The Biggest Issue With Car Stolen With Keys And How You Can Fix It
The Biggest Issue With Car Stolen With Keys And How You Can Fix It
Blog Article
Does Insurance Cover Cars Stolen With Keys Inside?
The idea of putting your car keys in the ignition could seem like a bad idea, but does insurance cover cars stolen with keys inside? Generally, yes. There are some caveats.
First, you must ensure that your vehicle is indeed missing prior to filing a claim. Be aware that the claim process starts with a police report and an accurate description of your vehicle.
1. Contact the police
With car theft spiking nationwide and Colorado ranking #1 for per capita thefts, it's important to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. This includes locking your car, setting up an alert and removing all keys and fobs from the vehicle when you're not driving. It's also a good idea to hide valuables in the vehicle, or even better to remove the vehicle altogether. Even if you've taken precautionary measures, you may still be the victim of a crime of opportunity. If you have a key in the interior of your vehicle when it's stolen, here are the steps you need to take to report the theft to police and your insurance.
You should notify the police immediately after your vehicle has been reported stolen in order to submit a police report. The more information you are able to provide to the police about your vehicle, including make and model, license plate number, VIN and other identifying characteristics, the better chances it has of being returned to you. Also, inform the police that your vehicle is fitted with a GPS device.
Once you've filed a police report, contact your insurance company to inform them of the theft. Based on the policies of your insurance company, you may be able do this by telephone or online. Please provide your policy number, make and model of your car, any identifying information (like large dents, custom additions and so on.) and the exact location and time of the theft. Inform your agent if the vehicle is equipped with any other technology like GPS tracking, that might aid in locating your vehicle.
Be sure to provide the police and your insurance company the same information, as any inconsistencies can hinder the processing of your claim. If you're in significant debt, your insurance company can make use of this information to determine whether to pay your claim or not. It is recommended not to leave any personal documents or information in your car including receipts for credit cards, numbers on credit cards, and paycheck stubs. If you do leave this information in your vehicle, make sure to inform your bank, credit card companies and other entities of the theft so they can stop any unauthorized charges and alert their security departments.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's not a secret that car theft is on the rise. In reality thousands of cars are stolen with owners' keys inside every year. It's not just bad luck. You can help prevent this crime by adding more protections to your vehicle.
Contact your insurance provider immediately after the theft. Your insurer will provide you with a car rental while you wait for your car to be returned or reimburse you in the event that it doesn't. They will provide you with the specifics of your policy as well as answer any questions. It is also recommended to make a police complaint containing the name and phone number of the officer who investigated the incident as well as the time and date.
Include all relevant information regarding your vehicle, including its make and model and an extensive description of the items that were stolen. Be sure to include the name and number of anyone who had access to the vehicle or any valuables that were in it. This information will assist police investigate the incident and identify those who are trying to commit fraud. You may also need to check your credit report. This is to ensure you don't have a lot of debt that could create suspicions and make it harder to get an equitable settlement for your car.
Your insurance company can also provide you with the name and number of a representative to help you navigate the claim process. They will have multiple ways to contact them, from a telephone number to a chat option and you can talk about the incident at any time.
It may be an inconvenience to file a claim for car insurance with your insurer as well as the police, but it's get more info essential to do it as soon as possible. It's not just about making sure your car receives the attention it needs however, it will also help you avoid being caught in a scam or being denied coverage due to an oversight.
3. File a Claim
You'll need to provide all the information as quickly as you can. This includes where your car was prior to and following the time it was stolen, any photographs you might have, and contact details for anyone who was able to access the vehicle. Your insurance company needs the full description of your car, including any upgrades and other options. You should also keep receipts.
You may be required to file two claims one claim for auto insurance for the vehicle itself and a homeowners or renters insurance claim for personal items that were inside the vehicle. If you do have comprehensive coverage your auto insurance policy will be able to cover the cost of replacing your property. Your policy's limits and your deductible are still in place.
After your claim is completed, your insurance company will either pay you back the actual cash value of the vehicle, if the car has been deemed to be totaled, or pay the entire cost in the event that the vehicle was recovered and then returned. If you decide to fix the vehicle, which isn't always possible, your insurer will be able to charge you for the deductible.
It could take up to up to 30 days for an insurer to settle a stolen vehicle claim. It can be difficult to travel while you wait, so make sure your policy will cover rental reimbursement. Most do, however the coverage varies by provider and policy.
If your vehicle isn't located, it is important to report it to police immediately. This will add your vehicle to national and state databases which will make it harder for thieves to sell your car. You can also include a police report to your automobile insurance policy by filing it with your insurance company.
The act of leaving keys in your car can lead to a stolen car and it's best to keep them in a secure place and lock the vehicle when not in use. You can also stop theft by parking your car in well-lit areas and keeping your key with you.
4. Recover Your Car
When you're certain your car has been taken with keys inside, contact the police to file a complaint. This will add your vehicle's information to state and national databases, making it difficult for thieves to sell it. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible to make a claim for a stolen vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your provider will replace the vehicle you lost minus depreciation. The insurer will take into account comparable vehicles in your area, the mileage on the odometer and other factors to determine the value of your vehicle is. But, you'll still have to pay the $500 deductible.
In addition to paying to replace your vehicle and repairing any damage, your insurance company will repair any damage that was caused when your car was stolen with the keys inside. If you have a device to track your car, this could help police find your car once it's recovered.
If your car was stolen with your keys inside, you must act immediately. In the event of delay, your claim to be rejected or be investigated as fraud. In some instances an insurance agent could be able to ask you questions under oath.
You may need to file an a claim on any additional items you have stolen from your car. Comprehensive auto insurance will protect your car. These items are most likely to be covered by renters or homeowners insurance, based on the place they were stored. However, if you have both your home and auto insurance policies bundled typically, you can make both claims simultaneously.
Always secure your vehicle and remove keys from it when you're not driving it. Keep your spare key in a secure place away from your car. Never write your address or name on your car keys and choose parking spaces that are well-lit, supervised and off-street as much as you can. Also, make sure your car is in a secure, well-lit place and that you're blocking mailboxes or driveways.