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

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you'll be covered even if you forget the keys in your car. It is important to act quickly.

The longer it takes the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Fortunately, rental reimbursement insurance is available.

Don't panic

It's a scary moment when you head out to your car only to realize that you can't find your keys. It can ruin the day and be a source of frustration. This is why it's important to remain at peace and remain sane. First, ensure that you've checked everything - in your pocket bags, purses, and any other places where you may have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day and see if you've set them down somewhere, or reached in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out of there.

Contact the police if are unable to locate them. It is essential to report the loss of your car keys as soon as possible to aid the police in finding the keys and stop someone from using your vehicle without your permission. It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the car theft. They can then help you find a replacement.

Check your insurance policy to determine whether the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most of the 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 vehicle. Make sure to check with your renters or home insurance' insurance provider.

It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your car is leasing. They'll also want to report the crime to the police. This will protect the owner from being held responsible for the vehicle in the event it is stolen. It may also expedite the process of getting the vehicle returned.

You should also think about installing anti-theft devices inside your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include an GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These devices are more expensive to install but can save you money by preventing theft. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good repair and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.

Call the police

Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but are aware that it was taken. You will be given a crime reference code that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This can also assist with your insurance claim later.

You'll need to provide a detailed description of the vehicle, including make/model and color and the license plate number. The VIN can be found on your Proof of Insurance (this could be a paper or digital document on your phone or an app). You should also provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including where you last saw it and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive characteristics, such as an enormous dent, or custom-designed additions, or distinctive scratches or marks.

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately after you file a police report. This will speed the process and could even protect you from undue liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you could be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.

NICB data shows that car thefts in which keys are left in the car are increasing. In reality, a vehicle is stolen with keys in it every 32 seconds across the United States and this accounts for more than $8 billion of loss annually.

The best way to prevent this is to always secure your car and not put valuables in plain view. It is also recommended to open your windows to the maximum and ensure that you do not leave your vehicle running unattended and especially with keys in it.

If you have renters or home insurance, it could cover the items inside your car if they're covered under these policies. If you included electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.

You should also monitor your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents such as receipts and paycheck stubs in your vehicle. These might be used for identity theft, so you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as you can.

Get a spare key

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. You could bring them to your local locksmith and have them duplicated for a relatively cheap cost. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen key without having to go to the automaker or dealer for assistance.

If you have an additional key, you must put it in a place that is secure and easy to reach when you're at home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a special drawer or in a keybox by the door. Or, you could give a spare key to a friend or neighbor whom you are confident in.

If you have an extra key the next step is to call your dealership to inquire if they can help. The dealership should be able deactivate the key fob to prevent it from being used to start your vehicle. This is a straightforward procedure, but it will depend on the specific model and year of vehicle.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things such as keys left in stolen cars. The majority of auto policies provide this type of insurance however, you should verify the policy for specific details.

If your car was taken with keys inside, you must also file a police complaint. This is especially crucial if your car is financed or leased, as the lender must be aware of the incident. You may be able to get an additional set of keys or a replacement for your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.

To ensure that your vehicle isn't stolen with the keys in it in the future, you must always lock the doors of your vehicle, even when you're away for website a short time. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it harder for thieves to gain access to it. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also advised. Do not leave valuables in your car or on the title.

Contact your insurance company

After you've made a police complaint and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. Many insurance companies have online services that make it easy and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by calling your agent directly rather than through a call center. Prepare to answer all questions. You'll be asked to provide information regarding your vehicle, including the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might also ask for other pertinent information such as the time and location of the theft. They will also want to know if the car has any unique features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your car will be covered even if keys are not left in the vehicle. If you only have liability insurance the car won't be protected. This is the reason that you must have a full coverage on your vehicle.

The insurance policy for your car typically covers the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the market value at the moment of the theft, less any applicable deductible. You may be asked to submit a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep one in your files or search for it online.

Once the claim has been processed, you may be notified of a waiting time. It will differ from insurer to insurer. During this time, your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).

If you're lucky enough, you may be in a position to get your car back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the cash value (minus the deductible) of the vehicle you lost. You can use the money to buy a new car in the event that you decide to. Be aware that any claims you file on your insurance policy will raise your rates. If you're unsure whether you should submit a claim, talk to your insurance agent and ask their advice.