What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It is important to remain calm and not get overwhelmed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will allow you to determine if your car keys have been stolen or lost. Next, contact your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The report of the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. You will be issued a crime reference code that you can use to identify your keys and track your vehicle. The police can also provide tips on how to safeguard your vehicle, for instance by using a wheellock.
Next, you need to find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other places they may be. Look for places that you may not usually look like under the seat or your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map but they only work only if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have an older key without any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at the local locksmith. If you have a remote or smart key, you'll need visit the dealership. It is important to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of a replacement lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave keys in their car is increasing. It is crucial to ensure your keys are safe all the time. The thieves could employ an instrument called relay attack which copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a accomplice to arrive with an equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of stealing cars in large cities where thieves are able to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere else than in your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance documents or license in your car since they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company as well as the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car it is essential to inform your company immediately about the missing keys. This will help to ensure your safety and also stop other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The most you would like to see happen is that you are the one who uses keys! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to make duplicate keys for you. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key so that your stolen pair no longer works.
It's always best to report the theft of your keys as soon as possible to the police, particularly if it was a smart key or a standard key ignition that is turned on. The police will be able to provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about protecting your vehicle, such as installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They may be able to also advise you on where to buy an additional key.
You should check your bags and pockets carefully before contacting your insurance company. You can easily lose a car key if it's lost or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you reach in to take something. If you have searched and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact your insurer.
The decision to file an insurance claim after the loss of a car key is based on the type of key you have and your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical keys for cars are cheap, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith at an expense less than the insurance deductible. However, modern keys are generally more expensive and require a purchase from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances the cost of a new key may exceed your deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company may conduct a credit investigation to determine if there's a possibility of fraud. This can result in your claim being denied or even a probe. It's therefore important to immediately report your keys as soon as you find them.
Buy a new set keys
It is crucial to remain calm and plan what you will do if you lose your car key. There are many options to replace your 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 option if you lose your car keys frequently. These devices are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first step is to identify the kind of key you have. If you have an old mechanical or traditional key, it can be replaced easily by locksmith. These keys don't have any special features or chips, and can only be used to lock and unlock the vehicle. If you have transponder keys, which are one of the more advanced types of key, which is usually placed in the key fob or chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to purchase an alternative.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip inside the key that connects to the computer of the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your car to get the new key. A dealership may also create keys for your vehicle, but it might cost more than calling locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you have, it is always recommended to keep a spare just in case. You will be able return to the road without waiting for a locksmith. Additionally, you'll be able to avoid having to pay for a tow or phone for roadside assistance.
It is important to check the pockets of your clothes before you leave and also look for places where you would not typically look for a key for example, in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you have been drinking some beer. You could also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys safe and easily accessible Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several ways to go about it if your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance to pay for your new key fob and then have your locks changed if do not have a spare. Or you can get keys from a hardware shop for much less than it would cost to file an claim.
Based on the model of your vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or a standard turn-key ignition, you might have to visit your dealer or auto dealership to purchase a replacement. The dealer may need to order a key chip and pair it with your vehicle. This can be costly. However your roadside assistance policy may pay for towing the car to a dealer or service shop that could make a new key, as per Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths as there are scam artists that will try to overcharge you for services that your car insurance or dealership 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 message requesting them to reset their codes. These scams can be very difficult to identify, get more info but you can keep an eye out for them by only entering your code via the website of the manufacturer or application.
Contact your home insurance company to determine if there's any additional coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance, for example, provides coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers, without requiring a minimum deductible. This coverage is not available from all insurers. It's worth checking if your current provider provides it or if you can add it to your existing policy.