These Are Myths And Facts Behind Car Stolen With Keys Inside
These Are Myths And Facts Behind Car Stolen With Keys Inside
Blog Article
Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is taken with the keys inside, you'll need to file a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible depends on the type of insurance and the limit.
You should take precautions to stop your car from being taken. Here are some tips:
Taking preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It is crucial to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your vehicle. Preventive measures can reduce the chance of theft and increase the chances that you get your car back if it is stolen with the keys inside.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system that comes with a GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is moved. They are also able to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can be helpful in recovering it.
Even if you're only going to be away for a few moments locking the doors and lowering the windows is a good measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year due to owners leaving their vehicles unlocked, and leave their keys in the ignition. Unlocked vehicles can be opened by a skilled burglar even if the window is only turned an inch or two inches.
Parking in garages and parking lots which are monitored by security personnel is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and that have poor lighting, as they are more likely attract thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system and a security system, you can also discourage 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 in the event that they have to take off or bypass the device.
If you have valuables or electronics in your vehicle, keep them as hidden as possible. Things such as chargers for mobile phones or navigation equipment, as well as electronic cords should be kept out of view or in the trunk. It is also important to record the serial number of any expensive accessories or equipment in the event that it is stolen. If they are ever found, you can provide this information to your insurance company and the police.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a car is stolen, and theft of vehicles costs Americans approximately $8 billion annually. In a lot of cases, cars are stolen with keys inside, and this is a problem that's getting worse. This could happen if you leave your car on to warm up, or even if you just go to the store for a short period of time. However, there are some ways to stop this from occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or making sure they are locked out of view.
Notifying the police right away after your vehicle is stolen is also crucial. This gives the police a better chance to locate the culprit and return your vehicle. It can also help ensure that your vehicle is included in the auto-theft national and state databases, which could prevent future ownership or title issues.
Contact your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles with keys in the ignition. In the majority of cases the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss in the event that you have a comprehensive insurance. If you do not have this coverage, switching to another insurer could be worth it.
When you file an insurance claim for an unintentionally stolen vehicle with keys in the ignition, it is important to act quickly. If you wait too much, the insurance company might decline your claim. They could also ask you on the reason why you left keys to your car in it. They will claim that you haven't taken "reasonable" care of your property.
Be aware that documents like your insurance card or registration could lead to identity theft. Some people even keep paychecks or receipts in their car which could result in fraudulent transactions. If this is the case, notify your financial institutions and be sure to monitor all of your accounts closely. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle was found to be stolen so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.
Notifying your insurance company
Many people have a tendency to leave their vehicle running when they rush out of the door to run to the grocery store or get gas. Unfortunately, this can result in your car being stolen. It is not advisable to leave your car unattended while not driving. To avoid this, secure your vehicle's doors when you're not in the car.
You'll need to inform your insurance company right away if you leave your car unattended and the keys inside. They may ask you to provide details about the incident, including the location where the car was left and the time of the theft. This will help the police locate your vehicle and may even recover it.
You can file a claim online with some insurance companies, however it is better to talk to an agent. You can provide more information about the incident, and the back and forth could delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy of the police report as well as a list of all the valuables that are in your car. This will aid the police in their investigation and assist them to determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
In addition, if your vehicle is owned by a finance company or leased, you'll want get more info to notify your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from trying to repossess your vehicle or claim it as stolen. If your car is recovered with significant damage, the comprehensive section of your insurance policy will cover the cost of fixing it.
If your car isn't returned and you decide to file an insurance claim, it can take up to 30 days before you receive an amount. If you don't have a second vehicle to use in meantime, check your policy to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage that can help you pay for a rental vehicle while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property casualty insurer is an expert in the field. He has been analyzing the insurance market for over five years and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside is to verify that it was actually stolen. You can do this by calling the non-emergency police department number in your local area.
If you do then you should send them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually located in the door of the driver or close to the windshield. The seven digits in the last seven of the VIN are also engraved onto the mirrors and headlights to make it harder for anyone trying to change the identity of the vehicle.
It is helpful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle when it was stolen could be useful.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive coverage or specific Perils It will most likely protect your vehicle from theft regardless of whether you have left your keys inside. If you only have liability insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make this mistake when they run errands, or getting ready to go to work in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, as it only takes only a few seconds to get in the car and drive off.
Saturday is the most frequent day to steal a car with the keys in ignition, followed by Friday and Monday. With Colorado being ranked first in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing could be a prime target for opportunistic criminals.
It is often cheaper to purchase a new set of keys than to submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is especially true when you have an electronic key fob or smart key that can be easily repaired at your local car dealership for around a hundred dollars. This is cheaper than paying your deductible and it will eliminate the stress of dealing with your insurance company in the future.