The Best Car Stolen With Keys Inside Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
Car Stolen With Keys InsideIf your vehicle is stolen with the keys inside, you'll have to submit a claim for comprehensive coverage. The amount of deductible is contingent on the amount and type of policy.
You must take steps to stop your car from being stolen. Here are some tips:
Preventive measures
A vehicle is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. It's a good idea to take all available precautions to safeguard it. Taking preventive measures can help you reduce the likelihood of theft and increase your chances of getting your car back in the event of theft with keys inside.
One of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle secure is to install an anti-theft system that comes with the GPS tracking device. These systems make use of a combination of GPS and wireless technology to enable you to monitor your vehicle. The technology alerts the police or monitoring services when the vehicle is moved. They also can locate a damaged or missing vehicle and assist in recovering it.
Even if you're just going to be away for a short time locking the doors and rolling up the windows is a good measure. In the U.S., tens of thousands of vehicles are taken away every year because owners leave their cars unlocked and their keys in the ignition. A skilled thief can open an unlocked car through a window that's only folded up a few inches.
Parking in garages and parking areas which are monitored by security personnel is a great deterrent for thieves. Avoid secluded and poorly lit areas because they are more likely to be targeted by thieves.
In addition to installing an anti-theft system, you can also discourage thieves by using 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 because they'll have endure the hassle of removing or bypassing the device.
Keep electronics and valuables hidden as often as you can in your car. Keep items such as electronic cords, chargers for phones, and navigational devices out of sight or in the trunk. You should also note the serial number of any expensive accessory or equipment in case it is stolen. You can provide this information to the police and your insurance company in the event that they ever recover them.
Notifying the police
Every 32 seconds a car is stolen, and vehicle theft is a major expense, costing Americans an estimated $8 billion annually. The problem is becoming more severe. In many instances keys are thrown away in cars after they've been stolen. This can happen when you leave your car on to warm it up, or even if you just visit the store for a short period of time. You can prevent this by getting your valuables out of the car and locking them away.
It's also essential to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is taken. This gives the police a greater chance of catching the criminal and return your vehicle. Also, it can help ensure that your vehicle is entered into national and state database of auto theft, which can prevent future title issues or ownership problems.
You should also call your insurance company. You can ask them whether your policy covers thefts of vehicles that have keys in the ignition. In most instances, the insurance company will compensate you for the loss if you have comprehensive coverage. If you don't have this insurance you might want to looking into changing to a different insurance provider.
If you are filing an insurance claim against an unintentionally stolen vehicle with keys in the ignition, it's important to act quickly. If you put off action for too long the insurance company could refuse to pay or ask your motives for having left the keys in your car. They believe that you didn't take "reasonable care" of your property.
It is important to be aware that documents like your insurance or registration card could lead to identity theft. Some people even keep their paychecks or receipts in their cars, which can lead to fraudulent transactions. In this case, you need to alert your financial institutions. You should also monitor your accounts closely. If your car is recovered you must also inform the police and your insurance company so that they can investigate the theft and prosecute the culprit.
Notifying your insurance provider
Many people have a tendency to leave their car running when they rush out the door to make a quick run into the store or to purchase gas. Unfortunately, this can result in your vehicle being stolen. You should never leave your car unattended when not in use. To prevent this, lock your vehicle's doors when you're not inside.
If you do end up leaving your vehicle unattended, with the keys in the car, you'll want to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You could be asked to provide specifics about the incident including where the vehicle was left and when it was stolen. This will assist the police locate your vehicle and, if they find it, recover it.
Some car insurance companies have online systems where you can make claims, however it is recommended to contact and speak with an agent. You can provide additional details about the incident, and the back and forth can delay your claim. Your agent can also request a copy the police report along with an inventory of all the valuables in your vehicle. This will aid the police in their investigation and will determine if your items are covered under your comprehensive insurance.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or finance company that you have a financed or leasing vehicle. This will prevent them from trying to seize or claim your car. If your vehicle is reclaimed with significant damage the comprehensive section of your insurance will pay for the repair it.
If your vehicle isn't returned and you decide to file an insurance claim, it may take up 30 days to receive an amount. If you don't have a second vehicle to use in the meantime, check your policy to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage which can help you pay for a rental vehicle while you wait. Mark Fitzpatrick, MoneyGeek's head of insurance and a licensed property-casualty insurance company is an expert in the field. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years and is frequently quoted in national media.
Inspection of your car
The first thing you must do when a vehicle is stolen read more with keys inside is to verify that it was indeed stolen. Calling the non-emergency number of your local police department will assist you in this.
If you do this then you should send them the following details:
The Vehicle Identification Number is usually found in the driver's door or near to the windshield. The seven digits in the last seven of the VIN are also stamped onto the mirrors and headlights in order to make it even harder for anyone who attempts to change the identity of the vehicle.
It is helpful to note any distinctive features of your vehicle. It may be useful to document any personal items in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
Your Insurance Coverage If you have Comprehensive or Specific Perils coverage, it will likely cover the vehicle's theft regardless of whether or not you have left keys inside it. If, however, you have liability only insurance, this may not be the case.
Many people make the mistake of leaving their cars running with the ignition key on 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 just a few minutes to get into your car and drive away.
The most frequent day for car thefts that have keys in the ignition is on Saturday followed by Monday and Friday. With Colorado being the top state in the nation for car thefts, leaving your vehicle puffing could be a prime victim for criminals who are looking for opportunities.
It is usually cheaper to pay for a new set of keys than to file an insurance claim for one that was stolen with the key in it. This is especially true if have an electronic key fob or smart key that can be easily replaced at your local auto dealer for a few hundred dollars. This is less expensive than paying your deductible and it will spare you the stress of dealing with your insurance company in the future.