15 Amazing Facts About Car Stolen With Keys Inside You Didn't Know
15 Amazing Facts About Car Stolen With Keys Inside You Didn't Know
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Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside, you'll have to make a claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible will depend on the type of policy and the amount.
You should take precautions to protect your vehicle from being stolen. Here are a few suggestions:
Taking preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. It is advisable to take all available precautions to protect it. By taking preventive measures, reduce the chance of theft and increase your chances of regaining your vehicle in the event that it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device which includes the GPS tracking device. These systems combine GPS and wireless technology to enable you to monitor your car. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the car is moved. They are also able to locate a lost or damaged vehicle, which can be helpful in recovering it.
Another method to protect yourself is to lock the doors and close the windows on your vehicle when you park it even if you're only going to be absent for a short time. Tens of thousands of vehicles are taken each year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving their keys in the ignition or in another location. Unlocked vehicles can be accessed by a skilled burglar even if the window is only rolled one inch or two.
Parking in parking lots and garages that are supervised by security guards is a great deterrent to thieves. Avoid areas with a lot of privacy and that have poor lighting, as they are more likely attract thieves.
You can discourage thieves by installing an anti-theft device by using visible theft deterrents, such as a lock for the steering wheel or alarm stickers. These can make a prospective thief think twice about trying to break into your car as they'll have to deal with the added difficulty of removing or bypassing the security device.
Make sure to hide electronics and valuables as much as you can in your car. Things like 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 a good idea to keep track of the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can then give this information to the police as well as your insurance company in the event that they ever find them.
Notifying the police
A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion a year. This problem is getting worse. In many instances, keys are left inside cars when they are stolen. It could happen when you leave your car running to warm it up or when you're going into the shop for a few minutes. You can prevent this by removing valuables from your car and locking them away.
It's also important to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. This will give 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 can prevent future ownership or title issues.
You should also contact your insurance company. They can determine if your policy covers theft of a vehicle with keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance the insurer will likely reimburse you for the loss. If you don't have this type of coverage switching to a different insurance company could be worth it.
It's crucial to act quickly when filing a claim on a stolen vehicle with the keys still in the ignition. If you are waiting too long, the insurance company might deny your claim. They might also ask you about why you left the keys of your car inside. They believe you have not taken "reasonable" care of your property.
It is important to be aware that documents such as your insurance card or registration could lead to identity theft. Some people keep receipts or paychecks in their cars, which could cause them to commit fraud. In this instance you should notify your financial institutions. You should also keep an eye on your accounts closely. If your car is recovered, you should also notify the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and pursue the suspect.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people have a tendency to let their car run when they rush out of the door to get into the store or to get gas. This can result in your vehicle being stolen. It is a bad idea to leave your car in the garage unattended when you're not in use. The best way to avoid this from happening is to lock your vehicle doors when you're not using it.
You'll need to inform your insurance company right away when you leave your vehicle in a parking lot and you don't have keys. You could be asked to provide details regarding the incident, such as where the vehicle was left and the date it was taken. It's important that you provide this information so that police can locate your car and hopefully recover it.
You can submit claims online through certain insurance companies for cars, but it is recommended to speak with an agent. This will enable you to provide more specific information about the incident and cut down on the amount of back-andforth that can delay your claim. Your agent could request an original copy of the police report and a list of valuables in your vehicle. This will help the police in their investigation and help them determine if you're covered by your comprehensive insurance.
Additionally, if your vehicle is financed or leased, it is important to inform your leasing or finance company of the theft. This will stop them from attempting to seize your vehicle or claiming it for repossession. If your vehicle is discovered with significant damage the comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of repairing it.
If your car isn't returned, and you decide to make an insurance claim, it can take up to 30 days to receive a settlement. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement policy to pay for a rental car while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has been studying the insurance market since 2005 and is often quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you need to do when you discover that a car has been stolen with keys inside is to confirm that it was actually stolen. Contacting the non-emergency phone number of your local police department can assist you in this.
If you do this you must give them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The VIN is the number that identifies the vehicle. This is usually found in the driver's door or near the windshield. The seven digits that make up the VIN are also engraved onto the mirrors and headlights in order to make it more difficult for anyone trying to alter the vehicle's identity.
Particular Specifications - If there's something that makes your car look different than others of the same type this could be helpful. A more info description of any personal belongings that were in the vehicle when it was stolen can also be helpful.
Your Insurance Coverage: If you have Comprehensive coverage or specific Perils It is likely to cover the theft of your vehicle regardless of whether you have left your keys inside. However, if you have liability only insurance, this may not be the situation.
Many people make this error when they are running for errands or getting ready to go to work in the morning. This is a recipe of catastrophe, as it only takes only a few seconds to get into your car and drive off.
Saturday is the most common day to steal a vehicle with the keys in ignition followed by Friday and Monday. With Colorado being the top state in the country for car thefts and a vehicle that is puffing could be a prime potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is usually cheaper to buy a new set than to make an insurance claim if the original key was stolen. This is true especially in the case of an electronic key fob, or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying the deductible and it will eliminate the headache of dealing with your insurance company in the future.