Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You shouldn't leave keys in your car, but you might forget. If you've made a mistake and your keys are stolen however the car remains in place, here's what you need to do.
You'll want first to call the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds your keys doesn't use them to commit an offense.
Buy a new set of keys
Losing your car keys can be frustrating and dangerous no matter if it's caused by a momentary forgetfulness or when someone steals them. Not only does it prevent you from getting where you're going, but it also means you'll have to spend time and money to replace your key. But the good news is that it's no longer as expensive and difficult to replace the car key as it was.
Contact your insurance company or warranty provider to determine whether you're covered for a lost car key. Bring proof of ownership to the locksmith in case it is covered. They will then use the vehicle identification number or VIN, to make the new key for your car without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the most straightforward type of car key to replace. They can be made locally by your local locksmith and are typically cheaper than other kinds. If your vehicle is equipped with chip or transponder and you want to use it, you'll have to go to the dealer.
A transponder is a small chip inside the car key that emits a unique code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method of starting your car and reduces risk of theft, but it's a bit more complicated than simply cutting a standard key.
Only the dealer can issue you a replacement transponder keys if you lose it. This is because they keep track of every car's security system and can access the data in their database easily.
Unless you have a spare, it's ideal to contact your dealer immediately. It's possible to get a new one immediately or may need to wait until the replacement arrives. This can take a couple of days, however, it's less expensive than hiring an automotive locksmith to complete the task. It's also easier than trying to find your lost keys somewhere else.
Report the theft to police
It's easy to become distracted and forget to leave your wallet, phone or car key in your vehicle. If you think this is happening the first step is to report the theft to the police. It might seem like a waste of time, but it could aid law enforcement in locating the item that was stolen. The police will want specific details regarding the incident, including the name of the person who committed the crime and any other items they may have found in the vehicle.
It might be an excellent idea to include any other items that you might have on you at the time of the theft, such as your license or credit cards. If the items are found by the wrong people, they can be used to commit crimes.
After you have notified police of the theft, you should contact your insurance company and submit an insurance claim. Your insurance provider may pay the cost to replace your keys, depending on the type coverage you have. They will likely also advise you to install a car anti-theft device, like an immobilizer or wheel lock to discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle in the future.
You can also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your car's registration and title details to show that it has been stolen. This will stop anyone from driving your car illegally, running red lights or obtaining parking tickets, or engaging in other crimes.
You could be able add a property protection plan as an extra coverage for items that are stolen from your vehicle. This will protect you from the financial cost of items such as laptops, phones, or other valuables you might have in your vehicle. Find out whether your insurance company offers this by speaking with a representative or visiting the website of your company. You can also inquire from your agent about alternatives to improve the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is a method to increase the security of your car. Another alternative is to keep a spare key set away from your vehicle or at home.
Keep track of your keys using an app for smartphones
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. The process of getting a duplicate car key was easy. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. In the process, the cost of replacing keys for cars stolen or lost has skyrocketed.
There are two kinds of keys for cars. The first is an electronic key fob. The second is the traditional turn-key ignition. The majority of cars today utilize electronic key fobs. However, a few remain with traditional ignitions that require turning a key to start the car.
One method to avoid worrying about your car keys when you're on the go is to purchase an electronic key tracker and connect it to your vehicle. There are many different devices on the market, but some of the best ones include:
To use the device, simply connect it to your smartphone. When you're out and about the app can aid you in finding your car keys by emitting the more info sound of their location on the map. You can also share the device with family and friends to help them locate your keys.
You may be eligible to file an insurance claim when you lose or take your car keys. It will depend on the nature and specifics of your policy. For example, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance and policies, they may cover the cost of replacing your lost keys.
It's also worth contacting your home insurer to see if they offer similar services. They may be able reimburse you for the cost of replacing your car keys if you report them lost or stolen to them in a timely time.
In the end, if your car keys are missing, it's important to remain calm and develop a plan of action. If you can, call the police department immediately to avoid any further problems. They can provide you with suggestions on how to protect your vehicle and also give you a crime reference number. They may be able to give you a set of new keys immediately.
Call a locksmith
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a relatively minor inconvenience. You might have a spare key in a bag, or even the glove box, and the only concern was that you might not be able to return inside. As cars have advanced in technology, so too have their keys. They're increasingly expensive to replace, in the event of theft. It's therefore important to have a spare key available and to lock your vehicle and keys securely.
You should also check if personal property coverage on your home insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. If it does, you might be in a position to avoid paying for the services of a locksmith for your vehicle, and may be able to save a little money.
Another thing that you should do after you've lost your keys is lost is to report them to the police. The police will then be able provide you with additional advice on protecting your car against theft, such as the use of a wheel lock and they'll also give you an identification number that will help them to track down the culprit.
If you haven't already done so, it's recommended to find a reputable locksmith who can handle your specific vehicle and the key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for many different automobile models, whereas others can only repair and replace older cars with standard turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide your car registration and other information in order to have a brand new car key made, but this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will use computers to verify the details of your vehicle and then create the key for you.
It's also worth thinking about getting the keys to your car reprogrammed to ensure that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a straightforward procedure which can be carried out at a locksmith shop, or even at the dealership. This is a great way to protect your vehicle from being stolen after you've purchased it used.