Car Stolen With Keys Inside

If your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside, you'll have to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the limit and kind of policy.

However, you must take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your car stolen in the first place. Here are a few tips:

Preventive measures to take

A car is the biggest investment you will make. It's important to take every precaution to protect your vehicle. Preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of theft, and increase your chances to recover your car when it's stolen with keys inside.

One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device which includes an GPS tracking device. These systems use a combination of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or a monitoring service whenever the vehicle is moved. They can also locate vehicles that are damaged or missing and assist in locating it.

Another preventive measure is to lock the doors and close the windows of your vehicle while it is parked even if you're only going to be absent for a short time. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked with their keys in the ignition or elsewhere. A skilled thief is able to open an unlocked car through a window that's only rolled up a few inches.

Parking in parking lots and garages which are monitored by security personnel is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and with poor lighting, as they are more likely to attract thieves.

In addition to installing an anti-theft system it is also possible to discourage thieves by using visible theft deterrents like a steering lock or alarm decals. These devices can make a potential thief reconsider trying to break into your vehicle and will have to take off or bypass the device.

If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, you should hide them as much as possible. Keep items such as electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational equipment out of sight, or put them in the trunk. It is an excellent idea to record the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can then give this information to the police as well as your insurance company if they ever recover them.

Notifying the police

A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft is a major expense, costing Americans $8 billion each year. The problem is growing. In many cases keys are left in cars when they are stolen. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm up or even if you just go into the store for a brief period of time. There are things you can do to stop this from happening, such as taking important items from your vehicle or keeping them hidden from view.

Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle has been taken away is crucial. This will give law enforcement officers the best chance of catching the perpetrator and returning your vehicle. It can also help ensure that your car is entered into the auto-theft databases of the state and national databases, which can prevent any future title or ownership issues.

Contact your insurance company. You can inquire if your policy covers thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. In the majority of cases, the insurance company will compensate you for your losses when you have comprehensive coverage. If you do not have this coverage, switching to another insurer may be worth it.

It's important to move quickly in submitting a claim for stolen vehicles with keys still in the ignition. If you delay too long, the insurance company may reject your claim or inquire with you as to why you put the keys in the car. This is because they believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.

You should also be aware of the potential for identity theft if there are documents in your car, like your insurance card or registration. Some people keep paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can lead to fraud. If this is the case, you should notify your financial institutions and monitor all of your accounts closely. If your car is recovered you must also inform the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and pursue the perpetrator.

Notifying your insurance company

Many people have a tendency to leave their car running when they're rushing out the door to make a quick run into the store or to take gas. Unfortunately, this could result in your car being stolen. You should never leave your car unattended while not driving. The best way to stop website this from happening is to lock your car doors when you're not in it.

You'll need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible when you leave your vehicle unattended and the keys inside. They might ask you to provide specific details regarding the incident, including the location where the vehicle was parked and the time of the theft. This will help police find your car and possibly recover it.

Some car insurance companies have online systems through which you can submit an insurance claim, however it's best to call and speak with an agent. This will enable you to provide more precise details about the incident, and cut down on the amount of back-andforth that can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy of the police report along with an inventory of all the valuables that are in your car. This will assist the police in their investigation and determine whether your belongings are covered under your comprehensive coverage.

If your vehicle is owned by a finance company or leased, you'll need to inform your leasing company or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from attempting to take possession or claim your car. If your car is recovered with significant damage, the comprehensive section of your insurance will cover the cost of fixing it.

If your car isn't returned, and you decide to make an insurance claim, it can take up 30 days to receive an amount. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement insurance policy that will pay for a car rental while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurance company is an expert in the field. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is often quoted in national media.

Check the condition of your vehicle

When a car is stolen with keys inside the car, the first thing you have to ensure is that the vehicle was stolen. You can do this by calling the number of the police department that is non-emergency in your area.

If you do then you should send them the following details:

The Vehicle Identification Number is usually located in the driver's door or close to the windshield. The number seven is also stamped on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to change the vehicle's identity.

It can be useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. It may be helpful to describe any personal items found in the vehicle at the time of theft.

Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specified 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 situation.

Many people make this error when they run errands, or getting ready for work in the morning. This is a recipe for disaster because it only takes a shrewd criminal only a few seconds to jump into your vehicle and leave.

The most common day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is Saturday, followed by Monday and Friday. Colorado is the most popular state for car thefts. Leaving your vehicle puffing could be an invitation for criminals.

It is generally cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to file an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is true especially when you have an electronic key fob or smart key, which can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible, and you'll avoid having to deal with the insurance company in the future.