10 Things We All Hate About Car Stolen After Losing Keys
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Car Stolen After Losing Keys? Comprehensive Coverage Will Cover Your Car Even If You Leave Your Keys In It
We've all heard that it's a good idea to never leave your car running when you're away. But what happens if you leave it running? Based on the insurance policy you have, comprehensive coverage could protect your vehicle even if the keys are still in the car.
The key fob can be used by thieves to open a car and gain access to personal items within the vehicle. It is also a way to gain access to a vehicle's CAN bus, which is traded for parts or even stolen completely.
Reporting to the Police
Inform the authorities immediately after you lose your keys. This will stop anyone from driving illegally. The city will fine them if they do. If you report the theft early, this won't be a issue, since the person who took the car key will have to visit an auto dealership for the specific make of your vehicle to purchase new keys. These will have to be reprogrammed and they will need new barrels, too. (the tiny part that allows you to insert your key into the lock).
The police will need know the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the registration number. This information can be used to check CCTV footage or ANPR (automatic plate recognition) technology. They can also input the information into national and state databases which makes it harder for the thieves to sell your car. You'll also be able get a crime reference number, which will allow you to keep track of any progress in the investigation.
It is also important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. The terms and conditions of a variety of policies will cover the cost to replace keys stolen from your car. In most cases you will have to prove you own your vehicle, such as the title or registration paperwork. Certain insurance policies for property may also offer coverage, but you'll need to inquire with your insurance company for more information.
If you are unsure if your keys to your car were stolen it's a good idea to review everything that happened on that day. You may have dropped them on a table, or they might be hidden in your car's back seat. If you have searched your car, your pockets, and the back of your seats and are unable to locate them, contact the police and file a formal report. Be sure to inform the officer the model, make, and registration number of your vehicle as well as any distinguishing characteristics.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
As you could imagine that much time and effort goes into the process of a stolen car insurance claim especially if the vehicle is reported with keys inside. If you are able inform your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with all the information they need to process the claim. This will lessen the stress you feel, since you won't have to wait for an investigation to be completed or your claim to be handled.
In addition reporting it as soon as you can will help save money on the cost of repairs. Many people who lose their keys to their car attempt to break into the vehicle to get them back and can lead to an additional expense for repairs to damaged windows and doors. But if you report it in a timely manner, your insurance company will take care of the costs.
It is also advisable to check with nearby businesses to determine whether there are any CCTV recordings that could have caught the thieves. You should also ask any neighbors if they've witnessed or heard of something suspicious.
The insurance company will need as much information as possible regarding the theft, including a police report. They'll also want to know the manufacturer and model of the vehicle, as well any distinguishing features. This will permit them to search CCTV footage and then use ANPR technology to track the car.
It's important to double-check your policy prior to filing an insurance claim. While the majority of policies will cover a vehicle that was stolen with keys inside, you must check the policy first. Some insurance providers exclude coverage if a car is unlocked with the keys in the ignition or personal belongings are left in the vehicle. Some providers will only cover the cash value of the vehicle, minus any permanent improvements.
As you work with your insurance provider you may be enticed to file a claim on your stolen keys even though they're not likely to be recovered. You must weigh the pros and cons before filing an insurance claim, as this could increase your insurance premiums.
A New Set of Keys
It's terrible to lose your car keys and be incapable of driving. If you do lose your keys, it's important to report it right away so that you can obtain a replacement set and not be concerned about someone using your car without permission.
Check all the usual locations where you can locate your keys. Be sure to check your pockets, purses and any bags you might have on you and also the vehicle itself. It might be time to speak with locksmiths if you can't locate your keys. A locksmith will be able to create a brand new key for you and also program a replacement fob for your key should you require it.
In some cases, the cost of getting new keys could be covered by your insurance company. However, it's important to consult with your insurance company to see what the terms and conditions of your policy are. Comprehensive insurance typically covers a vehicle and its keys in the event of theft however it's best to double-check your policy.
You may also use your roadside insurance policy to pay a locksmith for a new key. They may be able to make a new key without the original depending on the kind of keys you own. In other cases you may have to bring your website vehicle's registration, title, and purchase documents to the dealer in order to get the new key.
Certain modern cars come with a feature which allows them to start without a key fob. This is done by the on-board diagnosis (OBD) ports that are accessible by mechanics in order to identify and fix the car's issues. If you have this feature on your vehicle, you should consider installing an OBD port lock to prevent thieves from stealing the information and creating a key fob for your car.
If you're using a traditional turn-key, your best bet is to call your dealership and ask them to design a new key for you. They can handle everything from reprogramming a key fob to re-installing an ignition lock and lock if necessary.
Get Your Car Back
You've had a long and tiring day, and you were eager to get back to your home, putting on your cozy sweats and ordering a pizza and watching your favorite show. When you get back to your car, you find your keys are nowhere to be found!
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent your vehicle from being stolen after losing the keys. The first step is to contact the police and file a report and obtain an incident reference number to keep track of any progress on the investigation. Be aware that filing a report with the police won't result in roadblocks at every corner or a nationwide search of your vehicle. However, it could aid in receiving compensation.
After you have filed the report, contact your insurance company to begin the process. It is essential to notify them as soon as possible because any delay could cause your claim to be rejected or you may be questioned for fraud, even if your claim is legitimate.
Most car insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing your keys, according to the terms and conditions of your policy. Certain insurers might also offer to help you locate your vehicle that is missing using an GPS tracking system, which can be very helpful if you lose your car with the keys inside.
You could also ask your automaker or dealer to provide a duplicate set of keys. It will take longer however it's an alternative to hiring a locksmith for the work and you may be in a position to save money by doing this.
Although it is impossible to completely prevent your vehicle from being stolen after you have lost your keys, there are some ways to minimize the chance of being a victim. Consider creating a spare key and keeping it in a safe location or investing in an electronic tracker or key-finding device like Tile, or designating a spot where you always put your keys so they are easy to locate.