This Is The History Of Car Stolen With Keys In It In 10 Milestones
This Is The History Of Car Stolen With Keys In It In 10 Milestones
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If Your Car Has Been Stolen With Keys in It, Here's What to Do
As long as you have comprehensive coverage your insurance policy will be able to cover your vehicle stolen even if you left keys inside the car. The insurance company will investigate the theft to determine if it was your fault.
The best thing to do is file an insurance claim as soon you discover that the vehicle was stolen. Any delay will likely result in your insurance claim getting denied or subject to a fraud investigation.
1. Don't Panic
It is essential to remain calm and avoid making a mistake which will only cause the situation to get worse. Call the police first. Once you have contacted the police, provide them with as much information about your vehicle that you can including the model, make and license plate. Also, inform them that there was anything valuable in your vehicle, such as laptops, a work ID badge, or other personal items.
The police will give you the best information about the vehicle that was stolen and the steps they are planning to take moving forward. They may be able locate your vehicle or catch the thieves.
Many people do not shut their windows or lock their vehicles, especially when they are in a hurry or have children. It may seem silly however it's actually quite easy to make and can have tragic consequences. In these scenarios thieves can simply climb into the drivers seat and drive off as if it were their own vehicle. If no one else around them is aware it isn't the owner the vehicle can travel a very long distance before being arrested by a police officer.
Another common error that can be easily made is to leave keys in the ignition or leaving a spare key hidden on your property or in your personal possessions. This is risky because it makes it easier to start the car and run off with. This is often done when people go into the store to purchase something or leave the car running while they are in there. Other mistakes that are common include running the car while it is heating up or rushing to an 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. There are a myriad of methods to accomplish this starting with installing an alarm system to parking in areas that are well-lit. Certain automakers also offer security features to discourage thieves and prevent them from starting their vehicle. These range from a simple audible alarm to more sophisticated devices that make use of GPS technology to track the car.
2. Contact the police
It is your obligation as a car owner to report any attempted or real theft. Your police department will be able to help you by providing information about what actions you need to do next. They may also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle in the future, like installing a wheel lock. In addition, they can provide you with a crime reference number that could assist you in contacting your insurance company.
When you report a car that has been stolen it is crucial to be as thorough as possible. Be sure that the information you provide to the police and your insurance company are the same. This will increase the likelihood of your car being returned or retrieved.
You must be prepared to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the license plate number as well as the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with any other distinguishing features. If your vehicle has a GPS tracking device or other anti-theft technology, be sure to include it as well.
Another aspect important is the presence of personal items in the vehicle when the theft occurred. This could be your wallet, purse, or any other object that holds personal information. It's a good idea to alert banks, credit card companies and any other entities that could be involved in the event of a stolen item being found in your vehicle.
It is also advisable to contact your homeowners or renters insurer for any personal possessions were taken. This is because this type of possession is typically covered under the personal property section of these policies, whereas auto insurance only covers damages here to your vehicle.
While there's no way to prevent a car theft, you can lower the likelihood of this occurring by removing all valuables from your vehicle, locking your doors and opening your windows at all times. It's also important to always keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your vehicle. Also, you should review your insurance policy annually to ensure that you have sufficient coverage.
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy the insurance company will cover the loss of your vehicle without deductibles, minus any applicable. Liability insurance doesn't cover theft of cars so make sure you have comprehensive coverage prior to lending your vehicle to anyone.
3. Do not attempt to search for your vehicle by yourself
As a car owner you have a responsibility to safeguard your property. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is secure, even when you're not in the car. You should also make sure to lock your vehicle every time you leave it, and then roll up the windows completely. Also, it's a good idea to avoid leaving your keys in your car, or anywhere else that might be accessible to criminals.
In fact one of the main reasons people have their cars stolen with keys in it is because they have left an extra key in or close to the vehicle. This is a common mistake that could have serious consequences particularly in the present day.
Modern thieves have shifted beyond the traditional hotwiring methods you'd encounter in action films and are employing more sophisticated techniques to steal vehicles. This includes something called a relay attack, which is when two thieves work together to utilize an electronic device to record the signal from the owner's key fob and then unlock the vehicle and drive it away.
The good news is the police are beginning to use more efficient technology to catch thieves who try to steal cars with keys inside. Some companies offer to install the device of tracking on your vehicle which can transmit the location of your car to the police. This could reduce the number and likelihood of thefts.
You may also want to install an immobilizer in order to keep your car from getting started. This will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can also find out if someone has tried to start your car by calling the police.
If you do decide to track down the vehicle that was stolen, you should never attempt to do it yourself. This could cause more damage and could result in the theft of other items in your vehicle, like your personal belongings. Instead, you should contact your insurance company and inform them that your car was stolen, with keys inside. It is also important to inform them of any personal items that were inside the vehicle at the time of theft, including mail, a purse or wallet that contained your credit cards or cash, an office badge or other identification documents, and any medication or medical supplies that were in the vehicle.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive car insurance (which includes a variety of incidents including theft) it is important to contact your insurer as soon as possible to make an insurance claim. This will enable them to begin the investigation and ensure you are covered in the event your car is damaged or stolen.
You must provide your insurance with as many details about your vehicle as you are able to remember including the year the make, model, and year, the license plate number and the VIN (vehicle ID number) and where you last saw it. It is also beneficial to include information about how the theft occurred and at what time of the day it occurred, and if there was any snow or rain. If you are unsure of any of this information you can request the police to look up their records to find this information for you.
In some instances, it might also be necessary to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will help prevent the criminal from being able to use your vehicle in any manner that is in violation of the law or cause damage to others property.
When you call your insurance company, you will need to have the police report on hand so that they can begin the investigation. Also, you must be prepared to provide any other details requested by your insurance company.
Be sure to report any personal items stolen with your vehicle, since these could be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance (depending on the area you reside in). Also, you should inform your finance or leasing company that your vehicle has been reported stolen.
Although this is a terrible situation to be in, it is important to stay calm and take action quickly. These tips will help to do this and hopefully result in you getting your car back safe and sound. If you are required to make a claim on a stolen car with keys in it the best thing you can do is consult an independent insurance agent who will assist you in the process and find you discounts to make the whole experience as smooth as possible.