What to Do If Your Car Got Stolen With Keys in It

If you have comprehensive insurance on your car, it will cover your vehicle even if you forget the keys inside. It's important to take action immediately.

The longer you wait longer, the more likely it is that your claim will be rejected. Rental reimbursement coverage is available.

Don't panic

It's a terrifying moment when you get to your car only to discover that you can't find your keys. It can be a disaster and cause frustration. This is why it's important to stay at peace and remain sane. Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you might have placed them. Also, walk back through your day and see if you've set them down somewhere or went in your bag to grab your phone, and then smashed your keys out.

Contact the police if cannot locate them. It is crucial to report the loss of your car keys as soon as possible to aid the police in finding them and may prevent anyone from using your vehicle without your consent. It's also important to notify your insurance company about the theft of your car. This way, they can assist you obtain new keys.

It is advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether it covers your car's loss. The majority of policies cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, however the conditions and terms vary. Some companies don't cover personal items in the vehicle. Make sure to check with your renters or home insurance insurer.

If your vehicle is leased or financed, it is best to contact the leasing or financing company, too. They will also want to inform the police. This will keep the owner from being held accountable for the vehicle if it is stolen. It can also expedite the process of getting the vehicle back.

You should also consider installing anti-theft equipment in your vehicle to deter thieves. This could include the lock on your steering wheel or car alarm, or even a GPS tracker. These gadgets will typically cost a little more to set up however, they can save you money in the long run by preventing the theft of your vehicle. The key is to ensure that your vehicle stays in good shape and avoid parking it in areas that are risky.

Contact the police

If you are unable to locate your car and know it's stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police. You will be given a crime reference code that is vital for tracking the progress of your investigation. This will aid you in your insurance claim in the future.

You'll need to provide a detailed description of your vehicle, including the make/model, color and the license plate number as well as the VIN which can be found on your Proof of Insurance card (this can be a paper document or an app for your smartphone). Provide any additional details you may have about the vehicle, including where you last saw it, and when you last saw it, as well as any distinctive features, like a large dent or unique additions, or distinct marks or scratches.

Once you have made a police complaint, it's crucial to inform your insurer as soon as you can. This will speed the process and could even shield you from unnecessary liability. If the person who stole your vehicle and causes an accident, you may be held responsible depending on the laws in your state and insurance coverage.

Keys stolen from cars with keys in them are increasing, according to NICB data. Every 32 seconds, a vehicle with keys inside is stolen in the United States. This results in a loss of over $8 billion.

It is advisable to lock your car at all times and not leave valuables out in the open. It is also recommended to close your windows to the maximum, and avoid leaving your car running without supervision. This is especially true when you have keys in the car.

If you have renters or homeowner insurance, it might cover the items inside your car if they are covered under these policies. If you had electronics in your vehicle, they likely wouldn't be covered under this type of policy.

You should also monitor your financial accounts if you have personal documents, such as receipts and paycheck stubs inside your vehicle. They could be used for identity theft, so you'll be required to notify your bank and other institutions as quickly as possible.

Find an extra key

Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could get them duplicated at a low cost through your local key maker. Many cars now have high-tech security measures that make it difficult to replace the key on the vehicle that has been stolen without asking the dealer or manufacturer for assistance.

If you have a spare key, the first thing you should do is to keep it in a place that is safe and easy to access when you're away from home. For example, you might keep it in your house in a special drawer or in a keybox by the door. You can also give a spare to a neighbour or a friend you trust.

If you have a spare key, the next step is to call your dealership to find out whether they can assist. They'll probably be able to disable the key fob that was stolen so that it can't be used to start your vehicle. It should be a straightforward procedure, however it will depend on the model and year of your vehicle.

You might also want to speak with your insurance company for comprehensive coverage, which covers items such as stolen cars with keys in them. The majority of auto policies provide this type of coverage, but you should check your policy for specific details.

If your car was taken with the keys inside, you must also file a police claim. It is important to inform the lender if you have an unfinanced or leased vehicle. Insurance claims can even help you get a new key or replace the one you lost.

To avoid having your car stolen with the keys in it in the future, it is recommended to always lock the doors of your vehicle, even if you're not in the car for a moment. Consider installing antitheft devices in your vehicle to make it more difficult for thieves to break into it. These include steering wheel locks and brake pedal locks. Parking in secure, well-lit areas is also recommended. Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle or the title.

Contact your insurance company

You should contact your insurer immediately after you've filed the police report. Most insurance companies have online systems that make the process very quick and easy. Avoid delays and back-and-forth by calling your agent directly rather than through the call center. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have. You'll more info be asked to provide information regarding your vehicle, including the year, color, model license plate number, color and the model and make. They might also request other relevant details, such as the location and the date of the theft. They will also ask if the vehicle is equipped with any special features, like a GPS system or other security measures.

If you have coverage that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered regardless of the fact that keys were not put in the car. If you only have liability coverage the car won't be protected. It is for this reason that you must have a comprehensive insurance policy on your vehicle.

Typically, your car insurance will pay for the cash value of your vehicle that is the market value of the vehicle at the time of theft, less any applicable deductible. You may be required to provide an independent evaluation of your vehicle, so you should keep one in your file or search for it online.

After the claim is processed, you could be notified of a waiting time. This will vary from insurer to insurer. During this period your insurer will be searching for the vehicle. You will be able to receive a reimbursement for the vehicle (minus any deductible).

If you are lucky, your vehicle will be recovered and returned to you within the time period. If not, you will be compensated for the actual value of the car you lost (minus the deductible). If you are planning on purchasing a new car you can use the money to purchase it. Remember that any claims you make on your insurance policy will increase your rates. Speak to your agent if you're unsure whether you should submit a claim.