15 Startling Facts About Car Stolen With Keys In It That You Never Knew
15 Startling Facts About Car Stolen With Keys In It That You Never Knew
Blog Article
If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
As long as you have comprehensive coverage the insurance company will cover your stolen vehicle even if you left keys inside it. However the insurance company will conduct an investigation into fraud to determine if you were negligent in causing the theft.
It is best to file a claim immediately when you realize that your vehicle has been stolen. Your insurance claim will be denied if you put off filing.
1. Don't panic!
It is essential to remain calm and avoid making mistakes which will only make the situation worse. The first thing you should do is call the police. Once you do give them as much information as possible about the vehicle, such as the make, model and license plate number. It is also important to inform them whether there were any valuables inside your vehicle, such as a laptop, a work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police can provide you with the most reliable information regarding your stolen vehicle and the steps they intend to take next. They may be able locate your vehicle or arrest the thieves.
Many people fail to lock their cars or shut the windows, especially when they are in hurry or have children around. It might seem absurd, but it's very easy to do and could have disastrous consequences. In these instances thieves simply get into the driver's seat as if they owned it and drive off. If nobody around them knows they aren't the owners, they can travel for a long distance before being arrested by a police officer.
A common error is to leave a spare or an ignition key on your person. This is a risk since it makes it easier to start the car and get away with. People often do this when they go inside to grab something or leave their vehicle running for a few minutes while they visit the store. Other common mistakes include leaving the car running while it is heating up or going to an gas station to pay for fuel.
Keep these mistakes in mind It is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent them from happening in the future. This can be done in a number of ways, from installing an alarm system to parking in a well-lit area. Certain automakers also offer security features to deter thieves and stop them from starting their cars. They can be anything from a simple, audible alarm to more sophisticated devices that make use of GPS technology to track the car.
2. Contact the police
It is your obligation as a vehicle owner to notify any attempted or actual theft. The police department will be able to help you by providing you with information on the steps you should take next and may even provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, for instance, installing the wheel lock. They will also provide you with an identification number for the crime that can assist you in contacting your insurer.
It's important to provide as many details as possible when reporting the theft of a vehicle. Be sure that the information you provide to the police and your insurance company are the same. This increases the likelihood that your car is returned or recovered.
The type of information you need to be prepared to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number year, year, make and model, as well as any other distinctive features. Include any details about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other technology to prevent theft.
Another crucial piece of information is any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time of the theft. This could include the purse, wallet or any other item that may contain personal information. For this reason, it's recommended to notify credit card companies, banks and any other organizations who could be involved in the instance of a lost item in your vehicle.
You should also notify your homeowners or renters insurer if any of your personal property was stolen. This is because this type of possession is typically covered under the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance covers only damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent a car theft, you can lower the risk of this occurring by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid rolling up your windows at all times. It's also essential to keep a spare set keys somewhere other than in your vehicle and to review your insurance policy annually to ensure you have adequate coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance provider will pay for the loss of your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover theft of cars therefore, make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy before lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Do not attempt to search for your vehicle on your own
You have a duty as an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. It is essential to secure your vehicle even when you're not present. It is essential to lock your car every time you leave and to open the windows completely up. Additionally, it's always best to avoid leaving your spare keys in the car, or in any other location that could be a target for criminals.
One of the most frequent reasons for car thefts is that people forget to leave a spare key near or inside the vehicle. It is a simple mistake that can result in serious consequences particularly in these days of high-risk crime.
Modern thieves are stepping beyond the hotwiring techniques that you may have seen in action movies and are using more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This is a relay attack, where two thieves use electronic devices to capture the signal of the owner's keyfob and then unlock the car, then drive it off.
The good news is that police are beginning to use more efficient technology to identify thieves who are trying to steal vehicles with their keys in them. For example, some companies are now offering to install a tracking system on your vehicle that will report its location to police. This could reduce the likelihood and frequency of thefts.
You might also want to install an immobilizer in order to prevent your car from being started. This will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can also determine whether someone tried to start your vehicle by contacting the police.
If you decide to track down your stolen vehicle it is not advisable to search it yourself. This could cause more damage and could lead to the theft of other items inside your vehicle, including your personal belongings. Instead, contact your insurance company and inform them that the car was stolen with the keys inside. It is also important to inform them of any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle at the time of the theft, like mail, a purse or wallet that contained your cash or credit cards, an office badge or other forms of identification and any medication or other medical supplies that were in the vehicle.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy (which typically covers a wide variety of events including theft) it is crucial to call your insurer and file an insurance claim as soon as possible. This will allow them to get started with the investigation and ensure that you're covered in case your vehicle is stolen or damaged.
You will want to provide your insurer with all the information you can remember about your vehicle including: the year the model, make and year as well as the license plate number; the VIN (vehicle identification number); and where you last saw it. It is also beneficial to provide information on the circumstances of the theft and at what time of the day it occurred, and if there was rain or snow. If you are unsure of any of the above information, you can request the police to look up their records to find this information for you.
In certain situations, it could also be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will stop a thief from using your vehicle to violate the law or damage another property.
You'll require the police report to hand when you call your insurance company to begin the investigation. You will also need to be prepared to provide any additional information required by your insurance agent.
You may be able claim personal belongings that were taken from your vehicle by your renters' or homeowners insurance, based on where you live. It is also important to inform your finance or leasing company that your vehicle was reported stolen.
Although this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is essential to remain calm and take action quickly. These suggestions will help you achieve this goal and could help you get your vehicle back in good condition. If you need to file a claim because your car was stolen with the keys inside, click here it's best to contact an independent agent who will assist you in the procedure. They can also help you find discounts to make this whole experience as smooth as possible.