What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you've lost your car keys, it can be a very stressful experience. But, it's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
First, retrace the steps you took. This will help you determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or misplaced. Next, contact your insurance company. You may be able submit an insurance claim dependent on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing you need to do when your car keys have been stolen is to report it to the police. You will be issued a crime reference code that you can use to track your keys and your vehicle. The police can also provide tips on how to safeguard your vehicle, such as using a wheel lock.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other places that you could have them. Also, be sure to check places you would not typically look, such as under the seat or inside your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or display its most recent location but only if the keys are within the range of your phone's.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can obtain a replacement from the local locksmith. If you have an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll have to visit the dealership. In this situation, it is worth checking your insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
Car thefts triggered by people who leave their keys in their car are on the rise and it is essential to keep them safe at all times. The thieves can use an instrument called a relay attack that copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a partner to arrive with an equipment to open the car. This is a typical method of taking cars from large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere else than in your car. Never leave your insurance or license in your car, as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as quickly as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive car insurance policy holder It is essential to notify your company immediately of the keys that are missing. This will help to keep you safe and prevent others from using your car. Most policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith, or even the car dealer to create a new set of keys.
It is stressful to lose your keys. The most you would like to see happen is that you are the one who uses keys! It's a good idea to contact your local locksmith immediately and ask them to make duplicate keys for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the key you stole will no longer work.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is always recommended, especially if they were an electronic key. The police will be able to provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about making sure your car is secure, such as installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They might also be able to advise you on where to purchase a replacement key.
It is important to check your bags and pockets thoroughly before making contact with your insurance company. You can easily lose keys to your car if they are dropped or if your keys get tossed out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've looked everywhere but aren't able to locate the keys, it's likely time to call your insurance company.
The decision on whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car key depends on the kind of key you have and the deductible you have. Mechanical keys that are old-fashioned are cheap and can be replaced by the locksmith for less than your deductible. However, modern keys are typically more expensive and require a purchase from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances the cost of a new key could surpass your limit on deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in a position to incur 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 investigated. It's therefore important to notify your keys as quickly when you notice them.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is crucial to remain at ease and plan what you will do if you lose your car key. There are many options to replace your keys. There are many options that are less expensive than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This is a great solution in case you lose your car keys frequently. You can find these get more info types of devices on the internet or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to do is determine the type of key that you own. If you have a conventional or mechanical key, you can easily change it out with one from an locksmith or a hardware store. These types of keys do not contain any special features or chips and are used only to unlock and lock the vehicle. If you own transponder keys, which are an advanced version of key that is usually found in the key fob or key chain, you might need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to obtain an replacement.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in their keys that connects to the computer of the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your car to get the new key. A dealership can make keys for your vehicle however the cost may be higher than visiting locksmith.
Whatever type of key you have it is an excellent idea to have an extra key in case of need. You'll be able to return to your vehicle without having to wait for an locksmith. You'll also be in a position to avoid paying for tows and calling roadside assistance.
Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may not typically look for keys, like in your shoes if they're on or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options if your car keys get stolen. You could make an insurance claim to pay the cost of replacing a key fob, and then have your car's locks changed when you do not have a spare or you could get a new key at a hardware store for much less than what it might cost to file an insurance claim.
Depending on the type of vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your auto dealer or dealer to purchase an alternative. The dealer might need to purchase the key chip and then pair it up with your vehicle. This can be costly. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing your vehicle to a dealer or service shop that can create the new key, according to Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will overcharge for services already covered by your car insurance. Some people have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer sent them a request asking them to reset their codes. These scams are hard to spot however you can ward off them by entering your code only via the website or app of the manufacturer.
Check with your home insurance provider to see if there is any additional coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys without a deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurers. However, it's worth to determine if the current provider offers it or if it's possible to add it to your existing policy.