Car Stolen With Keys Inside

If your car has been broken into with the keys still inside, you will be required to make an insurance claim under comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and the type of policy.

However, you must take precautions to prevent having your vehicle stolen in first place. Here are a few tips:

Preventive measures to take

A vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. It's best to take every precaution to safeguard it. By taking preventive measures, to reduce the risk of theft and increase your chances of regaining your vehicle in the event it's stolen with keys inside.

One of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle safe is to install an anti-theft device which includes an GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technology that allow you to track your vehicle. The technology alerts police or monitoring agencies whenever the vehicle moves. They also can locate the vehicle that is damaged or missing which can be helpful in locating it.

Another way to prevent theft is to lock the doors and close the windows of your vehicle when it's parked even if you're just going away for a few minutes. Tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen every year in the U.S. because the owners leave their cars unlocked by leaving keys in their ignitions or elsewhere. Unlocked cars can be opened by a skilled burglar even if the window is only turned just an inch or two inches.

Parking in garages and parking lots that are monitored by security personnel is a great way to deter thieves. Avoid areas that are secluded and that have poor lighting, as these are more likely to attract thieves.

In addition to installing an anti-theft device, you can also deter thieves with visible deterrents to theft, such as a steering wheel lock or alarm decals. These will make a would-be thief think twice about trying to break into your car, since they'll have to deal with the added difficulty of removing or bypassing the device.

Hide valuables and electronics as possible in your car. Keep things like electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational devices away from sight or in the trunk. It is also a good idea to note the serial numbers of expensive equipment or accessories in case they are stolen. You can then provide this information to the police and your insurance company if they ever recover them.

Notifying the police

A car is stolen every 32 seconds, and vehicle theft costs Americans $8 billion per year. In many cases, cars 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 it up or even if you're heading to the grocery store for a short time. You can prevent this from happening by taking your valuables out of your vehicle and locking them.

It is also crucial to inform the police as soon as your vehicle is taken. By doing this, you provide law enforcement officers with an increased chance of locating the culprit and returning your vehicle. Also, it will help ensure that your vehicle is enrolled into state and national auto theft databases, which can prevent future title or ownership issues.

You should also call your insurance company. They can tell you whether your policy covers the theft of a vehicle that has keys in the ignition. If you have comprehensive insurance your insurer will likely pay for the loss. If you don't have this coverage switching to a different insurance company could be worth it.

When you file a claim for a stolen car with the keys in the ignition, it's important to act swiftly. If you are waiting too long the insurance company could reject your claim. They may also question the reason you put the keys of your car inside. This is due to the fact that they believe that you did not take "reasonable care" of your property.

You should be aware of the potential for identity theft if you keep documents in your vehicle, such as your insurance card or registration. Some people keep receipts or paychecks in their cars, which can make them vulnerable to fraud. If this is the case, notify your financial institutions and keep track of your accounts in detail. Also, you should inform the police and insurance company if your vehicle was seized so that they can investigate and prosecute the suspect.

Notifying your insurance company

Many people leave their cars running as they hurry out of the house to go to the store or gas station. Unfortunately, this could result in your vehicle being stolen. This is the reason you must never leave your car in a parking lot when you're not driving it. To avoid this, secure your car's doors when not inside.

You'll need to inform your insurance company immediately when you leave your vehicle in a parking lot and you don't have keys. They may ask you to provide information about the incident, including where the vehicle was parked and the date of the theft. It's crucial to provide this information so that police can locate your vehicle and hopefully recover it.

Some car insurance companies have online platforms where you can submit claims, however it is best to call and speak to an agent. You can provide more information about the incident, and the back and forth could delay your claim. Your agent may ask for an original copy of the police report, as well as an inventory of the valuables in your vehicle. This will assist the police in their investigation and help determine if you are covered by your comprehensive insurance.

You should also inform your leasing company or finance company that you own a finance or leased vehicle. This will prevent them from trying to seize or reclaim your car. If your car is found damaged, your comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of fixing it.

If you decide to file a claim on your car and it is not refunded the settlement could be up to 30 days. Examine your policy to determine whether you have a rental reimbursement policy to cover the cost of a car rental while you are waiting. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property casualty insurer, is an expert in the field. He has studied the insurance market for over five years and is often quoted in national media.

Inspecting your vehicle

The first thing you need to do when a vehicle is stolen with keys inside is to confirm that it was indeed stolen. Calling the non-emergency number of your local police department can assist you in this.

If you do, you will want to give them the following information:

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - This is usually found in the driver's side door or on the windshield. The seven digits in the last seven of the VIN are also stamped onto the headlights and mirrors to make it even harder for anyone trying to alter the vehicle's identity.

It here can be useful to note any distinctive characteristics of your vehicle. A description of any personal items that were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen can also be useful.

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 in it. However, if you have liability only insurance, this may not be the case.

Many people make the error of running their cars with the key in the ignition while running errands or getting ready to leave for work early in the morning. This is a recipe of disaster, since it only takes a criminal only a few seconds to get into your car and drive away.

The most frequent day for car thefts with keys in the ignition is Saturday and Monday, followed by Friday. With Colorado being ranked first in the country for car thefts If you leave your vehicle blazing could be a tempting potential target for criminals looking to make a profit.

It is generally cheaper to buy a new set of keys than submit an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is true especially in the case of an electronic key fob or smart key, that can be replaced by your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will eliminate the hassle of having to deal with your insurance company in the future.