Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the advancement in automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic keys, but some still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys to your car can be stressful and frustrating. It could also make your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if someone finds it and uses it for a while.
1. Call the police
The first thing to do if your car keys has been stolen is to call the police. They can assist you with the creation of reports and let you know whether they have found your car key or turns it in. You should do this immediately because if you delay the process, someone could be able to use your vehicle without authorization. This could lead to penalties from the city.
The police might also be able to offer you tips about keeping your car safe and secure. You'll also get an incident reference number that you can use to trace the investigation. This is important if you want to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the theft.
Always keep your spare car keys in your bag. Sometimes these keys are kept in easily accessible places, such as your wallet or purse, or they could be with friends or family members. It's also worth talking to your local dealership for cars to find out if they're able to reprogram the factory key fob and give you an alternative.
Double-check every place you think your car key might be. If possible, ask your friends or family to check too. You can also contact local restaurants or libraries and inquire if any keys have been discovered. It's common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious locations first before proceeding to less obvious ones.
Even if you have a spare key, it is still important to notify the police of the theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car and may assist them in locating your key prior to them doing. The police may also be able offer you tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as the use of a wheel lock.
In some instances, you may be able find out from the police your car keys have been returned to the police station. You can then retrieve your car key at the police station. The process could be more difficult if you own a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Call for a locksmith
A car key stolen can be an incredibly painful and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was lost or left in a different location and neglected, or taken by someone who was just seeking an opportunity to take your car, it could be devastating. The first step is to contact the police and let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will enable them to keep a lookout for the key, and help you get back control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the kind of vehicle you own. If your car is equipped with an ordinary, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will simply replace the key you have. However, if your car is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that uses a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the back of the key or the dashboard display). They will also need to be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by having evidence like your registration or title.
In certain instances the locksmith might be capable of erasing the car's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working in the future. This is usually a requirement to take your vehicle to the dealer. You'll either need a spare or be willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.
Lastly, it is a good idea to check your home insurance policy to determine if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. Many policies provide this protection, and it could be a great method to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are a common occurrence. If you're a diligent driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a lower chance that your car will be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist you in tracking the perpetrator and provide peace of mind. It also helps protect you from identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites for detailed information about their victims. This includes addresses, work address as well as other personal details. Reporting the theft of a car key immediately you notice it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions can vary and you should consult your provider to discuss your insurance coverage. Certain companies provide additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or free replacements.
You'll have go to your dealer or automaker to order a replacement set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
Some thieves may attempt to drive your car after stealing your keys. This could result in costly damages, including broken doors and windows. The person who stole the keys could be penalized when they drive without a license or in violation of traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damages caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.
If you've reported the loss of your car keys, you need to confirm that they are missing. This will get more info stop you from making an untrue claim and getting charged extra. Begin by looking through your bags, pockets, and any other places you keep your keys. Then, go back through your day and think about what you could have done that might have resulted in them being lost. For instance, did you put them on your car's table when you got home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while you reached into your purse to take out your phone?
It is a good idea to contact the police if you find your keys. This will stop the burglar from being able to use your stolen keys to access other vehicles and to commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of cars is a major issue. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Modern cars come with sophisticated security features, making it difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older cars or those with no keyless entry still need extra protection. Consider a steering lock or brake and tire locks to protect your car against theft. These locks are easy to install and make it impossible for a thief to drive your car away.
It's important that you immediately report the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will help them track the perpetrator and hopefully recover your car. The police will provide you with the crime number that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership for your car's manufacturer and get new key fobs created. You'll need to have the existing keys scanned, and the new ones will need to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and can cost you money.
You'll also need to be responsible for any damage caused by the thief as he leaves with your vehicle. Make sure your car is in a place that is well-lit and located in a secure parking lot. Keep your keys in a secure location and don't put keys in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal modern vehicles is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically found under the dashboard. They then use this information to find the code on your key fob and use it to start the car. This is called "relay theft." You can stop it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure space with cameras and guards.
You can also prevent your car keys from being stolen by keeping them in a secure pouch. These pouches will block the signal thieves can amplify using devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called a "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to deactivate a stolen key.