Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is stolen with keys inside, you'll have to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the policy type and the amount.
However, you should take precautions to prevent having your car stolen in the first place. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A car is among the largest investments you'll ever make. It's a good idea to take all available precautions to safeguard it. Taking preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of getting your car back in the event of theft with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft device that includes a GPS tracking device. These systems incorporate GPS and wireless technology to enable you to keep an eye on your car. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services whenever the vehicle moves. They also have the ability to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can aid in locating it.
Another method to protect yourself is to lock the doors and open the windows of your vehicle when you park it, even if you are just going away for a short period of time. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked with keys in the ignition or in another location. A skilled thief can open an unlocked vehicle through a window that's only rolled up a few inches.
Parking in secured parking garages and parking lots is a great strategy to deter thieves since these areas are usually monitored and have security personnel. Avoid secluded areas and those that have poor lighting, as they are more likely to attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system it is also possible to deter thieves with visible theft deterrents, such as a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. They can make a potential criminal think twice about breaking into your vehicle as they'll have to face the additional difficulty of removing or bypassing the security device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to keep them as hidden as possible. Keep items such as electronic cords chargers for phones, and navigational equipment out of sight, or put them in the trunk. You should also record the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. If they are ever discovered, you can give this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and car theft is a major expense, costing Americans $8 billion a year. The problem is growing. In many instances, keys are left inside cars when they are stolen. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm up or even if you just go to the store for a brief period of time. You can avoid this by getting your valuables out of the car and locking them away.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle has been taken away is crucial. By doing this, you provide law enforcement officers with the best chance of catching the culprit and returning your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle is enrolled in the national and state auto-theft databases, which could prevent future ownership or title issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. They can inform you if your policy covers theft of a car with its keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will most likely compensate you for the loss. If you don't have this insurance, it may be worth considering switching to a different insurer.
If you are filing an insurance claim against a vehicle that was stolen with keys in the ignition, it is important to act fast. If you wait too long the insurance company could refuse to pay or ask the reason you put the keys in the car. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
Be aware that documents like your registration or insurance card can lead to identity theft. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can lead to fraud. If this is the case, inform your financial institutions and keep track of all of your accounts closely. You should also inform the police and your insurance company if your vehicle was seized so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people let their vehicle running as they rush out to go to the store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could result in your vehicle being stolen. It is not advisable to leave your car unattended while not in use. The best way to prevent this from happening is to lock your car doors whenever you're not in it.
You'll need to notify your insurance company immediately when you leave your vehicle without keys and leave it unattended. They may ask you to provide details about the incident, such as where the car was left and the time of the theft. It's crucial to do this so the police can track your car and hopefully recover it.
You can file claims online through certain insurance companies for cars, but it is recommended to speak to an agent. This will allow you to provide more precise information about the incident and will reduce the amount of back and forth that could delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy the police report and a list of all the stolen car keys valuables that are in your car. This will help the police in their investigation and help them determine if you're covered under your comprehensive insurance.
If your vehicle is owned by a finance company or leased, it is important to notify your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from trying to repossess your vehicle or claim it as stolen. If your vehicle is discovered damaged the comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repair.
If you decide to file a claim for your car and it is not refunded, the settlement can take up to 30 days. Check your policy to see whether you have a rental reimbursement policy to cover the cost of a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has studied the insurance market for more than five years and is often quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
If a vehicle is stolen with keys inside the vehicle, the first thing you need to ensure is that your car was not stolen. Contacting the non-emergency number for the police department in your area can assist you in this.
You'll have to provide them the following details if you choose to do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number is typically located on the driver's door or near to the windshield. The seven digits that make up the VIN are also stamped onto the mirrors and headlights in order to make it even harder for anyone trying to change the identity of the vehicle.
It is useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen could be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage - If you have Comprehensive or Specific Perils coverage, it will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you put your keys in it. However, if you're covered with Liability-only insurance, this might not be the case.
Many people make this mistake when they are running around, or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, as it only takes a criminal only a few seconds to get in your car and drive off.
The most frequent day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being 1st in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing can be an inviting target for opportunistic criminals.
It is generally cheaper to buy a new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true if you own an electronic key fob or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is cheaper than paying your deductible and it will spare you the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.