Comprehensive Guide To Stolen Keys

Car Thefts Caused by Keys Left in Car

Car thefts resulting from owners leaving their keys inside their vehicles are on the rise. This can be a frustrating and costly experience.

If you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy (other than liability) then the answer is yes.

1. Check your pockets and bags

It can be frustrating to go to your purse or pocket only to not find your car keys. When you are rushing it's easy to lose things. It is easy to get distracted and lose your car keys. Even if you're vigilant it's possible to get lost.

This is particularly relevant for cars that are newer and have key fobs that must be programmed for your specific vehicle. Some people have been victims of "Relay attacks," where a thief is waiting near your home and uses equipment to record the signal from your key fob. The signal is then transmitted to an accomplice outside your home using the device that can unlock the car. This type of theft occurs more often than you imagine, and can be done with a simple smartphone app.

After you've checked all the usual places, make sure you check your pockets and bags. This includes the pockets of your jacket and pants and bags you carried with you. You could also look in places you don't typically put things, like the bottom of a purse or the inside of your shoes. It might also be helpful to ask family or friends members to check if they have your keys, especially in the event that you haven't lost them before.

If nothing is found take a walk through your day to see if you can remember where you might have put them. You may have put them somewhere when you were looking for food, or you could have reached inside the bag and accidentally tossed your keys out. They can be hidden in plain sight, such as under a sofa cushion or in a pile of mail.

Never keep your spare key in the car. Also, don't use one keychain to hold both your car and home keys. You are more likely to lose them, because thieves will search your vehicle for these items and assume you have them. Notifying the theft as quickly as possible will help the police find the thief and save money on your auto insurance in the event that you have to file a claim.

2. Check Under the Car

Keys stolen from your home can be costly, but it can also pose a serious security risk. The thieves can make use of your car keys to get into your car and gain access to personal items stored in the trunk. This could result in identity theft in addition to the loss of your car was stolen with keys inside.

If you put your keys in the ignition of your car thieves are able to easily start it up and drive away. Firestone cautions you not to leave valuables in your car, especially if you have left the keys in the ignition. If you have to leave a cellphone or purse in the car, try to hide it in your trunk. Also, keep your car doors locked and always put your keys in the ignition when you're at an convenience store or a gas station. These kinds of places usually have parking lots where drivers are known to linger in order to run into and out of the store or leave their cars idle while they shop. This makes them ideal targets for thieves.

Another mistake that can lead theft is to leave your spare key in the cupholder, or under the visor. Thieves are able to easily find an unlocked key and swiftly use it to break into your vehicle, since it's likely not secure.

In the past, misplacing or losing your key was not a problem. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, keys have too become more complex and difficult to replace without the original. Depending on your model and year of car locksmiths can make a duplicate for an older key but it's a bit more difficult for modern cars, which require you to visit an auto maker or dealership to purchase a new one.

Contact your insurance provider immediately if you've had keys taken from your car. Depending on the state of your car and your insurance policy Comprehensive insurance (often known as "other than collision") could cover your replacement keys. If you've bundled your vehicle and property insurance, you might be able to file both claims at the same time which will save 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 while you rush into the store to pay. You believe you've parked in an area safe, but thieves know your routines and profit from it.

If you're able relax and bring your rational side back into charge the first step is to go back your steps. This will not only help you find your keys, but will also let you learn from the mistake you made to avoid it happening in the future.

Also, look in the pockets of all the bags and jackets you've worn since you last used your keys. Also, examine the surfaces on which you may have put them, such as on countertops or tables. Think about whether you accidentally threw your keys out of the bag when you went to grab your phone.

If you are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to contact the police and report the keys as missing. However, the odds of getting your stolen keys back are pretty good when you follow these guidelines and stay calm and retrace your steps. It is important to remember that car keys stolen no spare thefts in the US are on the rise. Some thieves have even learned how to hack key fobs, so they can drive off without the owner's approval. So, be extra vigilant and use tools like inventory management software to track the location of your keys at all times.

4. Call the Police

It's not only embarrassing to leave your keys in your car and increase the chance of your Car Stolen Keys Left In Car being stolen. It's essential to find out whether your insurance policy will cover the theft of your vehicle in the event that you accidentally left your keys inside. Here's the good news: if you have comprehensive (sometimes referred to as "other than collision") coverage your insurance company will cover the damage to your vehicle as well as any other items that were inside when it was stolen car key.

However, it's important to remember that the deductible will be applied. It's also important to note that the insurance policy will probably conduct a credit screening to ensure that there isn't fraud. The DMV in your state may also want to know about the theft so that they can update their records, making it difficult for thieves to sell your car.

If you have comprehensive coverage, the first thing your insurance company will do is confirm that the car was actually stolen (as instead of just the result of a collision or bump). They will likely then notify the police and be responsible for the investigation. You must provide the police a complete description, a list of any valuables that are in your vehicle and a copy of the title.

There are many things that could go wrong with your day from getting stuck in traffic or losing your wallet, and leaving keys to your car in it is certainly one of them. It's vital to lock your car and not leave valuables in your car.

There's always the chance that your car will be stolen, whether you reside in Pueblo. It's not just a problem for people who reside in the top five metropolitan areas most likely to be victimized by car thieves; anyone can have their vehicle stolen at any time. Contact the Rinaldo Law Group to schedule a consultation with an experienced Tampa personal attorney about the aftermath of a recent accident, or any other legal matter.