If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have comprehensive insurance 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 whether you were negligent in causing the theft.
It is best to file a claim right away after discovering that the vehicle has been stolen. Your insurance claim will be denied if you wait.
1. Don't Panic
If your vehicle has been taken with keys inside It is crucial to remain calm and not make a mistake that will only compound the situation. Contact the police first. As soon as you call the police, you should provide them with as much information about the vehicle as you can including the model, make and license plate. You will also want to inform them of any valuable items in the vehicle, including laptops, a work ID badge or other personal items.
The police can give you the best information regarding your stolen vehicle and the steps they are planning to take moving forward. They may be able locate your vehicle and catch the thieves.
Many people do not lock their cars or shut the windows, particularly if they are in a hurry or have children with them. While it may seem like a stupid error to make but it's actually quite simple to make and usually has tragic consequences. In these instances, thieves will just climb into the driver's seat like they were the owner and drive off. If no one else around them is aware that it's not the owner and they are able to travel a considerable distance before being arrested by a police officer.
Another common error that can be easily made is to leave keys in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden on your property or in your personal possessions. This is risky since it makes it easier to start your vehicle and then run off with. This is usually the case when people go to an establishment to buy something or leave the car running while they're the store. Other common mistakes include running the car while it is heating up or rushing 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. There are a variety of methods to accomplish this, from installing an alarm system, to parking in areas with good lighting. Some automakers also offer security features that deter thieves and keep them from starting their vehicle. These vary from a simple audible alarm to more sophisticated devices that use GPS technology to locate the vehicle.
2. Call the police
As a car owner, it's your duty to report any theft or attempted theft. The police department can assist you by providing advice on what to do next. They may also give you suggestions on how you can protect your vehicle in future, like installing a wheellock. They can also provide you with a crime reference number that will assist you in contacting your insurance company.
It is crucial to provide as many details as you can when submitting a report of a stolen vehicle. Be sure that you give the same information to your insurance company as well as the police. This will increase the chances that your car is returned or recovered.
The kind of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), 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 a GPS tracking device, or other technology to prevent theft, be sure to include that information as well.
Another aspect important is the presence of any personal items in the vehicle at the time the theft occurred. It could be the purse, wallet or any other item that might contain personal information. It's a good idea to alert credit card companies, banks and any other entities who could be involved in the case of a stolen item in your vehicle.
You should also notify your homeowners or renters insurer for any personal property was taken. This is because this kind of property is usually covered under the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers damages to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent a car theft, you can lower the chance of it occurring by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid closing your windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your vehicle, and to check your insurance policy each year to ensure you have adequate coverage.
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, your insurance provider will cover the loss of your car, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover theft of cars therefore, make sure to have comprehensive coverage prior to lending your car to anyone.
3. Don't try to locate Your Vehicle on Your Own
As a vehicle owner, you are responsible to ensure the security of your property. It's important to secure your vehicle even when you are not in the vehicle. It's important to lock your car each when you leave, and to roll the windows fully up. It's also a good idea not to keep spare keys in your vehicle or in a place where thieves could gain access to them.
One of the most frequent reasons for car thefts is the fact that people forget to leave keys that are not used in the vehicle. This is a simple error that can have serious consequences especially in this day and age.
Modern thieves have moved beyond the old hotwiring techniques you might see in an action movie and are now employing more sophisticated methods to rob vehicles. This is a relay attack, where two thieves use electronic devices to capture the signal of the owner's keyfob and then unlock the vehicle, and then drive it off.
The good news is that the police are beginning to employ more efficient technology to track down thieves that attempt to steal cars by putting keys inside. Some companies offer to install a tracking device on your vehicle, which will report the exact location of your vehicle to the police. This will help to decrease the number of thefts and increase their chances of being recovered.
In addition to a device for tracking it is also possible to consider installing an immobilizer in your vehicle to prevent it from being started. This makes it harder for thieves to take your website vehicle. You can also determine who attempted to start the car by calling the police.
You should not look for your vehicle in the event that you decide to locate it down. This could result in more damage, and even the theft of personal items from your vehicle. Instead, you should contact your insurance company as quickly as you can and let them know that your car has been stolen and keys were inside. Also, inform them about any personal items in the car at the time of theft, including mail or a purse containing credit cards or cash, office badges or other form of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive auto insurance policy (which typically covers a wide range of situations, including theft) it is crucial to call your insurer and make a claim as soon as possible. This will assist them in getting started with the investigation and make sure that you are covered in the event of your car is stolen or damaged.
You should provide your insurer with all the information you can keep about your vehicle, such as: the year the model, make and year and the license plate number; the VIN (vehicle identification number) and where you last observed it. It is also helpful to provide information on how the theft occurred and at what time of the day it occurred, and if there was rain or snow. If you aren't sure of any of these details you can ask the police to search their records for the information you need.
In some instances, it might also be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will prevent the criminal from utilizing your vehicle in any manner that can violate the law or cause damage to others property.
If you contact your insurance company, you will need to have the police report with you to allow them to begin the investigation. Also, you must be ready to provide any other details requested by your insurance agent.
You could be able to claim personal items you have stolen from your car through your homeowners or renters insurance, based on the area you reside in. In addition, you must notify your finance or leasing company to let them know the vehicle was reported stolen.
It is essential to be calm and quick to act even in an extremely stressful situation. These suggestions will help you do this and hopefully result in you getting your vehicle back in good condition. If you have to file a claim because your car was stolen with keys inside, it is best to work with an independent agent who can guide you through the process. They can also help you find discounts to make the whole process as simple as it can be.