Why Is There All This Fuss About Car Stolen With Keys In It?
Why Is There All This Fuss About Car Stolen With Keys In It?
Blog Article
If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have insurance that is comprehensive your vehicle will be covered even if the keys are still in the vehicle. However the insurance company will conduct a fraud investigation to see if you were negligent in causing the theft.
The most effective thing to do is make an insurance claim as soon you are aware that your vehicle was stolen. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim being rejected or the subject of a fraud investigation.
1. Don't panic!
If your vehicle has been taken with keys inside, it is extremely important to remain calm and avoid make a mistake that could only exacerbate the situation. The first thing you need to do is contact the police. When you contact the police, you should provide them with as much information about your vehicle as you can including the make, model, and license plate number. You should also inform them whether there were any valuables in your vehicle, like laptops, badge from your job or any other personal items.
The police can give you the most accurate information regarding your stolen vehicle and what they intend to do next. They might be able to locate your vehicle and catch the thieves.
Many people do not shut their windows or lock their vehicles especially when they are in a rush or have children. Although it might appear like a foolish mistake to make however, it's very simple to make and usually results in tragic consequences. In these instances, thieves will just climb into the driver's seat pretending they owned it and drive away. If no one around them realizes it isn't the owner and they are able to travel a very long distance before being stopped by a police officer.
Another common mistake that can be easily made is to put a key in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden on your property or in your personal possessions. This could be extremely dangerous, as it makes it easier for the vehicle to start and escape with. It is commonplace for people to do this when they go in to buy something or leave their vehicle running for a few minutes while they go in a shop. Other mistakes that are common include leaving the car running while it is warming up or going to the gas station to pay for fuel.
In order to avoid these mistakes, it is essential to take proactive steps to avoid them in the future. This can be done in a variety of ways, from putting in an alarm system to parking in a well-lit area. In addition, some automakers have security features that stop thieves from entering or from starting the car. They can vary from a simple alarm that sounds to the car, or more sophisticated devices that utilize GPS technology to locate the car.
2. Contact the police
As the owner of your vehicle, it's your obligation to report any theft or attempted theft. Your police department is capable of providing information about what actions you need to do next. They may also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, such as installing the wheel lock. They can also provide you with a crime reference number that could assist you in contacting your insurance company.
It is crucial to provide as many details as possible when reporting the theft of a vehicle. Make sure to provide the same information to your insurance company and the police. This increases the chances of your car being returned or recovered.
The type of information you need to be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as your license plate number year, year, make and model, as well as any other distinguishing features. Include any information about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or other technology to prevent theft.
Another crucial piece of information is any personal belongings that were inside the vehicle at the time of theft. This could include your wallet, purse, or any other object that holds personal information. It's important to inform the credit card companies, your bank and any other organization which could be involved if an item is stolen from your car.
It is also advisable to contact your homeowners or renters insurance for any personal property was stolen. This is because these possessions are usually covered under the personal property section of these policies, while auto insurance only covers the damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to fully prevent car theft, you can minimize the chance of it happening by removing any valuables from your vehicle, locking your doors and closing your windows at all times. It's also essential to keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. Also, you should review your insurance policy annually to ensure you have enough coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss or damage to your vehicle, minus any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts. Make sure you have comprehensive coverage prior to lending your car.
3. Don't Try to Search for Your Vehicle All by Yourself
As an owner of your vehicle to ensure the safety of your vehicle. It is essential to secure your vehicle even when you are not there. It is also important to lock your vehicle every when you leave it and also to open the windows completely. Also, it's best to avoid leaving your spare keys in the car, or any other place that might be accessible to criminals.
In reality, one of the most frequent reasons website people have their cars taken away with keys in it is that they left keys in the car or near the vehicle. This is a simple error that can have serious consequences especially in this day and age.
Modern thieves have shifted beyond the traditional hotwiring methods you'd observe in a action film, and are using more sophisticated methods to rob vehicles. This includes a relay attack where two thieves use electronic devices to capture the signal from the owner's keyfob and then unlock the car, and drive it off.
The good news is that police are starting to use more efficient technology to catch thieves who try to steal cars with keys in them. Some companies offer to put the device of tracking on your vehicle that will send the exact location of your vehicle to the police. This will help to decrease the number of thefts and increase the likelihood of being found.
You might also wish to install an immobilizer in order to prevent your car from being started. This will make it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle. You may also determine whether someone tried to start the car by calling the police.
If you decide to track down your stolen vehicle do not attempt to do it on your own. This could result in more damage, and even the theft of your personal belongings from your vehicle. Instead, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible and inform them that your vehicle has been taken with keys inside. Also, inform them about any personal items in the car at the time of theft, including mail or a purse that contains credit cards, cash or an office badge, or any other forms of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy (which typically covers a wide range of situations, including theft) it is essential to contact your insurer and make a claim as quickly as you can. This will allow them to get started with the investigation and make sure that you're covered in case your vehicle is stolen or damaged.
You must provide your insurer with all the information you are able to keep about your vehicle like the year model, make and model as well as the license plate number; the VIN (vehicle identification number) and the location you last observed it. It is also possible to provide information about the time and day of the theft, as well as the weather conditions, if it snowed or rained. If you are unsure about any of these information it is possible to ask the police to verify the records.
In some cases, it may be necessary to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the thief from using your vehicle to break the law or harm other property.
You'll need the police report to be on hand when you contact your insurer so they can begin the investigation. You should also be ready to provide any additional information that your insurance agent may request.
You could be able to claim personal items you have stolen from your vehicle by your homeowners or renters' insurance, depending on the area you reside in. Also, you should inform your leasing or finance company that the vehicle was reported stolen.
Although this is a difficult situation to be in, it is crucial to remain calm and take action quickly. These tips will help you do this and hopefully result in you getting your car back safe and sound. If you are required to file a claim as your car was stolen with the keys inside, it's best to work with an independent agent who can assist you in the procedure. They can also assist you in finding discounts to make this whole process as simple as it can be.