What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it can be a very stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and not get stressed.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help you determine if the keys to your car were stolen or misplaced. Contact your insurance company. You may be able submit an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Inform the police about the theft
The first thing you have to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. This will give you a crime reference number, that can be used to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police may also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, for instance the use of an ignition lock for your wheel.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Make sure to check every pocket, bag, and other places you might have keys in. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or inside your shoes. You can also make use of an application to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map however, they can only be used when the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can find a replacement at your local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need to visit the dealership. In this case it is worthwhile to check your insurance policy to see whether they will cover the cost of a new key and lock.
Car thefts caused by people keeping their keys inside are on the rise, and it is vital to keep them safe at all times. The thieves could employ an instrument known as a relay attack, which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a partner to arrive with a piece of equipment to open the car. This is a typical method of stealing cars in large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than in your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance cards or license in your vehicle as they are important tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to notify your insurance company and the police as quickly as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car it is essential to inform your company immediately about the lost keys. This will keep you safe and will stop others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will cover the cost of a locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
It is stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to occur is that someone else uses keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to design a duplicate key. They'll also be in a position to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen key is no longer working.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as soon as you can is a good idea, especially when they are a smart key. The police will give you an identification number for the crime and offer further advice about protecting your vehicle, such as installing the wheel lock. They might also be able to advise you on where to purchase a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurer before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your pockets and bags for keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it in a place or you reach inside your bag to grab something and knock your keys out of it. If you've searched for a while and you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact your insurer.
The decision of whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car keys depends on the type of key you own and the deductible you have. The majority of mechanical keys for cars are cheap, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith at an expense less than your insurance deductible. However, newer keys are typically more expensive and should be purchased from the dealer or manufacturer. In certain instances, the price of a new key may surpass your limit on deductible.
You should also be aware that insurance companies might run a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This can lead to your claim being denied or re-examined this is why it's crucial to report the theft of your keys as soon as possible.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is important to stay in a state of calm and plan what will do if you lose your car key. There are many options to get new keys. The majority of options are less expensive than you think. You can also utilize Bluetooth key trackers to ensure that your keys are safe and easily accessible. This is particularly useful if you tend to lose your car keys often. These devices are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to determine is the type of key you have. If you have an older mechanical or traditional key, you can replace it easily by a locksmith. These keys do not have special features or chips, and can only be used to secure and unlock your vehicle. You may need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more advanced and usually installed in the key fob.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in their keys that is tied to the vehicle's computer. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to get the new key. A dealership can create keys for your vehicle however, the cost could be higher than visiting locksmith.
Whatever type of key you own it is a good idea to have an extra key in case of need. This way, you will be able to quickly return to your vehicle without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. Additionally, you will be free of having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.
It is essential to check the pockets of all your clothing before leaving and to check places you wouldn't normally search for keys, like in the shoes if you are wearing them, or in the fridge if you have been drinking some beer. You can also leave a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options when your car keys are stolen. You could file an insurance claim to cover the cost of a replacement key fob and get your car locks replaced if you don't have a spare or you can purchase a new key at a hardware store for much less than what it might cost you to make an insurance claim.
You may need to go to your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a traditional key ignition. The dealer might need to order the key chip and then pair it to your vehicle. This can be expensive. However, your roadside assistance coverage could cover towing your vehicle to a dealer or service shop that can make the new key, as per Reina.
Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths as there are scam artists who will try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealership already covers. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car's manufacturer sent them a message requesting them to reset their code. These scams are hard to spot, but you can stay clear of them by entering your code only via the app or website of the car manufacturer.
Check with your home insurance provider to find out if there's any additional coverage for keys that check here are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance, as an example, provides coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers without charging a minimum deductible. This coverage is not available from all insurance companies. It's worth making sure that your current insurer provides it or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.