7 Things You Never Knew About Stolen Keys
Car Thefts Caused by Keys Left in Car
Car thefts caused by owners leaving their keys inside their cars are increasing. It can be a costly and frustrating experience.
The answer to the question "does insurance cover stolen vehicles if keys are left in?" is yes, but only in the event that you have a comprehensive coverage (other than liability) on your policy.
1. Check your pockets and bags
If you reach for your bag or pocket and you don't feel your car keys, it can be a very frustrating experience. When you're rushing, it is easy to lose things. You can easily become distracted and lose your car keys. Even if you're careful, it is possible to lose your keys.
This is especially true for newer vehicles with key fobs that need to be programmed to your vehicle. There are some who have been the victims of "Relay Attacks," which involve a burglar at your door using a device that receives the signal from the key fob and sends it to a accomplice who is outside your home using another device that can unlock your vehicle. This kind of theft happens more often than you think, and it can be carried out with just a smartphone application.
If you've looked in all of the usual places and haven't found anything, it's time to take a thorough checks of your bags and pockets. Included in this are the pockets on your jacket, pants and any bags you may have. You could also look in places you don't typically put things, like the bottom of your purse or the inside of your shoes. It could also be beneficial to ask friends or family members if they have your keys, particularly if you haven't lost them previously.
If nothing is found If nothing is found, go back through your day to see if you recall where you may have put them. You could have accidentally knocked them out of a bag, or dropped them while taking food items out. Sometimes, they're concealed from view for example, under cushions on couches or in the mail pile.
Never keep your my spare car key was stolen key in your car. Also don't use a single keychain that holds both your car and house keys. You are more likely to lose them because thieves will search your car for the items and assume that you have them. Notifying the theft as quickly as possible will help the police track down the culprit and also save money on your auto insurance in the event you require an insurance claim.
2. Check Under the Car
A lost set of keys can keyless car be stolen be expensive however, it could also be a security risk. The thieves could make use of your car keys to get into your car and gain access to personal belongings in the trunk. This could lead to identity fraud, on top of losing your car.
If you do leave your car keys in the ignition, thieves can easily start up your vehicle and then drive it away. This is why Firestone cautions against leaving valuables in your car, particularly when keys are left in the ignition. If you are forced to leave a cell phone or purse in the car, put it in the trunk. Also, keep your car doors locked and keep your keys in the ignition when you're at a convenience store or gas station. These places often have parking areas where drivers tend to linger in order to run into and out of the store or leave their vehicles idle while they shop. This makes them easy targets for thieves.
Another mistake that could lead to theft is leaving your spare key in the cupholder, or under the visor. Thieves are able to easily find the spare key and make use of it to gain entry into your car, as it's not secured.
In the past, misplacing a key or losing one was not something to be concerned about. As automobiles have evolved, so have keys, and it's sometimes difficult to replace them without the original. Depending on your model and year of your car locksmiths can create duplicates of an older key, but it's more complicated for newer cars and will require you to visit a dealership or auto maker to obtain a replacement.
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately if you've had keys taken from your car. Based on the state and your insurance policy Comprehensive insurance (often referred to as "other than collision") may provide replacement keys. If you've bundled your car and property insurance and you claim both simultaneously, saving you time and hassle.
3. Walk Back Through Your Day
A quick stop at a petrol station to purchase fuel, and you leave your keys inside the car as you race into the store to pay. You think you've secured an area safe, but thieves know your routines and can make use of it.
Retracing your steps is the first thing you need to do when you're able to calm down and get your rational side to take over. This will allow you to locate your keys that you've lost and help you learn from your mistake and avoid it from repeating itself in the future.
Also, look in the pockets of all the bags and jackets you've been wearing since you last used your keys. Also look on surfaces where you might have put them down, like on countertops or tables. Think about whether you accidentally threw your keys out of a bag when you went to take your phone out.
If you can't find your keys, contact the police to report the keys missing. Thankfully, the chances of getting your keys back are quite good if you follow these tips and remain calm and repeat your steps. However, it's worth noting that car thefts are surging in the US and some thieves have found a way to hack into key fobs so they can drive away without the owner's consent. Be extra vigilant and use tools like inventory management software to track where your keys are.
4. Call the Police
It's not only embarrassing to put your car keys inside of it however it increases the chance that your car will be stolen. It's important to find out if your insurance will cover the theft of your vehicle in the event you accidentally left your keys inside. This is a good thing: if you have comprehensive (sometimes known as "other than collision") coverage, your insurance company should take care of the damages to your vehicle as well as any other items that were in it when it was Stolen keys what to do.
It is important to remember that the deductible will be applicable. Also, it's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy will probably conduct a credit check to ensure that there isn't fraud. Additionally the state's DMV might want to be notified of the theft so that they can correct their records, making it harder for the thief to sell your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive insurance and your insurer is able to verify that the car was stolen car keys change locks (and not just a wrecked or bumped). They will likely then notify the police and be responsible for the investigation. You will be required to provide the police a complete description as well as a list of valuables that are in your vehicle and a copy if the title is available.
There are many things that could happen to your day from being stuck in traffic, to losing your wallet, and leaving keys to your car stolen with keys inside in it is certainly one of the most common. That's why it's important to always keep your car locked, never leave valuables in plain view and avoid parking in unsafe locations for prolonged periods of time.
There's always a chance that your vehicle could be stolen, regardless of whether you live in Pueblo. It's not just a problem for those who reside who reside in the top five metropolitan areas that are most likely to be victimized by car thieves, however; anyone can have their vehicle stolen at any time. If you're in need of a conversation with an Tampa personal injury attorney about a recent car accident or other legal issue, call the Rinaldo Law Group today to arrange a no-cost consultation.