Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the advancement in automobiles. Most autos today use electronic key fobs, but some have the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. If someone steals your car keys and uses them for a long period of time, it could make you vulnerable to unauthorised access.
1. Call the Police
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to notify the police. You can make an official police report, and they will let you know when they return your key. It is recommended to take action immediately because if you wait you could let someone else use your car without your permission. This could lead to penalties from the city.
The police may also be able to give you tips about keeping your vehicle secure and safe. You'll also get an incident reference number that can be used to track the investigation. This is crucial should you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.
Always keep your spare car keys on hand. Sometimes, keys are kept in accessible places, like your purse or wallet, or they might be with family members or friends members. It's also worth talking to the local dealership for your car to determine if they are able to reprogram your key fob that came with the car and give you a new one.
Double-check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car keys. If you can, ask friends or family to check too. You can also call local restaurants or libraries and inquire if keys have been found. It is normal for people to forget where they left their keys. Therefore, it's important to check the obvious areas prior to moving on to less obvious ones.
Even if you have an extra key, it's important to notify the police of the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car, and could assist them in finding your key. The police may provide tips on how to secure your vehicle, which includes the use of a wheel lock.
In some cases the police might be able to tell you that your car's key was turned in at an officer station. You can then visit the police station and get it. If you have an electronic key fob on your vehicle, the process may be more difficult.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen is an extremely stressful and frustrating event. It doesn't matter whether it was stolen, lost, or left in another location. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your keys to your car are missing. This will help them keep a lookout for the key, and assist you get back control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to call an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you will need to call will depend on the kind of car you own. If your vehicle has a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will simply replace your existing key. If, however, your vehicle is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that only has a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will need to access your vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also have to verify that you own the car by presenting proof such as a registration certificate or title.
In some cases, the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and block the key from working again in the future. This is usually a requirement to take your vehicle to the dealer. In this instance you'll have to have a spare key or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
In the end, it's recommended to look over your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is included in a lot of policies, and can be an excellent way to cover the cost of replacing keys and lock changes.
Keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive cautiously and take the proper security measures, your car is less likely to be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
The reporting of the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will help you track the culprit, and give peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. The thieves will here search social media sites to find detailed information about their victims. This includes the address, work place and other personal information. Notifying a lost car key immediately can prevent this.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions of the policy can differ so it is recommended to contact your insurance provider to discuss your coverage. Certain companies may provide additional benefits, such as free replacements or rental car coverage.
You'll have to go to your dealer or automaker to purchase a new set if your keys for your car are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. This can be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key, based on the type of key.
The thieves could attempt to drive the car after stealing keys. This could result in costly damage, such as damaged doors and windows. The thief may be penalized if they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damage caused by the theft If you report it in time.
It's important that you confirm that the keys are missing after reporting their loss. This will help you avoid making a false report and getting hit with extra costs. Begin by looking through every bag, pocket and other place where you normally keep your keys. After that, go back and think about your day and what you might have done to cause the keys to disappear. For instance, did it happen that you place them on the table in your car after coming home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you went to your purse to grab your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief using the keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and to commit additional criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a huge issue. It happens every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have advanced security features that make it difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older cars or those with no keyless entry still need extra security. Think about a steering lock or tire and brake locks to protect your car against theft. These locks are simple to install and make it impossible to drive away your car.
It is imperative to inform the police about the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will help them track the culprit and, hopefully, recover your vehicle. The police will also give you a the crime reference number which can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership of your vehicle's manufacturer to have new key fobs created. You will need to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will have to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process can take several days and is costly.
You'll also have to pay for any damage done by the thief as he takes off with your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in well-lit areas. Also, keep your keys in a secure location and don't put keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves steal modern vehicles. The thieves are able to use this information in order to unlock the code on the key fob, and then begin the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking area that has cameras and guards.
You can also prevent your car keys being stolen by keeping them in a bag that is screened. These pouches block the signal thieves make use of to amplify their signal using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You could also purchase a device known as a "relay-deactivator" that you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port to block the stolen car key.