Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Car Stolen With Keys
Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Car Stolen With Keys
Blog Article
Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Car keys left in the ignition could sound like a bad idea but is insurance coverage available for cars that are stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. There are a few caveats.
First, ensure that your car is not missing prior to filing an insurance claim. Be aware that the claim process begins with a police report as well as a thorough description of your vehicle.
1. Contact the police
With car thefts increasing across the country and Colorado being ranked first in per capita thefts, you need to take preventive measures to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your car by setting up an alarm and taking all keys or fobs out of the vehicle when not driving it. It's also a good idea to hide valuables inside of the vehicle or, better yet, remove them completely from the car. Even if you've taken precautions, you could still become the victim of a crime-of-opportunity. If you have a key in the interior of your vehicle when it's stolen, here are the steps you need to take to report the theft to police and your insurer.
If your vehicle is reported stolen, contact the police immediately to make an official theft report. The more details you can provide the police regarding your vehicle including the model and make as well as license plate number or VIN, the better chances of it being returned to you. Inform the police if your vehicle has an GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to inform them about the theft. Based on the policies of your insurance company, you might be able to notify them via phone or via the internet. Please provide your policy number, make and model of your car, any identifying information (like large damage, custom modifications, etc.) and the time and location of the theft. Let your insurance agent know that you have other technological features in your vehicle, like a GPS tracking system, which can assist in finding it.
Be sure to give the police and your insurance company with the same information, as any discrepancies could delay the processing of your claim. The insurance company could also utilize this information to decide whether or not to pay a claim when you owe a significant amount of money. It's best not to leave any personal information or documents in your car including receipts for credit cards, numbers on credit cards and pay stubs. If you do leave such information in your car, be sure to notify your bank, credit card companies and other entities of the theft, so they can put a halt to any charges that are not authorized and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
It's not a secret that car theft is on the rise. Every year, thousands cars with keys inside are taken. It's not just luck. You can prevent this crime by putting in more security measures to your vehicle.
Contact your insurance provider immediately after the loss. You can request a car rental from your insurance company while you wait for the return of your vehicle or get compensation if you don't. They will answer all your questions and provide you with the details of your insurance policy. It is also recommended to make a police complaint containing the name and phone number of the police officer who was involved in the investigation and the time and date.
Be sure to include all the relevant details of your vehicle, including its make and model and a full description of the items stolen. Also, remember to include the name and phone number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables in it. This information can help police investigate the claims and eliminate those who are trying to commit fraud. You may also need to check your credit report. This is to make sure you are not in debt to the extent of, which would raise suspicions of fraud and make it more difficult to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for the car you stole.
Your insurance company can also provide you with the name and phone number of a representative who will help you navigate the claim process. They'll have several ways to reach them, from a phone number to a chat service and you can talk about the incident whenever you want.
It can be a hassle to make a claim for car insurance with your insurance company and the police, but it's crucial to file it as soon as possible. It's important to make a claim as quickly as possible. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle gets the attention it needs, but you can avoid being a victim of scams and having more info coverage denied due to a simple error.
3. Claim your Benefits
You'll need to give all the details as soon as you can. Include any photographs as well as the location of your car prior to and following the theft, as well as the contact details of those who had access to it. Your insurance company will also require a detailed description of your car, including any options and upgrades you may have. If you have receipts for your purchase, these are important too.
You may be required to submit two claims for insurance: an auto claim for the vehicle itself and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for any personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you do have a comprehensive insurance policy your auto insurance policy should cover the cost of replacing your property. However, the limits of your policy and deductible will apply.
Once your claim has been accepted, your insurance company will either pay the actual cash value of your vehicle in the event that it's declared totaled, or pay out the full cost if your car is found and returned. You'll then be responsible for your deductible if you choose to repair the vehicle, which is typically not feasible.
It can take up to 30 days or more for an insurer to settle a stolen vehicle claim. In the meantime it can be difficult to get around so make sure to check whether your policy includes rental reimbursement. Most do, but coverage differs by the policy and the provider.
If your car is never located, it is important to report it to police immediately. This will place your vehicle in the national and state databases which makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car later on. You can also add an official police report to your car insurance policy by filing it with your insurance company.
If you don't want your car to be stolen, keep your keys away from view and secure your vehicle when it is not being used. You can also stop theft by parking your car in well-lit areas and keeping your key in your pocket.
4. Recover Your Car
If you are certain that your car has been stolen with keys inside, contact the police to file a report. This will add the details about your vehicle to both federal and state databases which makes it harder for thieves to steal it. Contact your insurance company immediately to report a vehicle that has been stolen.
If you have comprehensive coverage and your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing your stolen vehicle minus depreciation. The insurance company will evaluate the value of your vehicle by taking into account factors like the number of similar vehicles in your area, the mileage on your odometer, and other factors. However, you'll still need to pay an amount of $500 for deductible.
In addition to paying to replace your vehicle the insurance company will also repair any damage that occurred while your car was stolen with the keys inside. If you have a tracker, it could help the police locate your vehicle after it has been recovered.
If your car was stolen with your keys inside, you need to respond immediately. Delays can cause your claim to be denied or investigated as fraud. In some cases you could be required to attend an examination under oath in which you're questioned by a representative of your insurance company under the oath.
You may need to file another claim for any items that were taken from your vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your car. These items will probably be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on where you kept them. If you have both homeowners and auto insurance policies together you can file both claims simultaneously.
Always lock your car and take keys from it when not driving it. If you have a spare key, keep it in a secure place away from your vehicle. Don't write your name or address on your car keys and pick parking spots that are well-lit, monitored and off-street as much as possible. Also, make sure that your car is parked safely and clearly visible, and not blocking driveways or mailboxes.