5 Reasons Car Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Great Thing
5 Reasons Car Stolen With Keys In It Is Actually A Great Thing
Blog Article
If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
If you have comprehensive insurance your car will be covered even if the keys are not in the vehicle. The insurance company will investigate the incident to determine whether it was at fault.
The most effective thing to do is make a claim as soon as you are aware that your vehicle has been stolen. Any delay could result in your insurance claim being rejected or being the subject of a fraud investigation.
1. Don't Panic
If your vehicle has been stolen and keys were found in it the most important thing is to remain calm and avoid make a poor decision which will only add to the situation. First, contact the police. Once you do, provide them with as much information as you can about the vehicle, such as the model, make and license plate number. Also, let them know if there were any valuables inside your vehicle, such as laptops, a ID badge for work, 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 be able locate your vehicle or catch the thieves.
Many people forget to lock their cars or close the windows, particularly if they are in a hurry or have children with them. While it may appear like a foolish error to make, it is very simple to make and usually has devastating consequences. In these scenarios thieves can simply climb into the drivers seat and drive off as if it was their own car. If no one around them realizes they aren't the owners and they are able to travel a considerable distance before being arrested by a police officer.
A common mistake is to leave an ignition key on your person. This is a risk because it makes it much easier to start the car and then run off with. This is often done when people go into a store to pick up something or leave the vehicle running while they're the store. Other common mistakes include running the car while it is heating up or going to a gas station to pay for fuel.
It is essential to be aware of these mistakes and take proactive steps in order to prevent them from happening again. This can be done in a variety of ways, from putting in an alarm system, to parking in well-lit places. In addition, some automakers have security features that deter thieves or prevent them from starting the car. These options include anything from an audible alarm system to more sophisticated GPS-based devices to track the vehicle.
2. Contact the police
It is your responsibility as a vehicle owner to notify any attempted or actual theft. The police department can assist you by providing details on what to do next. They can also give you advice on how to safeguard your vehicle in the future by installing a wheellock. They can also provide you with a crime reference number that could be helpful when contacting your insurance company.
It is essential to provide as much detail as you can when submitting a report of a vehicle that has been stolen. Make sure that all the information provided to the police and your insurance company are identical. This increases the chance of your car being returned or recovered.
The type of information you should be ready to provide includes your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, year, make and model as well as any other distinctive features. Include any information about your vehicle's GPS tracking device, or any other security features that prevent theft.
Another piece of crucial information is any personal belongings which were in the vehicle at the time of the theft. This could be a wallet, purse or any other item that might contain personal information. It's important to inform the credit card companies, your bank and any other company that could be involved in the event of an item is stolen from your car.
If your personal property is stolen, you must also contact your homeowners' or renters insurance. This is because this type of possession is typically covered under the personal property section of these policies. However, auto insurance only covers damage to your vehicle.
While there's no way to completely prevent car theft, you can minimize the chance of it happening by removing any valuables from your vehicle and locking your doors. You can also avoid closing 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 you have adequate coverage.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance company will cover the loss or damage to your vehicle, less any applicable deductible. Liability insurance does not cover car thefts. Make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy prior to lending your car.
3. Do not attempt to look for your vehicle alone
As a car owner, you have a responsibility to protect your property. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is secure, even when you're away. It is essential to lock your car each time you leave, and to open the windows up completely. Also, it's a good idea to keep your spare keys in the car, or anywhere else that might be accessible to criminals.
In fact, one of the main reasons that people have their vehicles stolen with keys in it is because they have left an extra key in or close to the vehicle. It's a common mistake that can have serious consequences, especially in these days of high-risk crime.
Modern thieves have moved beyond the old hotwiring techniques you might encounter in action films, and are using more sophisticated tactics to steal vehicles. This is a relay attack, where two thieves utilize electronic devices to intercept the signal from the owner's keyfob, then unlock the car, and drive it away.
The good news is that police are beginning to employ more effective technology in order to track down thieves that attempt to steal cars with keys inside. For instance, some businesses are now offering the option of installing a tracking system on your car that will report its location to the police. This will help to decrease the amount of thefts and increase the chances of being found.
You might also want to install an immobilizer to keep your car from getting started. This will make it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You can also determine who attempted to start the car by calling the police.
It is not advisable to search for your own vehicle if you decide to track it down. This can lead to more damage, or even the theft of personal items from your vehicle. Instead, you should call your insurance company as quickly as you can and inform them that your vehicle has been taken with keys inside. It is also important to inform them about any personal possessions in the car at the moment of theft, such as mail, a wallet or purse that holds credit cards, cash or office badges, or any other forms of identification.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive car insurance (which covers read more a variety of incidents including theft) it is important to contact your insurer as quickly as you can to file claims. This will help them get started with the investigation and ensure that you are covered in the event of your vehicle is stolen or damaged.
You must give your insurance company all the information you can remember about your car, such as: the year the model, make and year; the license plate number and the VIN (vehicle identification number) and where you last observed it. You can also include details regarding the date and time of the theft, as well as the weather conditions, if it snowed or rained. If you aren't sure of any of this information it is possible to request the police to look up their records for the information you need.
In some instances, it may be required to report the theft to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles as well. This will stop the criminal from using your vehicle in any manner that could violate the law or cause damage to others property.
When you call your insurance company, you'll need to have the police report on hand to allow them to begin the investigation. You will also need to be prepared to provide any other details requested by your insurance agent.
Make sure to note any personal items you have stolen with your vehicle, as 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.
Even though this is a very stressful situation to be in, it is important to stay calm and take action quickly. These tips can help you to do this, and hopefully result in your vehicle being returned in a safe and secure manner to you. If you do have to file a claim for a stolen car with keys in it the best thing to do is consult an independent insurance broker who can assist you in the process and provide you with discounts to make the experience as smooth as possible.