If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, your car insurance will cover the vehicle that was stolen even if you forgot keys inside the car. The insurance company will investigate the incident to determine whether it was your fault.
It is best to make a claim as soon as you can when you realize that the vehicle has been stolen. Your insurance claim will be denied if you put off filing.
1. Don't Panic
It is important to be at peace and avoid making a mistake which will only cause the situation to get worse. Call the police first. Once you have contacted the police, you should provide them with as much information about the vehicle as you can including the model, make and license plate. It is also important to inform them whether there were any valuables in your vehicle, such as a laptop, a badge from your job, or other personal items.
The police can provide you with the most accurate information about your stolen vehicle and what they intend to do next. They may even be able to locate your vehicle for you, or even be able to catch the thieves who took it.
Many people do not shut their windows or lock their cars, especially when they are in a hurry or have children. While it might seem like a silly mistake to make but it's actually quite simple to make and usually has tragic consequences. In these instances, thieves will just climb into the driver's seat like they were the owner and drive away. If nobody knows it's not the owner thieves could drive for a long period of time before being arrested by the police.
Another mistake that is easily made is leaving a key in the ignition or a spare key hidden on your property or person. This can be extremely dangerous and makes the vehicle more easy to start and run away with. Many people do this when they enter to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a few minutes while they visit the store. Other common mistakes include driving the car as it warms up or rushing into a gas station in order to pay for fuel.
In order to avoid these mistakes it is vital to take proactive measures to prevent them from happening in the future. There are a variety of ways to do this starting with installing an alarm system, to parking in well-lit areas. In addition, certain automobile manufacturers offer security features that can deter thieves or prevent them from beginning the car. These features can include anything from an audible alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices that track the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
As a car owner, it's your duty to report any theft or attempted theft. The police department is in a position to assist you by providing information about what steps you should take next. They could also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, such as installing an electronic lock on your wheel. They can also provide you with a reference number for the crime that will assist you when making contact with your insurance company.
In reporting a vehicle that's stolen, it's important to provide as complete a report as you can. Ensure that all of the information provided to the police and your insurance company are the same. This will increase the likelihood of your car being returned or retrieved.
You should be prepared to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as the license plate number as well as the year, make and model of your vehicle, in addition to any other distinguishing features. Include any information regarding your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or other technology to prevent theft.
A second aspect important is the presence of personal belongings in the vehicle at the time that the theft occurred. It could be a wallet, purse or any other item that may contain personal information. It is important to inform credit card companies, your bank, and any other organization which could be involved if an item is stolen from your vehicle.
It is also advisable to contact your homeowners or renters insurer for any personal property was taken. This is because these items are typically covered by the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent car theft, you can reduce the risk of this occurring by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid opening your windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. Also, you should review your insurance policy annually to ensure that you have sufficient coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance your insurance provider will cover the loss of your car, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts therefore, make sure you have comprehensive coverage before lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Do not try to search for your vehicle by yourself
As an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. This is why it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is secured, even when you're not there. It is also important to lock your car every when you leave it and also to open the windows completely. It's also a good idea to leave your spare keys in your car or anywhere else where criminals could access the keys.
One of the most frequent causes for car thefts is the fact that people leave an extra key in the vicinity or in the car. This is a simple mistake that can have grave consequences, especially in today's world.
Modern thieves are stepping beyond the hotwiring techniques that you've seen in action movies and are using more advanced techniques to steal cars. This is what's known as a relay attack that is when two thieves work together to use an electronic device to capture the signal from the owner's key fob, then unlock the car and drive it away.
The good news is the police are beginning to employ more effective technology in order to locate thieves who try to steal cars with their keys inside. For example, some companies are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your vehicle which will send its location to police. This could help reduce the amount of thefts and increase the likelihood of being found.
You may also want to install an immobilizer in order to stop your car from being started. This will make it more difficult for criminals to steal your vehicle, and you click here can tell the identity of a person who tried to start the car by contacting the police and by identifying yourself.
You should never look for your vehicle if you decide to track it down. This could cause more damage and could result in the theft of other items inside your vehicle, like your personal belongings. Instead, you should contact your insurance company as soon as you can and let them know that your vehicle has been stolen and keys were inside. You should also inform them of any personal possessions that were in the car at the time of theft, like mail, a purse or wallet that contains your credit cards or cash 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 comprehensive car insurance (which covers a range of situations, including theft) You should contact your insurer as quickly as you can to make claims. This will help them get started with the investigation and make sure that you're covered in case your car is stolen or damaged.
You will want to give your insurance company all the details you can remember about your vehicle including: the year, make and model as well as the license plate number; the VIN (vehicle identification number) and the location you last observed it. You may also provide details regarding the date and time of the theft, as well as the weather conditions, if it snowed or rained. If you're unsure about any of these facts, you can ask police to check the information.
In some cases it may be necessary to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will prevent the thief using your vehicle to break the law or damage other property.
When you call your insurance company, you'll be required to bring the police report with you to allow them to get started on the investigation. Also, you must be ready to provide any other information required by your insurance agent.
Be sure to mention any personal items stolen with your vehicle, since these may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the location you live in). Also, you should inform your finance or leasing company that your vehicle was reported stolen.
It is crucial to be calm and quick to act, even though it is an extremely stressful situation. These tips can help you to do this, and hopefully result in your vehicle being returned safe and sound to you. If you are required to make a claim for a stolen car with keys in it, the best thing to do is consult an independent insurance agent who will assist you in the process and find you discounts to make the whole experience as smooth as possible.