10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Car Stolen With Keys
10 Undisputed Reasons People Hate Car Stolen With Keys
Blog Article
Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
Car keys left in the ignition could appear to be a bad idea but is insurance covered for cars stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. There are some caveats.
First, make sure your vehicle is truly missing before you file claims. The claim process starts with a police declaration and a thorough description of the vehicle.
1. Call the Police
With car thefts rising across the nation and Colorado ranking #1 for per capita thefts, it's essential to take precautionary measures to protect your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your vehicle and setting up an alarm and removing all keys or fobs from the vehicle when not driving. It's also a good idea to store valuables in the vehicle, or better to remove the vehicle altogether. Even if you've taken precautions, you could still become the victim of a crime-of-opportunity. If you have a key inside of your vehicle when it's stolen and you want to report it, here are the steps to follow to report the theft to the police and your insurance company.
You should contact the police right away after your vehicle has been reported stolen in order to submit a police report. The more details you can provide the police about your car, such as the model and make as well as the license plate number or VIN, the greater chances that it will be returned to you. Also inform the police if your vehicle is equipped with the GPS device.
After you've filed the police report, call your insurance company and inform them of the theft. Depending 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, the name of your insurance company, the make and model of the car and any other identifying information (like large dents, custom additions and so on.) and the location and time of the theft. Let your insurance agent know that you have other equipment in your vehicle, such as a GPS tracking system, which can assist in finding it.
Don't forget to give your insurance company and the police the exact same information. Any discrepancies can delay the processing of your claims. Insurance companies may also make use of this information to determine whether or not to pay an amount when you owe a significant amount of money. This is why it's advisable to not leave any personal documents or information in your vehicle, such as credit cards, receipts and paycheck stubs. If you do decide to leave such information in your car inform your bank as well as your credit card company, as well as any other organizations regarding the theft. This will allow them to stop any unauthorized charges, and alert their security departments.
2. Call Your Insurer
It's no secret that car theft is on the rise. Every year, thousands of cars with the keys inside are taken. It's not just bad luck. You can reduce this type of crime by adding additional deterrents to your car.
The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the theft has occurred. Your insurance provider can provide you with a rental vehicle while you wait for your car to be returned or reimburse you if it isn't. They can answer all your questions and provide the details of your insurance policy. It's also important to submit a police report that includes the name and phone number of the officer who investigated the incident, as well as the time and date of the theft.
Include all relevant details about your vehicle, such as its model and make, as well as an extensive description of the items that were stolen. Also, make sure to include the name and phone number of any person who had access to the vehicle, or any valuables inside it. This information will assist police investigate the incident and identify people who may be attempting to commit fraud. You may also need to check your credit report. This is to ensure you are not in significant debt that could raise suspicions of fraud and make it harder for you to get a satisfactory settlement for your stolen car.
Your insurance company will provide you with the name and phone number of a representative who can help you navigate the claims process. You can contact them in various ways, including by phone or online chat.
If making a claim for insurance on your car with the police or your insurer is an inconvenience and it's important to do so as quickly as possible. It is crucial to file a claim as soon as possible. Not only will it ensure that your vehicle gets the attention it deserves but it will also help you avoid being caught in fraud and having your insurance denied due to a simple error.
3. File a Claim
Your insurance company will want to know all the facts as soon as they can, so make sure you have everything organized. Include any photographs and the location of your vehicle before and after it's theft, as well as the contact details of those who had access to it. Your insurance company will require a precise description of your car, including any options and upgrades you may have. If you have receipts, they are important too.
You could be required to make two claims: an auto insurance claim for the car itself, and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for any personal belongings inside the car. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy your auto insurance policy will be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. Your policy's limits as well as your deductible are still in place.
Once your claim is processed, your insurance company will either pay you the value in cash of the vehicle, if the car is totaled, or cover the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was found and returned. If you decide to fix the vehicle, which isn't always feasible, your insurer will charge you for the deductible.
It could take 30 days or more for an insurance company to settle a stolen car claim. In the meantime for the settlement, it may be a challenge to navigate so make sure to check whether your policy provides rental reimbursement. Most do, though coverage is contingent on the policy and provider.
Report your car to the police immediately if not found. This will place your vehicle in the national and state databases, which makes it harder for thieves to steal your car later on. Additionally you'll be able make a police report with your auto insurance company and have it added to your policy.
If you leave your keys in your car can result in a car being stolen It's therefore here recommended to keep them in a secure place and lock the vehicle when it is not being used. You can also stop theft by parking your car in well-lit areas and keeping your keys with you.
4. Recover Your Car
When you are sure that your car was stolen with the keys inside, notify the police and file a report. This will add your vehicle's information to state and national databases, making it difficult for thieves to sell it. Contact your insurance company immediately to report a vehicle that has been stolen.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will replace the vehicle you lost minus depreciation. The insurer will take into account comparable vehicles in your area, the mileage on the odometer, and other factors to decide how much your car is worth. You'll still need to pay a $500 deductable.
In addition to the cost to replace your vehicle, your insurance company will repair any damage that occurred while your vehicle was taken with the keys inside. If you're using an electronic device that tracks your vehicle that tracks your vehicle, it could assist police locate your vehicle after it's been recovered.
It's important to act quickly after your car is taken with the keys inside as delays could result in your claim being rejected or even referred to as fraud. In certain instances an insurance agent could ask you questions under an oath.
You may have to file an another claim for any items that were stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your car. These items will likely be covered by homeowners or renters insurance, based on the location you stored them. If you have both your auto and homeowners insurance policies together, you can file both claims simultaneously.
When you are not driving your vehicle, you must always secure it by locking it and taking out the keys. If you have a spare key, keep it in a secure location away from your car. Never write your name or address on your keys to your car. Rather, pick parking spots that are well-lit, monitored and off the street whenever possible. You should also ensure that your car is safely parked and clearly visible, and not blocking driveways or mailboxes.