Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is taken with keys inside, you'll need to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will be based on the amount and type of policy.
It is important to take preventative measures to protect your vehicle from being taken. Here are some tips:
Taking preventive measures
A vehicle is the largest investment you will make. It's a good idea to take every precaution to protect it. Taking preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of regaining your vehicle 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 system which includes the GPS tracking device. These systems make use of GPS and wireless technology to allow you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts police or monitoring agencies whenever the vehicle moves. They also can locate the vehicle that is damaged or missing and assist in recovering it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a short period of time locking the doors and lowering the windows is another preventive measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year because owners leave their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled thief, even if the window is only rolled one inch or two inches.
Parking in secure parking garages and lots is a great way to deter thieves, since these facilities are often monitored and have security staff. Avoid secluded areas and those with poor lighting, since they are more likely attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft device it is also possible to deter thieves by using visible theft deterrents like a steering lock or alarm decals. These will make a would-be thief think twice about trying to break into your car because they'll have face the additional hassle of removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, it is best to hide them as much as possible. Keep items such as electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from view or in the trunk. It is also important to record the serial number of any expensive gadgets or equipment in case it is stolen. You can then provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion each year. The problem is becoming more severe. In many instances, keys are left inside vehicles when they are stolen. It can happen when you leave your car running to warm it up or when you're going to the store for a few minutes. You can prevent this from happening by taking your valuables out of your car and locking them away.
It's also essential to notify the police as soon as your vehicle is taken. This gives the police a greater chance to catch the criminal and return your vehicle. It will also help to ensure that your vehicle is enrolled in the national and state auto-theft databases, which can prevent future ownership or title issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them if your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance your insurer will likely compensate you for the loss. If you don't have this coverage, it may be worth looking into changing to a different insurance provider.
It's crucial to act quickly when filing a claim on stolen vehicles, with the keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long, the insurance company may reject your claim or inquire with the reason you put the keys in the car. This is due to the fact that they believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should also 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 cars, which can cause them to commit fraud. In this situation you should notify your financial institutions. You should also monitor your accounts with care. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people let their vehicle running while they rush out the door to go to the grocery store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could result in your vehicle being stolen. This is why you must never leave your car unattended when you're not using it. To avoid this, secure your vehicle's doors when you're not inside.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle unattended with the keys inside, you'll need to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can. You might be asked to provide specifics about the incident including the location of the vehicle and the time it was stolen. It is crucial to complete this form so that the police can track your vehicle and hopefully recover it.
Certain car insurance companies have online systems where you can make an insurance claim, however it is best to call and speak with an agent. This will allow you to provide more detailed information about the incident and cut down on the amount of back and forth that can delay your claim. Your agent may also request a copy of the police report and a list of all valuables in your car. This will help the more info police in their investigation and determine if your items are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance company if you own a loaned or leasing vehicle. This will prevent them from trying to repossess your car or claiming it for repossession. If your car is recovered and has significant damage, the comprehensive section of your insurance will pay for the repair it.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to file an insurance claim, it could take up to 30 days to receive an amount. Make sure to check your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will pay for a rental car while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and the MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been analyzing the insurance market since 2005 and is often quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your vehicle is stolen with keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department number in your area.
If you do you must send them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is usually located on the driver's side door or near the windshield. The last seven digits are also printed on the headlights as well as the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to try to change the identity of the vehicle.
Unique Specifications - If there's something that makes your car look different from others of the same type, this can be helpful. A description of any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time it was stolen can also 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 have left your keys inside. If, however, you have Liability-only insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make this error when they are running for errands or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster, as it only takes just a few minutes to get into your car and drive away.
Saturday is the most frequent day to steal a vehicle with keys in the ignition followed by Friday and Monday. Colorado is the number one state for car thefts. Leaving your vehicle puffing could be an invitation for criminals.
It is generally cheaper to buy a new set of keys than make an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is especially true if you have an electronic key fob or smart key that can be repaired at your local car dealership for a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible and it will spare you the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.