What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you'll be covered even if you lose the keys to your car. However, it's important to act quickly.

The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be denied or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

When you're trying to enter your car, and you can't locate your keys, it's a frightening moment. It can make your day miserable and cause frustration. It's essential to remain calm and logical. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. Also, look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you dropped them in a place or reached in your pocket to retrieve your phone, but then threw out your keys.

If you're unable to locate 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 to help the police find the keys and hinder anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft of your car. They will then assist you to find a replacement.

Always check your insurance policy to determine if it covers the car's loss. Most policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it however the terms and conditions may differ. Some companies don't cover personal items inside the car. Contact your home insurance or renters' insurance provider.

You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leasing. They should also report the crime to the police. This will prevent them from being liable for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of obtaining the vehicle back.

It is also recommended to install anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These could include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to set up, but can save you money by preventing theft. It is crucial to keep your vehicle in good working order and not leave it in areas that are prone to danger.

Contact the police

Contact the police if you cannot find your car but you know it's been taken. You will be given a crime reference code that will be essential to track the progress of your investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later.

You will need to give an exact description of the vehicle, which includes the model and make along with the license plate number. The VIN can be found in your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document that you can access on your phone or an application). If you have any other information regarding where and when you last saw it, for example, distinctive features such as large dents or custom-designed accessories or distinctive scratches and marks, you must give that information too.

After you've made a police complaint It is essential to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible. This will make the process easier, and protect you from liability that is too high. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on your state's laws and insurance coverage.

NICB data shows that car thefts when keys are left in the vehicle are on the increase. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.

The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and never put valuables in plain view. Also, you should open the windows completely and make sure you don't leave your car running when you are not there, especially with keys inside.

If you have home or renters insurance, it might cover the items in your car if they are covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.

It is also essential to keep an eye on your financial accounts closely If you have personal documents in your vehicle such as pay receipts and stubs. You should alert your bank as soon as you can.

Find an extra key

Losing your car keys was not a big problem in the past. You could get them duplicated for a small cost through your local key maker. Nowadays, however, a lot of cars have high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the dealer or check here automaker for help.

If you have an additional key, you must put it in a spot that is secure and easily accessible when you are away from home. It could be kept in a drawer in your home or in a box close to the door. You can also give an extra to a neighbor or a friend who you trust.

Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can assist you. They'll likely be able deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your car. This should be a simple process, but it depends on your particular year and model of vehicle.

It is also possible to contact your insurance company for comprehensive insurance, which covers things like stolen vehicles with keys inside. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of insurance however, you should verify your policy for specific information.

Another option to take if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. This is particularly important if your car is financed or leased because the lender will need to be informed of the incident. Insurance claims can help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.

Even if you're only leaving for just a few seconds it is important to secure your vehicle's doors to ensure that it is not stolen in the future. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to break into it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure locations is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

You should contact your insurer immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems which make the process easy and fast. Avoid delays and back and forth by contact your agent directly instead of through the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll be asked to provide details about your car including the year, color, model license plate number, the model and make. They may be looking for additional details, such as the time and location of the theft. They will also want to know if the vehicle has any special features, such as the GPS system or other security measures.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are left in the vehicle. If, however, you only have liability insurance, the vehicle is not covered. This is why you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.

Typically, your car insurance will cover the actual cash value of your stolen vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus any applicable deductible. You'll likely be asked to submit a third-party assessment of your vehicle and keep it on file or find one online.

After the claim has been processed, you may be given a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).

If you're lucky, you may be in a position to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it's not the case, you will be refunded for the actual value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). If you are planning on buying a new vehicle you can use this money to purchase it. Remember, however, that any claims made to your insurance policy could raise the cost of your insurance. If you're not sure whether you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance representative and get their opinion.