15 Of The Best Documentaries On Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
15 Of The Best Documentaries On Car Got Stolen With Keys In It
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What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It
If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will protect your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It's important to take action promptly.
The more time passes, the more likely your claim will be denied or subjected to a fraud investigation. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.
Don't panic
It's a scary moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. It can ruin the day and be a source of frustration. This is why it's essential to remain at peace and remain sane. Examine your bags, pockets and other places you may have placed them. Also, look back and reflect on your day. Maybe you dropped them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, only to knock out your keys.
If you're unable to locate them, you need to call the police. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to the police as soon as you can will assist them in finding them, and could stop anyone from using the vehicle without your permission. It's also crucial to inform your insurance company about the theft of your car. They will then assist you to get a new set.
Always examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. The majority of policies cover a car that is stolen with keys in it however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the car, so you should check with your landlord or home insurance company.
If your vehicle is leased or financed, it is best to contact the financing or leasing company, too. They will also want to report the crime to the police. This will help them avoid being held responsible for the car should it be stolen and can aid in speeding the process of getting the vehicle back.
It is also recommended to install anti-theft devices in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include a GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock, or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to install but will save you money by preventing theft. The key is to keep your car in good shape and not leave it parked in dangerous areas.
Call the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been stolen. They will give you the crime reference number that is crucial in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.
You'll need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app for your smartphone). You should also provide any additional information you may have about the vehicle, such as where you last saw it and the date you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like an enormous dent, or custom additions, or distinguishing scratches or marks.
It's important to notify your insurance company as soon as you submit a police complaint. This will help speed up the process and might even shield you from excessive liability. If the thief is driving your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.
Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are on the rise according to NICB data. In fact, a car is taken with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion in loss annually.
The best way to avoid this is to always secure your car and not leave valuables out in the open. You should also roll up your windows to the maximum and avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended and especially with keys inside.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your renters or homeowner's insurance might cover the items you had in your vehicle, if they were insured by those policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.
You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents like receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. You should alert your bank as soon as you can.
Get an extra key
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could have them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to duplicate the key of an unintentionally stolen vehicle without going to the dealer or automaker for help.
If you have a spare key the first thing you should do is to put it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're at home. You could keep it in a drawer in your home or put it in a container near the door. You can also give an extra to a neighbor or a friend you trust.
Contact your dealership and inquire if they can assist you. They'll likely be able deactivate the stolen key fob, so that it can't be used to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, but it'll depend on the make and year of the vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will take care of things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. This type of insurance is typically included in all auto policies, but it is best to review your policy specifically for more details.
Another thing to do if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. This is especially crucial check here when your vehicle is being financed or leased as the lender will need to be informed of the incident. You may even be able to get a new set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones via the insurance claim.
To avoid having your car and the keys inside it in the future, you must always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to break into it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in well-lit and secure areas and be sure to not leave valuables or the title of your vehicle inside.
Contact your insurance company
If you have made a police complaint, you should contact your insurance company immediately. Many insurance companies have online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the process. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by contacting your agent directly, instead of through the call center. Prepare to answer any questions. They will require you to provide information about your car, including the year, make and model, the color and its license plate number and where and when it was taken and any other pertinent details. They will also want to know if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like a GPS system or other security measures.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if the keys are not left in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car won't be covered. This is the reason that you should always have a comprehensive insurance policy on your car.
Typically, your insurance will pay for the cash value of the vehicle you have stolen which is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You will likely be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep one in your file or look it up online.
Once the claim is processed, you will be given an amount of time to wait, which will vary by insurer. During this period your insurance company will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).
If you're lucky, you might be in a position to get your vehicle back within the waiting period. If it's not, you will be compensated for the cash value of your stolen car (minus your deductible). If you're thinking of purchasing a new car, you can use this cash to purchase it. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Talk to your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit an claim.