Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is broken into with the keys still inside, you'll need to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible is contingent on the type of policy and the amount.
It is important to take preventative measures to prevent your car from being stolen. Here are some suggestions:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It's a good idea to take every precaution to protect it. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase the chances of getting your car back in the event it's stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system that comes with a GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technologies to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services whenever the vehicle moves. They can also locate vehicles that are damaged or missing and assist in locating it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a few moments closing the doors and rolling up the windows is a good measure. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in the ignition or somewhere else. Unlocked vehicles can be accessed by a skilled thief even in the case that the window is just turned an inch or two inches.
Parking in secured parking garages and parking spaces is a great way to deter thieves, since these areas are usually monitored and have security personnel. Avoid the dark and unlit areas as they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
You can stop thieves from entering your home by installing an anti-theft system with visible theft deterrents such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These can make a prospective burglar think twice before trying to break into your car, since they'll have to face the additional burden of removing or avoiding the security device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, keep them as hidden as possible. Items like chargers for mobile phones or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of sight or in the trunk. It's also a good idea to keep track of the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can then give this information to the police and your insurance company if they are ever recovered.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft is a major expense, costing Americans $8 billion a year. The problem is growing. In many instances keys are left in vehicles when they are stolen. It can happen when you leave your car running to warm it up or even if you're heading to the grocery store for a short time. But there are things you can do to avoid this occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or locking them out of sight.
It's also essential to notify the police as soon as your vehicle is taken. This gives the police a greater chance to locate the culprit and return your vehicle. It will also ensure that your vehicle is included in the national and state auto-theft databases, which could prevent any future title or ownership issues.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company. You can inquire whether your policy will cover thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. In most instances, the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss in the event that you have a comprehensive insurance. If you do not have this coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it could be worth it.
It's important to move quickly when filing a claim on a stolen vehicle with the keys still in the ignition. If you wait too much the insurance company could decline your claim. They might also ask the reason you put keys to your car in it. They will claim that you haven't taken "reasonable" care of your property.
You should also be aware of the possibility of identity theft if there are documents in your vehicle, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their car, which can lead to fraudulent transactions. If this is the case, you should inform your financial institutions and be sure to monitor all of your accounts closely. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your car was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people let their vehicle running as they rush out the door for a quick trip to the store or gas station. Unfortunately, this can result in your vehicle being stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car unattended when you're not using it. The best way to avoid this from happening is to lock your car doors when you're not in it.
You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible when you leave your vehicle unattended and the keys inside. You could be asked to provide details about the incident including where the vehicle was left and the date it was taken. It is crucial to do this so the police can track your car and hopefully recover it.
Some car insurance companies have online platforms where you can submit claims, however it is best to call and speak with an agent. You can provide additional details about the incident, and the back-andforth can delay your claim. Your agent might ask for an original copy of the police report as well as a list of valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police with their investigation and help determine if your items are covered under your comprehensive coverage.
If your vehicle is financed or leased, you'll want to inform your leasing company or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from trying to repossess your car or claiming it for repossession. If your car is found and has suffered significant damage, your comprehensive insurance will cover the costs of repair.
If you decide to file a claim for your car and it is not refunded the settlement could be up to 30 days. If you don't have a second vehicle to use in meantime, check your policy to determine if you have rental reimbursement coverage that can help you pay for a rental vehicle while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance more info producer and the MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you need to do when a vehicle has been taken with keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department's number in your local area.
If you do this you must give them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a number that can be found on the back of the vehicle. It is usually located on the door to the driver's side or on the windshield. The number seven is also printed on the headlights as well as the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to try to change the vehicle's identity.
It is helpful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. It is helpful to describe any personal items in the vehicle at the time of theft.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or Specific Perils, it will likely protect your vehicle from theft regardless of whether you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make this error while running errands, or getting ready to go to work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, as it only takes a few moments to jump in your car and drive away.
The most popular day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is on Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing can be an inviting victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is usually cheaper to buy a new set of keys than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is true especially in the case of an electronic key fob or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred bucks. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you will not have to deal with the insurance company in the future.