15 Interesting Facts About Car Stolen With Keys Inside You Didn't Know
15 Interesting Facts About Car Stolen With Keys Inside You Didn't Know
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Car Stolen With Keys Inside
If your car is broken into and the keys still inside, you'll be required to file an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The deductible depends on the policy type and the limit.
However, you must take preventive measures to make sure you don't get your car stolen in the first place. Here are a few suggestions:
Preventive measures
A car is among the largest investments you will ever make. It's important to take every precaution to protect your vehicle. Preventive measures can lower the risk of theft and increase your chances to return your vehicle if it is stolen with keys inside.
One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device that includes an GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technologies that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or a monitoring service when the car is moved. They can also track vehicles that are damaged or missing, which is helpful in locating it.
Even if you're just going to be away for a few moments, locking the doors and opening the windows is an additional security measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year due to owners leaving their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. A skilled thief is able to open an unlocked vehicle through a window that's only rolled up by an inch or two.
Parking in garages and parking areas that are monitored by security personnel is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid secluded areas and those with poor lighting, since these are more likely to attract thieves.
You can deter thieves in addition to installing an anti-theft device by using visible theft deterrents like a steering-wheel lock or alarm stickers. These devices can make a potential thief reconsider trying to break into your vehicle, as they'll require removing or bypassing the device.
If you have electronics or valuables in your vehicle, put them in the most secure place possible. Keep electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from sight or in the trunk. It's an excellent idea to note the serial numbers of any expensive equipment or accessories in the event that they are stolen. If they ever are 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 an estimated $8 billion annually. In many instances, vehicles are stolen with keys inside, and it's an issue that's becoming more prevalent. It could happen if you leave your car running to warm up or even if you're heading to the shop for a few minutes. But there are things you can do to avoid this occurring, like removing valuable items from your car or making sure they are locked out of view.
Notifying the police as soon as you know your vehicle has been taken away is crucial. This will give the police a better chance to locate the culprit and return your vehicle. Also, it will help ensure that your vehicle is registered into state and national auto theft databases, which can prevent future title issues or ownership problems.
Contact your insurance company. You can inquire if your policy covers thefts of vehicles with the keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance your insurer will likely pay for the loss. If you do not have this coverage, switching to another insurer might be worth it.
When you file a claim for a vehicle that was stolen with keys in the ignition, it's important to act quickly. If you are waiting too long the insurance company could deny your claim. They may also question you about why you left keys to your car in it. They believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.
You should also be aware of the risk of identity theft if there are documents in your car, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can make them vulnerable to fraud. In this instance you must notify your financial institutions. You should also keep an eye on your accounts with care. If your car is found it is important to notify the police and your insurance company to allow them to investigate the theft and pursue the perpetrator.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people have a tendency to let their car run when they're rushing out of the door to run into the store or to take gas. Unfortunately, this could result in your car being stolen. This is why you must never leave your car unattended when you're not driving it. To avoid this, secure your car's doors when you are not in the car.
You'll need to notify your insurance company right away if you leave your check here car unattended and the keys inside. You may be asked to provide specifics about the incident, including the location where the vehicle was left and the date it was taken. It is crucial to complete this form so that police can locate your car and hopefully recover it.
Some car insurance companies have online systems where you can submit an insurance claim, however it is recommended to call and speak with an agent. You can provide more information about the incident, and the back-and-forth could 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 with their investigation and help determine whether your possessions are covered under your comprehensive coverage.
You should also inform your leasing company or finance firm if you own a finance or leasing vehicle. This will stop them from attempting to take possession of your vehicle or claiming it as stolen. If your car is recovered with significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance policy will pay for the repair it.
If you decide to file a claim on your vehicle and it's not refunded the settlement could take up to thirty days. If you don't have another car to use in the meantime, you should check your policy to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage which can provide a car rental while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has studied the insurance market for more than five years and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspecting your vehicle
The first thing you must do if you suspect that your car has been 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.
You'll need to provide them the following information if you do so:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually located in the door of the driver or close to the windshield. The last seven digits are also placed on the headlights and the mirrors, making it more difficult for anyone to try to change the vehicle's identity.
Any Distinctive Specifications - If there's something that makes your vehicle look different from others of the same type, this can be helpful. It may be useful to document any personal items in the vehicle at the time of theft.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or specified Perils coverage, it will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you left your keys inside. However, if you're covered with Liability only insurance, then this may 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, as it only takes a criminal a few moments to jump in your car and drive off.
Saturday is the most popular day to steal a car that has the keys in ignition, followed by Friday and Monday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts If you leave your vehicle blazing can be an inviting potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a brand new set than to submit an insurance claim in the event that the original key was stolen. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or a smart key that can be replaced at your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible, and you'll avoid having to deal with the insurance company in future.