If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive your car will be covered even if keys are not in the vehicle. However, the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine if you were negligent in causing the theft.
It is best to file a claim immediately after you discover that your vehicle was stolen. If you delay, it could result in your insurance claim being rejected or subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
If your vehicle has been taken with keys inside It is crucial to remain calm and avoid make a bad decision that could only exacerbate the situation. The first thing to do is call the police. When you have done that give them as much information as possible about the vehicle, such as the model, make and license plate number. Also, inform them that there was anything valuable in your vehicle, like a laptop, a badge from your job or other personal belongings.
The police can provide you with the most accurate information about the vehicle that was stolen and what they intend to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle and catch the thieves.
Many people forget to lock their cars or close the windows, particularly if they are in rush or have children with them. It may sound silly but it's a simple mistake to make and can have tragic consequences. In these cases thieves simply get into the driver's seat pretending they owned it and drive away. If no one around them realizes they aren't the owners the vehicle can travel a considerable distance before being stopped by a police officer.
Another common mistake that can be easily made is to put keys in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden somewhere on your person or property. This is a risk since it makes it easier to start the vehicle and get away with. Many people do this when they enter to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a few minutes while they visit a store. Other common mistakes include running the car while it is warming up or hurrying into a gas station in order to pay for fuel.
Keep these mistakes in mind it is vital to take preventive measures to prevent them from happening in the future. This can be done in a variety of ways, from putting in an alarm system to parking in a well-lit area. In addition, certain automobile manufacturers offer security features that can deter thieves or prevent them from getting the car started. These options be anything from a sounded alarm to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that track the vehicle.
2. Call the police
As a car owner, it's your obligation to report any attempted or actual theft. Your police department will be capable of providing you with information on the actions you need to take next. They could also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, for instance, installing the wheel lock. They can also provide you with a reference number for the crime, which can assist you in making contact with your insurance company.
When reporting a stolen car it is crucial to be as thorough as possible. Make sure you provide the exact information to your insurance provider and the police. This increases the chances of your car being returned or retrieved.
The type of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number as well as the year, year, model and model as well as any other distinctive features. If your vehicle is equipped with an GPS tracking device or other technology to prevent theft, be sure to include it as well.
Another crucial piece of information is any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time of the theft. This could be your wallet, purse, or any other object that holds personal information. It is essential to inform the credit card companies, your bank and any other entity that could be involved in the event of an item is stolen from your car.
It is also advisable to contact your homeowners or renters insurer if any of your personal possessions were taken. This is because this type of property is usually covered under the personal property section of these policies. However, 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, locking the doors, and closing the windows at all times. Also, keep a spare key somewhere else than inside your car. Also, review your insurance coverage annually to ensure that you are protected.
If you have comprehensive insurance, the insurer will cover the damage or loss to your vehicle, less any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage prior to lending your car.
3. Do not try to search for your vehicle on your own
As a car owner you have a responsibility to protect your property. It is essential to ensure that your vehicle is secured even if you're not in the vehicle. You should also make sure to lock your vehicle every time you leave it, and also to open the windows completely. It's also a good idea not to keep spare keys in your car or else where criminals could access them.
One of the most frequent causes for car thefts is when people keep keys that are not used in the vehicle. This is a simple mistake that can have serious implications particularly in the present day.
Modern thieves are moving past the hotwiring techniques you may have seen in action films and are using more sophisticated methods to rob vehicles. This includes something called relay attacks that is when two thieves utilize an electronic device to record the signal from the owner's key fob and then unlock the car and take it away.
The good news is the police are beginning to employ more effective technology in order to locate thieves who attempt to steal cars with their keys inside. Some companies offer to install the device of tracking on your vehicle that will send the location of your car to the police. This will reduce the number and likelihood of theft.
In addition to a device for tracking, you may want to think about installing an immobilizer on your vehicle to prevent it from starting. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can also determine whether someone tried to start your vehicle by contacting the police.
If you decide to search for the vehicle that was stolen it is not advisable to search it on your own. This can lead to more damage, or even the theft of personal belongings from your vehicle. Instead, you should contact your insurance company and inform them that the car was stolen with the keys inside. Also, inform them about any personal possessions in the car at the time of the theft, such as mail, a wallet or purse containing credit cards or cash or office badges or other form of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive auto insurance (which covers a variety of events, including theft), you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to make an insurance claim. This will enable them to begin investigating and ensure you are covered in the event your car is damaged or destroyed.
You must give your insurance company all the information you are able to remember about your vehicle including: the year the model, make and year; the license plate number as well as the VIN (vehicle identification number); and where you last was able to see it. It is also possible to provide information regarding the date and time of the theft, as well as whether it was snowing or rained. If you aren't sure of any of the above information you can ask the police to search their records to find the information you need.
In some cases it may be necessary to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will prevent the thief using your vehicle to break the law or damage other property.
If you contact your insurance company, you'll be required to bring the police report with you so that they can begin the investigation. You will also have to be prepared to provide any additional details that your insurance representative might require.
Make sure to note any personal items more info that were stolen from your vehicle, since these may be covered under your renters or homeowners insurance (depending on the area you reside in). You should also notify your finance company or leasing company that your vehicle has been reported stolen.
It is important to be calm and quick to act, even though it is an emergency. These tips will help you achieve this goal and could will result in getting your vehicle back in good condition. If you are required to make a claim for keys stolen from a vehicle in it the best thing you can do is work with an independent insurance agent who will assist you in the process and provide you with discounts to make the ordeal as painless as possible.