What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will help to determine if your car keys were stolen or lost. Contact your insurance provider. You may be able file an insurance claim, dependent on the situation.
Report the theft to the police
The report of the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. This will provide you with an identity number which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. The police might also offer advice about protecting your vehicle, such as using the wheel lock.
Next, you need to locate the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other places you might have them. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or your shoes. You can also utilize an application to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or display its most recent location however only if your keys are within the range of your phone's.
If you are using an older key without any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at the local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need visit the dealership. In this situation, it is worth checking your insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
Car thefts caused by people keeping their keys inside are on the rise, and it is vital to ensure their security at all times. Thieves can employ the relay attack to copy the signal from the car's key fob and then wait for a accomplice to arrive with another piece of equipment that will unlock the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. You should always leave an extra set of keys somewhere else than in your vehicle. You should also never leave your insurance documents or license in your vehicle, as these are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to notify your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance, it is important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the missing keys. This will keep you safe and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
Although it can be very stressful to lose your car keys but the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to have the keys! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith immediately and ask them to make a duplicate key for you. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key so that the lost key is no longer working.
It's always best to report the theft of your keys as soon as possible to the police, particularly when it was an electronic key or a standard turn-key ignition. The police can give you a crime number and provide further guidance on how to keep your car secure, including installing wheel locks. They might also be able to advise you on where to buy a replacement key.
You should examine your pockets and bags thoroughly before contacting your insurance company. It's possible to lose keys to your car if they are dropped or if your keys get tossed out of your bag when you reach in to take something. If you have searched and you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call your insurance provider.
The choice to file an insurance claim for a lost car key will depend on the type of key and the amount of your deductible. The majority of older mechanical keys for cars are cheap and can be replaced by a locksmith for an expense less than the insurance deductible. However, modern keys are usually more expensive and should be purchased from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances, a new car key can exceed your deductible.
You should also be aware that insurance companies may run a credit report to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could lead to your claim being denied or even being investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to report your keys as soon as you discover them.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is crucial to remain calm and plan what you will do next when you lose your car keys. There are many options to get new check here keys. There are many options that are less expensive than you think. You can also utilize a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This is a great solution if you lose your car keys often. These devices are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first step is to identify the type of key you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. These keys do not have special features or chips and can only be used to unlock and lock the vehicle. If you have transponder keys, which are an advanced version of key, which is usually found in the key fob or chain, you might need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in the keys that is connected to the computer of the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to get an additional key. A dealership could make keys for your vehicle however, the cost could be higher than visiting a locksmith.
Regardless of what type of car key you've got, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. This way, you will be able to return to the road without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. In addition, you will be in a position to not have to pay for a tow or phone for roadside assistance.
It is crucial to look through the pockets of all your clothing before you leave and also look for places where that you don't typically search for keys for example, in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you have had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with an amiable family member, and you might even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your keys in a safe place and easy to locate.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different options you can choose from when keys to your car have been stolen. You could make an insurance claim to cover the cost of a new key fob and have your car locks changed if you don't have a spare or you can buy a new key at an hardware store for less than what it might cost you to make an insurance claim.
You may need to visit your dealer to replace the key, based on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a standard turn-key ignition. The dealer might need to order a key chip and pair it with your vehicle. This can be costly. According to Reina the roadside insurance could pay for towing your vehicle to a dealer or other service shop where a new key can be created.
You must be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, because there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. Some locksmiths have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they fool the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking them to reset their code. These scams are difficult to spot, but you can avoid them by entering your code only via the website or app of the car manufacturer.
While you're at it, you should also check with your home insurance provider to determine if they provide any additional insurance for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance for example, provides coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers, without requiring for a minimum deductible. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth making sure that your current insurer has it, or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.