This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Car Stolen With Keys Inside
This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Car Stolen With Keys Inside
Blog Article
Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is damaged and the keys are still inside, you'll be required to submit an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and type of policy.
However, you must take precautions to prevent having your vehicle stolen in the first place. 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 all available precautions to safeguard it. Preventive measures can lower the risk of theft and increase the chances that you return your vehicle in the event of theft with keys inside.
Installing an anti-theft device that includes GPS tracking is among the most effective ways to ensure your vehicle's safety. These systems incorporate GPS and wireless technology to enable you to keep an eye on your vehicle. The technology alerts police or monitoring agencies whenever the vehicle moves. They also have the ability to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which could help in recovering it.
Even if you're only planning to be away for a short period of time closing the doors and rolling up the windows is another preventive measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year because owners leave their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. Unlocked vehicles can be opened by a skilled thief, even if the window is only moved by just an inch or two inches.
Parking in secure parking garages and parking spaces is a great way to deter thieves, as these areas are usually monitored and have security personnel. It is also recommended to avoid areas that are secluded and poorly lit areas as they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system it is also possible to deter thieves by using visible theft deterrents such as a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. These devices can make a potential thief reconsider entering your vehicle, as they'll have to take off or bypass the device.
Make sure to hide electronics and valuables as much as you can in your car. Things like mobile phone chargers as well as navigation equipment and electronic cords should be kept out of view or in the trunk. It is also important to record the serial number of any expensive accessory or equipment in the event that it is stolen. You can provide this information to the police as well as your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a car is stolen, and car theft is a major expense, costing Americans an estimated $8 billion each year. In a lot of cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and this is an issue that's becoming more prevalent. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you just visit the store for a short time. There are ways to prevent this from happening, such as removing important items from your vehicle or keeping them hidden from view.
It's also essential to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is stolen. Doing this will give law enforcement officers a better chance of catching the perpetrator and restitution for your vehicle. Additionally, it will ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into national and state auto theft databases and will help prevent any future ownership issues or title problems.
You should also call your insurance company. You can inquire whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will most likely compensate you for the loss. If you don't have this coverage and you want to switch to another insurance provider, it could be worth it.
It is crucial to act quickly when claiming a stolen vehicle with the keys still in the ignition. If you wait too long, the insurance company may deny your claim or question the reason you left the keys in the car. They will claim that you haven't taken "reasonable" care of your property.
Be aware that documents like your registration or insurance card can be used to commit identity theft. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can lead them to commit fraud. If this is the case, you should alert your financial institutions and monitor your accounts in detail. It is also important to inform the police and your insurance company if your car has been recovered so they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people leave their car running while they rush out to go to the grocery store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could result in your vehicle being stolen. It is a bad idea to leave your car unattended while not driving. To avoid this, lock your car's doors when you are not in the car.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle unattended, with the keys inside, you'll want to inform your insurance company as soon as you can. You could be asked to provide details about the incident, including the location where the vehicle was left and when it was stolen. It's important that you do this so the police can track your vehicle and hopefully find it.
You can submit an online claim with certain insurance companies for cars, but it is better to talk with an agent. This will allow you to provide more precise information about the incident and reduce the amount of back-andforth that can delay your claim. Your agent might ask for an official copy of the police report, as well as a list of valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police with their investigation and assist them to determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is being financed or leased, you'll want to inform your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will prevent them from attempting to take possession of your car or claim it. If your car is recovered with significant damage, the comprehensive section of your insurance policy will pay for the repair it.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you choose to file an insurance claim, it could take up 30 days to receive a settlement. Check your policy to see whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will cover the cost of a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed producer of property and casualty insurance and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is frequently quoted in national media.
Check the condition of your vehicle
The first thing you must do when you discover that a vehicle is stolen with the keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. Calling the non-emergency number of your local police department will help you do this.
If you do this, you will want to send them the following information:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - It is usually located on the door to the driver's side or in the vicinity of the windshield. The number seven is also placed on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to change the vehicle's identity.
Unique Features - If there is something that makes your vehicle appear different from other vehicles of the same type This can be useful. It may be useful to list any personal items in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specific Perils coverage, this will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you have left your keys inside. If, however, you have Liability-only insurance, this might not be the case.
Many read more people make the mistake of running their cars with the ignition key on while they run errands or getting ready to work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster as it only takes an opportunistic criminal a few seconds to hop into your car and drive off.
Saturday is the most popular day to steal a vehicle with the keys in ignition followed by Friday and Monday. Colorado is the number one state for car thefts. Leaving your vehicle puffing could be a signal to criminals.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a new set than to file an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is especially true if you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is easily replaced at your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than your deductible, and you will avoid dealing with the insurance company in the future.