Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the development of automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic keys, but some still use the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if someone finds it and uses it for a long time.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to contact the police. You can file a police report, and they will let you know when someone returns your key. It is important to take action immediately because if you put off for too long, someone else could use your vehicle without permission. This can lead to fines from the municipality.
You may also get some tips from the police on how to keep your car secure. You'll also get an incident reference number that you can use to track the investigation. This is important if you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.
If you have a spare car key, ensure that you keep it in your possession. These keys can be hidden in places that are easy to reach, such as your purse or wallet or with family or friends. It's also worth checking with your local dealership for cars to find out if they're able to reprogram your key fob from the factory and provide you an alternative.
Check all the places you think your car key could be. If possible, ask your friends or family members to check too. You can also contact local libraries or restaurants to ask if any keys have been found. It is normal for people to forget where they left their keys. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the obvious locations first before proceeding to less obvious locations.
Even even if you have spare keys, it's still worth calling the police to report the theft. This will stop anyone from trying your car, and could help them locate your key. The police might also offer suggestions on how to safeguard your vehicle, such as the use of a wheel lock.
In some cases you may to learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to the police station. You can then pick up your car keys at the police station. This process is more difficult if you have modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen can be an incredibly frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it in another location. The first step is to contact the police and inform them that your car keys are missing. This will enable them to keep an eye out for keys, and also help you get control of your car if it is stolen.
The next step is to call a locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the model of car you own. If your car has mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, the locksmith will simply replace your current key. However, if your car is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that utilizes a traditional turn-key system the locksmith will need to be able to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or on the dashboard display). They should also be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle using documents like your registration or title.
In some cases, the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and prevent the key from working in the future. However, this would typically require that you bring the vehicle to the dealership for the purpose of doing so. In this scenario you'll need to have a spare key or be prepared to pay a large amount for the service.
Lastly, it is an excellent idea to review your insurance policy for home insurance to determine if it covers the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is covered in many policies, and can be an excellent way to pay the cost of replacing keys and lock replacements.
Keys stolen from cars are not common. If you're a responsible driver and take the right precautions, there is a much less chance that your vehicle will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's important to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking the culprit and provide you with peace of mind. It also helps protect you from identity theft. Thieves will often browse social media to find detailed details about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal information. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you notice it missing can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact conditions and terms may differ so it's advisable to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your coverage. Some companies might offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
If your car keys are not in the ignition, you will need to visit your dealer or automaker to get a brand new set made. This involves removing the old keys and programming new ones for the vehicle. This could be expensive and ranges from $200 to $500 per key, based on the model.
Some thieves may try to drive your vehicle after they've stolen the keys. This can cause expensive damages, including broken windows and doors. It's also likely that the thief is penalized for driving without a license or ignoring traffic laws. If you report the loss of your keys at a young stage, your insurance company will be able to cover any damage caused by this crime.
It's important that you confirm the keys are indeed missing after reporting their loss. This will prevent you from making an untrue claim and getting charged a fee. Start by searching every bag, pocket, and other places that you usually keep your keys. After that, go back and reflect on your day and what you could have done to cause them to be lost. For instance, did it happen that you put them on the table in your car after coming home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to get your phone?
It is a good idea to contact the police if you discover your keys. This will stop the thief using the keys stolen to check here gain access to other vehicles and commit further crimes.
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 cars come with advanced security features that make it very difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older vehicles and those that do not have keyless entry require additional protection. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire lock with brakes to guard your car from theft. These locks are simple to install and make it difficult for a thief to drive your car away.
It's important that you inform the police about the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will help them track down the thief and hopefully recover your car. The police will also provide you with a the crime reference number which can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer and have new key fobs created. You will have to scan your current keys and then program the new ones using the computer in your vehicle. This process could take several days, and will be costly.
In addition to the cost of the new key, you'll be required to pay for towing costs and any damage caused by the theft while driving off with your vehicle. Keep your car in a location which is well-lit, and in a secure parking lot. Keep your keys in a secure place and never leave keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is typically located under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves can steal modern vehicles. They can then use this information to find the code of your key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with cameras and guards.
You can also prevent your car keys from being stolen by keeping them in a bag that is screened. These pouches block the signal thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called"relay deactivator" or "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to disable a stolen key.