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

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you will be covered even if lose the keys to your car. It is important to act swiftly.

The longer you put off the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Fortunately, rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

It's a terrifying moment when you go to get your car and realise you're unable to locate your keys. It can be a disaster and be frustrating. This is why it's crucial to stay calm and think rationally. Make sure you've checked every place in your pockets bags, purses and any other places you could have put them. Also, go back through your day - maybe you set them down in a place or went into your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out.

If you can't find them, it's time to contact the police. It is crucial to report the loss of your keys to your car as soon as you can, as this will help the police find them and may hinder the use of your vehicle by someone without your permission. Notifying your insurance company of the theft of your vehicle is important. This way, they can assist you get a new set of keys.

Check your insurance policy to determine if the loss of the vehicle is covered. Most policies cover a car that has been stolen with keys inside, however the terms and conditions vary. Some companies don't cover personal belongings in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your landlord or home insurance company.

It is also advisable to contact the finance or leasing company if your car is leased. They may need to report the theft to the police as well. This will shield 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 consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to discourage thieves. These can include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or a car alarm. These devices are more expensive to install but can save you money by stopping theft. The most important thing is to keep your car in good condition and to not leave it parked in a dangerous area.

Contact the police

Contact the police if are unable to 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 help you with your insurance claim in the future.

You will be required to provide a thorough description of your vehicle including the make/model, color and the license plate number, as well as the VIN number that can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your phone). If you have any other details about the location and time you last saw it for example, distinctive features such as large dents, custom-designed accessories or distinctive marks and scratches, please give that information too.

It is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you make a police report. This will help speed the process and could even protect you from undue liability. This is because when a thief causes an accident while driving your vehicle you could be held liable depending on your state laws and insurance coverage.

Car thefts that have keys left in them are increasing according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a car with keys inside is robbed in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.

It is best to lock your car at all times, and to not leave valuables out in the open. You should also close your windows to the maximum and ensure that you do not leave your car running when you are not there, especially with keys inside.

If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might protect the items in your car if they're covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this type of insurance is not likely to cover them.

You should also monitor your financial accounts if you keep personal documents such as receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll want to alert your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.

Find an extra key

Losing your car keys was not a huge issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Now, however, many automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without going to the dealer or automaker for assistance.

If you have an additional key, you should put it in a spot that is secure and easy to reach when you are away from home. For instance, you could keep it in your home in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a box close to the door. You could also give an extra to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

Contact your dealership and inquire whether they can help you. They'll likely be able deactivate the key fob that was stolen so that it won't be able to start your vehicle. It's a simple procedure, however it will depend on the make and year of your car.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things like keys left behind in vehicles that have been stolen. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of coverage, but you should check your policy for specific details.

Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen and keys were inside it is to make a claim with the police. It is crucial to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. You might even be able to get new keys or an alternative to your lost ones as part of the insurance claim.

To avoid having your car and the keys inside it in the future, it is recommended to always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're stepping away for a few seconds. You here should also consider putting in antitheft systems to make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Examples of this include steering wheel locks as well as brake pedal locks. You can also install car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also recommended. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

After you have made a police complaint You should call your insurance company immediately. The majority of insurance companies have online systems that make the process very quick and easy. Make sure to contact your agent directly instead of a call center operator to avoid a back and forth process and delays in this highly sensitive time. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide specific information about your vehicle, such as the year, color, model license plate number, color and the make and model. They may also request other relevant details such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask whether the car has additional 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 car. If you only have liability insurance the car will not be protected. This is the reason that you must have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.

Your insurance policy for car owners will usually cover the cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the moment of the theft, less any applicable deductible. Most likely, you will be asked to provide an independent assessment of your car so keep one on file or search for one online.

After the claim has been processed, you will be given a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this time the insurance company will be searching for the vehicle that is to be recovered. You will receive a credit for the vehicle (minus any deductible).

If you are lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If it's not, you will be compensated for the actual cash value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Be aware, however that any claims filed to your insurance policy could raise the cost of your insurance. Talk to your agent if you're not sure whether you should submit a claim.