theft, you can reduce the chance of it occurring by removing all valuables from your vehicle, locking your doors and rolling up your windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set keys somewhere else than your vehicle, and to check your insurance policy every year to ensure you have enough coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will cover the damage or loss to your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts. Make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy prior to lending your vehicle.
3. Do not attempt to look for your vehicle on your own
As a car owner you have a responsibility to ensure the security of your property. It is essential to ensure that your vehicle is secured even when you are not there. It is essential to secure your vehicle each when you leave, and to open the windows completely up. get more info Additionally, it's always recommended to not leave your spare keys in the car, or anywhere else that might be accessible to criminals.
In fact one of the most common reasons that people have their vehicles stolen with keys inside is because they have left a spare key in or near the vehicle. This is a simple error that can cause serious harm particularly in these days of high-risk crime.
Modern thieves are moving beyond the hotwiring techniques that you may have seen in action films and are employing more sophisticated methods to rob cars. This is what's known as a relay attack that is when two thieves collaborate to utilize an electronic device to record the signal from the owner's key fob. They then unlock the car to drive it away.
The good news is the police are beginning to employ more efficient technology to locate thieves who attempt to steal cars by putting their keys inside. Some companies offer to put a tracking device on your vehicle that will send the location of your car to the police. This could reduce the number and likelihood of theft.
You may also want to install an immobilizer to keep your car from getting started. This will make it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle. You may also determine if someone has tried to start the vehicle by contacting the police.
If you do decide to search for the vehicle you lost do not attempt to find it yourself. This could cause more damage and possibly the theft of personal items from your vehicle. Instead, contact your insurance company and inform them that your car was stolen, with keys inside. You should also tell them about any personal items in the vehicle at the moment of theft, such as mail or a purse that holds credit cards, cash, office badges, or any other forms of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy (which typically covers a broad range of incidents such as theft) it is crucial to call your insurer and make a claim as quickly as you can. This will assist them in getting started on the investigation and ensure that you are covered if your car is stolen or damaged.
You should provide your insurer with as much information about your vehicle as you are able to recall, including the year model, make, and year as well as the license plate number, the VIN (vehicle ID number), and where you last saw it. You may also provide details about the time and day of the theft, and if it rained or snowed. If you're not sure about any of these facts, you can ask police to check the records.
In some instances, it may be required to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the thief from using your vehicle to violate the law or damage other property.
You'll need the police report to be available when you call your insurer to begin the investigation. You should also be prepared to provide any additional information requested by your insurance agent.
Make sure to note any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle, since these could be covered by your renters or homeowners insurance (depending on the area you reside in). It is also important to inform your finance company or leasing company that your vehicle was reported stolen.
It is crucial to remain calm and swiftly act even in an emergency. These tips will help to accomplish this and may will result in getting your vehicle back in good condition. If you are required to make a claim for keys stolen from a vehicle in it the best thing to do is consult an independent insurance agent who can guide you through the process and provide you with discounts to make the whole ordeal as painless as possible.