Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed due to the advances in automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs, however certain models still use the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if a person finds the vehicle and uses it for a period of time.
1. Call the police
The first thing you need to do if your car key is stolen is to contact the police. They can assist you in preparing a report and will notify you whether they have found your car key or is willing to surrender it. You must report it immediately because if you delay, someone could use your vehicle without permission. This could lead to fines from the city.
The police may also be able to offer you advice on keeping your vehicle secure and safe. They will also give you a crime reference number that you can use to follow your case. This is important if you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.
If you have a spare car key ensure that you keep it with you. The keys can be tucked away in places accessible to you like your purse or wallet or in the hands of family or friends. You can also inquire with your local dealership to see if it can reprogram your factory key fob.
Make sure to check any possible locations where you might have lost your car key. If possible, ask your friends or family to check too. You can also try calling local libraries or restaurants to see if they have found any lost keys. It is common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is essential to look for obvious locations first before proceeding to less obvious locations.
Even if you have a spare key, it's not a bad idea to call the police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from trying your car and might even assist them in finding your key. The police may provide advice on how to protect your vehicle, such as the use of a wheel lock.
In certain cases the police may be able to tell you that your car keys has been returned to an officer station. Then, you can retrieve your car keys at the police station. This process is more difficult if you own modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key that was stolen can be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter whether it was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it somewhere else. Contact the police to let them know your keys to your car are missing. This will allow them to keep a lookout for the key, and assist you get back control of your car if it is stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to contact is contingent on the kind of car you have. If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic ignition and a mechanical key the locksmith will replace the key you have. If your car is older and uses traditional turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob, the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the dashboard or key display). They should also be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle by having documents such as your registration or title.
In some cases locksmiths may be in a position to erase the vehicle's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working in the future. However, this will typically require you to bring your car to the dealer for the purpose of doing so. You'll require a spare or willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.
Lastly, it is a good idea to check your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is provided in many policies, and is a great way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.
Car keys stolen from cars are not common. If you drive carefully and take the necessary precautions, your car is less likely to be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking down the thief and provide you with peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. Thieves often search social media for detailed details about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal details. Notifying a car key that was stolen immediately you notice it is missing can prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions can vary and you should consult your provider to discuss your coverage. Certain companies offer additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or free replacements.
If your car keys aren't in the ignition, you'll have to visit your dealer or the automaker to have a new set made. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. This could be expensive and ranges from $200 to $500 per key, based on the type.
The thieves may try to drive the car following the theft of keys. This could cause costly damage, such as damaged doors and windows. It's also likely that the thief is penalized for driving without a permit or for violating traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages resulting from the theft If you report it in time.
It is crucial to confirm the keys are indeed missing after reporting their loss. This will ensure that you don't end up making a false claim and incurring additional charges. Begin by looking through your pockets, bags and other places you store your keys. Then, take a walk through your day and think about what you did that resulted in them being lost. Did you, for example put them on your car's table when you got home from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you went to your purse to retrieve your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's an excellent idea to inform the police. This will stop the burglar from using the keys you've stolen to access other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major problem. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion per year. Modern cars come with sophisticated security features, making it difficult to steal them. Older vehicles and those with keyless entry need additional protection. Think about a steering lock or tire and brake locks to guard your car from theft. These locks are simple to install and make it impossible for thieves to steal your car away.
If your car keys are stolen, you must report them immediately to the police immediately. This will allow them to locate the culprit and hopefully return your vehicle. The police will provide you with a crime number which your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership of your car's manufacturer and get a new set of key fobs created. You will have to scan your existing keys and then program the new ones using the computer in your vehicle. This process could take several days, and will cost you money.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you will be required to pay for towing and any damage caused by the thief who stole your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a secure parking area and park in well-lit areas. Also keep your keys in a secure place and don't leave keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves steal modern cars. They then use this information to find out the code for your key fob, and then start the car. This is known as "relay theft." To prevent this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking space with cameras and guards.
You can also try to prevent your car keys from being taken by storing them in car keys got stolen what to do a secure pouch. These pouches block signals that thieves make use of to amplify their signal using devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also buy an item known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port to deactivate the stolen car key.