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

If you have insurance that is comprehensive for your vehicle it will cover your vehicle even if it's not yours to leave the keys inside. However, it's important to act quickly.

The longer you wait the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your claim will be denied. Luckily, rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

When you're trying to get into your car and cannot locate your keys it's a frightening moment. It can ruin your entire day, and can be very difficult. This is why it's crucial to stay at peace and remain sane. Check your pockets, bags and other places where you might have put them. Also, take a walk back through the day and see if you've set them down somewhere or went into your bag to grab your phone and knocked your keys out of there.

Contact the police if can't locate them. Reporting the lost keys to your car to police as soon as you can will help them find them and may hinder people from using your vehicle without your consent. Informing your insurance company of the theft of your car is important. They will then assist you to get a new set.

It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the loss of your vehicle. Most policies cover a vehicle that has been stolen with keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle and you should confirm this with your landlord or home insurance provider.

You should also contact the leasing or financing company if your car is leased. They may want to report the theft to the police as well. This will help them avoid being liable for the car should it be stolen, and it may also assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle returned.

Installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle can also help deter thieves. These could include the use of a GPS tracker, a steering-wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These gadgets will typically cost a more to set up however they could save you money in the long run by preventing theft of your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in dangerous areas.

Contact the police

Contact the police if you can't locate your vehicle, but you know it's been taken. They will provide you with a crime reference number which is essential in tracking the progress of the investigation. This will also help with your insurance claim later on.

You'll need to provide an accurate description of the vehicle, including the model and make and the license plate number. The VIN is located in your Proof of Insurance (this could either be a physical document on your phone or an app). Provide any additional details you have regarding the vehicle, including where you last saw it, and when and any distinctive features, like a large dent or custom additions, or distinguishing marks or scratches.

After you've made a police complaint it is crucial to notify your insurer as soon as you can. This will make the process easier, and protect you from a high risk of liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws of your state and insurance coverage.

NICB data shows that car thefts when keys are left in the car are on the rise. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is taken in the United States. This results in a loss of more than $8 billion.

It is advisable to lock your vehicle at all times, and to never display valuables. You should also open the windows all the way and ensure that you do not leave your car running when you are not there and especially with keys inside.

Another aspect to be aware of is that your renters or home insurance could cover the possessions you had in your vehicle in the event that they were covered under these policies. If you have electronics in your vehicle, this kind of insurance isn't likely to cover them.

You should also be aware of your financial accounts, especially if you keep personal documents like receipts and pay stubs in your vehicle. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.

Get an extra key

Losing your car keys was not a major issue in the past. You could go to a local locksmith and have them duplicated for an cheap cost. Nowadays, however, a lot of automobiles are equipped with high-tech security features that make it difficult to replace a stolen car key without having to go to the dealer or automaker for assistance.

If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to place it somewhere safe and easy to access when you're away from home. For instance, you might keep it in your house in a drawer that is specifically designed for it or in a key box near the door. You could also give a spare key to a friend or neighbor who you trust.

Contact your dealer and ask whether they can help you. They'll likely be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it isn't able to start your car. This should be a simple process, but it depends on the specific model and year of vehicle.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance will cover things such as keys that are left in cars that have been stolen. The majority of auto insurance policies cover this type of protection however, you should verify the policy for specific details.

Another option to take if your car got stolen and keys were inside it is to submit a claim to the police. This is particularly important if your car is financed or leased, as the lender must be informed of the incident. Insurance claims can even help you obtain a replacement key or replace your lost one.

To ensure that your vehicle isn't taken away with keys in it in the future, you should always secure the doors of your vehicle, even when you're not in the car for a few seconds. You should also consider putting in antitheft devices to make it harder for thieves to gain access to your vehicle. Some examples of these include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and car alarms. It is also recommended to park in secure and well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables or the title of your car inside.

Contact your insurance company

It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after you've filed the police report. Many insurance companies have online systems that make the process very easy and fast. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by calling your agent directly instead of contacting a call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You will be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year model, color license plate number, the model and make. They might also request other relevant information such as the location and date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle has any special features, such as a GPS system or any other security measures.

If you have comprehensive insurance, your vehicle will be covered even if the keys here are left in the car. If, however, you only have liability insurance, your car will not be covered. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.

Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual value of the cash value of your stolen vehicle. This is the value of the vehicle at the date of theft, less any deductible that is applicable. You could be required to provide a third-party evaluation of your vehicle, and you should keep a copy in your files or search online.

Once the claim is approved and the claim is approved, you will be granted a waiting period that will vary depending on the insurer. During this period, your insurer will search for the vehicle. If it is, you will receive reimbursement for the vehicle (minus your deductible).

If you're lucky, you might be able to get your car back within the waiting period. If it isn't, you'll get the actual value (minus your deductible) of the vehicle that was stolen. You can use the funds to purchase a brand new car should you choose to. Keep in mind, though that any claims you make on your policy will raise your premiums. Speak to your agent if you're not certain whether or not you should file an claim.