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

If you have insurance that is comprehensive on your car it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It is important to act swiftly.

The longer you wait the more likely that your claim will be rejected or subject to fraud investigation. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

It's a terrifying moment when you head out to your car and realise you can't find your keys. It can ruin your whole day, and it's also very frustrating. It is essential to remain calm and logical. Take a look in your bags, pockets and other places you may have put them. You should also look back and reflect on your day. Perhaps you threw them somewhere or reached into your pocket to grab your phone, but knocked out your keys.

Call the police if you can't find them. Notifying the police about the loss of your keys to the police as soon as you can will assist them in finding them and may prevent someone from using the vehicle without your consent. Notifying your insurance company about the car theft is also crucial. In this way, they can help you get new keys.

Always examine your insurance policy to determine whether it covers your loss of your car. Most policies cover a car that was stolen car key what to do with the keys inside, but the conditions and terms vary. Certain companies do not cover personal items in the car therefore you must check with your renters or home insurance company.

You should also contact the finance or leasing company if your car is leasing. They will also want to report the incident to the police. This will prevent them from being held accountable for the vehicle in the event of theft and can assist in speeding up the process of obtaining the vehicle back.

You should also think about installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle to deter thieves. These could include an GPS tracker, a steering wheel lock or an alarm for your car. These gadgets will typically cost a bit more to install, but they can save you money over the long term by preventing theft of your vehicle. The most important thing is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and to not leave it parked in areas that are risky.

Contact the police

If you can't find your vehicle and suspect it's been stolen, the first thing to do is contact the police. They will give you an identification number for the crime that is crucial in monitoring the progress of the investigation. This will help you with your insurance claim in the future.

You will need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the model, make and color as well as the license plate number along with the VIN number that is on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app on your smartphone). Please provide any additional information you have regarding the vehicle, including when you last saw it and when and any distinctive features, like an enormous dent, or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.

After you've completed a police report it is crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you can. This will speed up the process and might even shield you from excessive liability. If the thief drives your vehicle and results in an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.

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

The best way to prevent this is to always secure your car and not put valuables in plain view. You should also close your windows all the way and make sure you don't leave your car running without supervision. This is particularly true for keys that are in the car.

Another important thing to remember is that your renters or home insurance may cover the things you kept in your vehicle, if they were insured under these policies. If, however, you had electronics in your car, they likely wouldn't be covered under this kind of policy.

It's also crucial to monitor your financial accounts carefully when you have personal documents in your vehicle such as pay stubs and receipts. It is important to notify your bank as soon as you can.

Get an extra key

The loss of your car stolen with keys in it progressive keys was not a big issue in the past. You could get them duplicated at a low cost from your local key maker. Many cars today have advanced security features that make it difficult to duplicate the key of the vehicle that has been stolen key fob without contacting the automaker or dealer for assistance.

If you have an extra key, you must put it in a spot that is secure and easily accessible when you are at home. It can be stored in a drawer within your home or in a box near the door. Or, you might give an extra key to a friend or neighbor whom you trust.

If you have an extra key, the next step is to contact your dealer to see if they can help. The dealership will probably be able deactivate the key fob in order to stop it from being used to start your vehicle. It's a simple process, but it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.

You might also want to contact your insurance company to inquire about comprehensive coverage, which covers items like stolen cars with keys inside. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage however, you should verify your policy for specific details.

Another option to take in the event that your car was stolen with keys inside is to submit a claim to the police. This is especially crucial in the event that your car is loaned or leased as the lender must be aware of the incident. Insurance claims can even assist you in getting a new key or replace the one you lost.

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 if you're stepping away for a short time. You should consider installing antitheft devices inside your vehicle to make it difficult for thieves to gain access to it. Examples of this include steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and car alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas is also advised. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

If you have completed a police report and you have received a police report, you must contact your insurance company right away. The majority of insurance companies have online platforms which make it simple and quick to complete the procedure. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by contact your agent directly instead of contacting an automated call center. Prepare to answer any questions. You'll be asked to provide specific information about your car including the year model, color, license plate number and the model and make. They might be looking for additional details such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask whether the vehicle is equipped with additional features, such as a GPS system or other security measures.

If you have comprehensive insurance your car will be covered regardless of the fact that the keys were put in the car. If you only have liability insurance, the car will not be paid for. This is why it is important to always get comprehensive coverage on your vehicle.

Your car insurance policy typically covers the actual cash worth of your stolen vehicle. This is the value that was in the market at the date of theft plus any deductible that is applicable. You will likely be asked to submit an independent assessment of your vehicle, and you must keep one in your file or look it up for it online.

Once the claim has been processed, you could be granted a waiting period. This will differ from insurer to insurer. During this period, your insurer will be looking for the vehicle to be recovered. You will receive a refund for the vehicle (minus any deductible).

If you're lucky, you may be successful in getting your vehicle back within the waiting period. If not, you'll receive the actual value (minus the deductible) of your stolen vehicle. If you are planning on buying a new vehicle you can use this money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase the cost of your insurance. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit claims.