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 cover the vehicle that was stolen even if you have left keys inside it. The insurance company will investigate the incident to determine whether it was at fault.
It is best to file a claim right away when you realize that your car is missing. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim being denied or even being subject to fraud investigations.
1. Don't Panic
If your vehicle has been stolen with keys in it the most important thing is to stay calm and not make a mistake that will only compound the situation. First, contact the police. After that give them the most complete information you can about the vehicle, such as the make, model and license plate number. You should also inform them if you have any valuables in the vehicle, including laptops, a work ID badge or other personal items.
The police can give you the most precise information regarding your vehicle stolen and what they are planning to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle or arrest the thieves.
Many people fail to shut their windows or lock their vehicles, especially when they are in a hurry or have children. It may sound silly, but it's very easy to make and can have disastrous consequences. In these scenarios thieves can simply climb into the drivers seat and drive off as if it was their own vehicle. If nobody knows it's not their vehicle the thieves could travel for a long period of time before being arrested by the police.
Another mistake that is easily made is to leave keys in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden somewhere on your property or person. This is extremely risky and makes the vehicle easier to start and run away with. It is commonplace for people to do this when they go in to get something or leave their vehicle running for a short time while they go in the store. Other mistakes that are common include leaving the car running while it is heating up or going to the gas station to pay for fuel.
Keep these mistakes in mind It is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid them in the future. This can be done in a variety of ways, from installing an alert system to parking in well-lit places. Certain automakers also offer security features that deter thieves and keep them from starting their cars. These features be anything from a sound-based alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that monitor the vehicle.
2. Contact the police
As an owner of a vehicle, it is your responsibility to report any attempted or actual theft. The police department is able to help you by providing you with information on the steps to take next and may even provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, for instance, installing the wheel lock. They will also be able to provide you with an identification number for the crime, which will assist you when making contact with your insurance company.
It is crucial to provide as much detail as you can when reporting the theft of a vehicle. Make sure that all the details provided to police and your insurance company is identical. This helps to increase the chance that your vehicle is returned or retrieved.
The kind of information you must be prepared to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, year, make and model and any other distinguishing features. Include any details about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other security features that prevent theft.
Another crucial piece of information is any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle at the time of theft. This could be your purse, wallet or any other item containing personal information. It's a good idea to alert banks, credit card companies and any other organizations that might be involved in the case of a lost item in your vehicle.
If your personal property is stolen, you should be in touch with your homeowners' or renters insurance. This is because the items are typically covered by the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance covers only damage to your vehicle.
There is no way to prevent a car burglary, but you can reduce your risk by removing valuables from your car by locking the doors and putting up the windows at all times. You should also keep an extra key somewhere other than in your car and check your insurance coverage every year to make sure you are covered.
If you have comprehensive insurance the insurance company will pay for the loss of your vehicle without deductibles, minus any applicable. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance prior to lending your vehicle.
3. Do not try to search for your vehicle by yourself
As a car owner, you are responsible to safeguard your property. It is essential to ensure that your vehicle is secured even when you are not present. It is also important to lock your car every time you leave it, and read more also to open the windows completely. It's also a good idea not to leave your spare keys in your car or in a place where thieves could gain access to the keys.
One of the most frequent reasons for car thefts is the fact that people leave keys that are not used in the car. It is a simple mistake that can result in serious consequences especially in these days of high-risk crime.
Modern thieves are moving past the hotwiring techniques that you've seen in action movies and are employing more sophisticated techniques to steal cars. This includes a relay attack where two thieves utilize electronic devices to intercept the signal of the owner's keyfob, unlock the vehicle, and then drive it away.
The good news is that police are now beginning to get more effective technology to track down thieves who attempt to steal vehicles with their keys inside. Some companies offer to put a tracking device on your vehicle which can transmit the location of your car to the police. This could help reduce the amount of thefts and increase the likelihood of being recovered.
You might also wish to install an immobilizer to keep your car from getting started. This will make it less difficult for thieves to steal your car and you can tell whether a burglar has attempted to start your car by calling the police and by identifying yourself.
It is not advisable to search for your own vehicle if you decide to track it down. This could cause more damage, and even the theft of personal items from your vehicle. You should instead contact your insurance company and inform them that your car was stolen with the keys inside. You should also tell them about any personal items inside the car at the moment of theft, such as mail, a wallet or purse containing credit cards or cash, office badges or any other type of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive car insurance (which includes a variety of situations, including theft) You should contact your insurer as quickly as possible to file an insurance claim. This will assist them in getting started with the investigation and make sure that you are covered if your vehicle is stolen or damaged.
It is important to provide your insurance company with as many details about your vehicle as you can recall including the year the make, model, and year as well as the license plate number, the VIN (vehicle ID number) and the location you saw it last. It is also possible to provide information about the time and day of the theft, as well as the weather conditions, if it snowed or rained. If you are unsure of any of this information, you can ask the police to check their records to find this information for you.
In some instances it is necessary to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop a thief from using your vehicle to violate the law or damage another property.
You'll require the police report to hand when you call your insurer so they can begin the investigation. You will also have to be ready to provide any additional details that your insurance company may request.
Make sure to note any personal items that were stolen from your vehicle, as they may be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance (depending on where you live). Also, you should inform your finance company or leasing company that your vehicle has been reported as stolen.
Although this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is essential to remain calm and take action quickly. These suggestions will help you accomplish this and may result in you getting your car back safe and sound. If you have to make a claim for keys stolen from a vehicle in it, the best thing to do is consult an independent insurance broker who can guide you through the process and provide you with discounts to make the experience as smooth as possible.