Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You should never leave keys in your car, but you could forget. If you do and your keys have been stolen but the car is still there, here's how to do.
It is best to first call the police. This will ensure that anyone who discovers keys doesn't use them to commit crime.
Buy a new set of keys
Losing your car keys can be stressful and risky, whether it is due to a moment of forgetfulness or when someone steals them. You'll not only be unable get where you want to go and will also need to spend money and time to replace your keys. The good news is it's no longer as difficult or expensive to replace the key.
Check with your insurance provider or warranty to see whether you are protected for the loss of your car key. If it is, bring your proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They can then work with the vehicle identification number (commonly called the VIN) that they can use to create a new key for your vehicle without the original.
The simplest type of car keys to replace is the standard or mechanical key. They can be made on site at your local locksmith and are usually less expensive than other types of keys. If your vehicle is equipped with chip or transponder or chip, then you'll have to go to the dealer.
A transponder is a small chip inside the car key that emits an individual code when it comes in contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method of starting your car and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complex than simply cutting a standard key.
If you lose your transponder keys only the dealer will be able to give you an alternative one. They can do this since they have documents of the security systems in each vehicle and can easily locate the details.
If you don't have spare keys, it is recommended to call your dealer as soon as possible. You might be able to purchase a new one right away or may need to wait until a replacement is available. This could take a few days however, it's less expensive than hiring a locksmith for your car to do the job. It's also more convenient than trying to find your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to become distracted and forget your phone, wallet, or car keys in the trunk of your vehicle. The first thing to do if you suspect that this has happened is to contact the police. This might seem like a waste of time, but it could assist law enforcement find the item that was stolen. The police will need to know the details of the incident, including the description of the person who committed the crime, as well as any other items found in the vehicle.
You might want to add any items you had on you at the time of theft like your credit cards or license. If the items are discovered by the wrong people they could be used to commit crimes.
After reporting the theft to the police, you should also call your car insurance provider to file an insurance claim. The insurance company may pay for the cost of replacing your keys, depending on the type of coverage you have. They may also suggest that you install a car anti-theft device, such as an immobilizer or wheel lock to discourage thieves from targeting your car in the future.
In addition to reporting the theft to the police and your insurance company, you should also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will update your car's registration and title details to show that it has been stolen. This will prevent someone else from driving your car illegally and running red lights, obtaining parking tickets or other crimes by using it.
You might be able to add a property protection plan as an extra coverage for items stolen from your vehicle. This will protect you from the financial cost of items like laptops, phones or other valuables that may have in your car. You can find out if your insurance provider offers this by speaking to a representative or visiting the website of your company. In addition, you can inquire with your insurance provider about other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one way to improve the security of your vehicle. Another option is to hide a spare key set away from your home or vehicle.
Find your keys using an app on your smartphone
In the past the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just make a duplicate key and you were all set. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. The cost of replacing lost or stolen keys has gone up significantly.
There are two kinds of car keys. The first is an electronic key fob. The second is the traditional key ignition that here is turned on by a turn. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs. However, a few still have standard ignitions which require the turning of keys to start the vehicle.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to buy key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are numerous key trackers available on the market. Some of the most effective include:
Connect the device to your smartphone to use it. When you're out and about the app will assist you in finding your car keys by making an audio signal or displaying their location on the map. You can also share the device with your friends and family members so they can help you find your keys.
You might be able make an insurance claim for lost or stolen car keys dependent on the kind of policy you have and the specifics of your particular situation. For example, if you've paid for comprehensive or property insurance coverage, these policies may be able to cover the cost of replacing lost keys.
You should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if it offers similar services. They may be able pay for the cost of replacing your car keys if report them stolen or lost to them in a timely time.
In the end, if your car keys are missing, it's important to stay calm and work on an action plan. If you can, call the police department immediately to avoid any further problems. They will give you advice on how you can protect your vehicle and also give you a reference number for crimes. They may be able to give you a set of new keys immediately.
Call for a locksmith
In the past, losing your keys to your car was a minor inconvenience. You might have a spare key hidden in a bag, or even the glove box, and the only concern was that you may not be able to return inside. As automobiles have evolved technologically, so have their keys, and they're much more expensive to replace in the event of theft. It's therefore important to have a spare key in your possession and to secure your vehicle and keys securely.
You should also determine if personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. You may be able save money by not having to pay for an auto locksmith.
Reporting your lost keys to the police is another thing you must do. The police will then be able offer you further advice about protecting your vehicle from theft, such as the use of a lock for your wheel, and they'll also give you a crime reference number that can assist them track down the culprit.
It is a good thing to find a locksmith who knows your car type and key. Some can make new keys for a range of different vehicles, while others will only be able to repair or replace older cars with conventional turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide car registration and other information in order to have a new car key made, however this process is typically quick. The dealership will use computers to verify the details of your vehicle and then create a key for you.
It's also worth considering having the keys to your car reprogrammed so that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a service is available from a dealer or locksmith. It's a great method to safeguard yourself from the possibility of your vehicle being stolen after you have purchased it second-hand.