What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. It is important to remain calm and not panic.
Retrace the steps you followed. This will help to determine if the keys to your car are actually stolen or just lost. Call your insurance company. You might be able to make an insurance claim dependent on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing to do when your car keys have been stolen is report it to the police. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which can be used to trace the keys and your vehicle. The police can also offer suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, such as by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible places where they may be. Also, be sure to check places you would not normally go, such as under the seat or in your shoes. You can also make use of an application to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show its last known location on a map, however, they can only be used if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have a traditional 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 have to visit the dealership. It is a good idea to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave their keys in the vehicle is on the rise. It is important to ensure your keys are safe at all time. Thieves can employ a device called a relay attack to replicate the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for a accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment that will unlock the vehicle. This is a common method of car theft in large cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere outside of your car. Don't leave your license or insurance card in your vehicle, as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to contact your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car It is crucial to inform your company immediately about the keys missing. This will keep you safe and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith or even the dealer who will make a new set of keys.
Although it can be very stressful to lose your car keys but the last thing you want is for someone else to take keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be capable of programming the new key so that your stolen key no longer functions.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as soon as you can is always a good idea, especially in the case of a smart key. The police can give you a crime number and provide further guidance on how to keep your car safe, such as installing wheel locks. They might be able to give you advice on where to buy a replacement key.
You should examine your bags and pockets carefully before making contact with your insurance company. It's easy to lose a key if you put it down somewhere or if you reach click here inside your bag to grab something and take your keys from it. If you've tried everything and still can't find the keys, it's likely time to call your insurance company.
The decision on whether to make an insurance claim after the loss of a car key is based on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of older mechanical car keys are inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for the cost of less than the insurance deductible. However, modern keys are usually more expensive and require a purchase from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances the cost of a new key may surpass your deductible.
It's also important to note that if you have significant debt an insurance company could conduct a credit check to determine if there's an opportunity for fraud. This can result in your claim being denied, or even a probe. It is therefore crucial to report your keys as soon as you find them.
Get a new set of keys
If you have lost your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think about what you can do next. There are many ways to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also utilize a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This is a great solution for those who lose their car keys often. They are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to determine is the type of key you own. If you own a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one from the locksmith or hardware store. These keys are not equipped with any special features, and are only used to lock or unlock your vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace the transponder key, a type of key that is more advanced and typically installed in the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip inside the key that connects to the computer in the vehicle. This means that you will require the VIN number for your vehicle to have a new key made. Dealers can also create an original key for your vehicle, but it could cost more than going to a locksmith.
Whatever type of car key you own it is important to have a spare in case you lose one. You will be able return to the road without waiting for locksmith. You will also be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
It is crucial to examine the pockets of your clothes before you leave and to check places you would not typically search for keys for example, in your shoes if you are wearing them, or in the fridge if you have had a drink. You could also leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member, and you could even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in the car safe and easy to locate.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different ways to go about it if keys to your car are stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of the new key fob and have your locks changed if do not have a spare. Or you can get keys from a hardware shop at a lower cost than the cost of filing an claim.
Depending on your type of vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you might need to visit your dealer or auto dealership to purchase a replacement. The dealer is likely to order a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be expensive. According to Reina your roadside protection, it may cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a dealer or another service shop where a new key will be created.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, as there are scam artists that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealer already covers. Some locksmiths have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking the reset of their code. These scams can be very tricky to spot however, you can keep an eye out for them by only entering your code via the car manufacturer's website or application.
While you're at it, you should also contact your home insurance company to determine if they provide any additional insurance for keys to your car that are lost. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys without a minimum deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurance companies, but it's worth checking to see if it's offered by your current insurer or if you're capable of adding it to your insurance policy.