Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved due to the advances in automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic key fobs, and a few still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. If someone discovers your car keys and uses them for a period of time, it could expose you to unauthorized access.
1. Call the police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys is stolen is to contact the police. You can file an investigation report and they will let you know when the key is returned. It is best to act quickly because if you put off, someone else might use your car without permission. This could result in fines from the city.
The police may also be able to offer you advice on keeping your vehicle secure and safe. They can also give you a crime reference number that you can use to track your case. This will be important if you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.
Make sure that you have your spare car keys in your bag. Sometimes these keys are kept in accessible places like your purse or wallet, or they might be in the possession of family or friends members. It's also worth checking with the local dealership for your car to see if they can reprogram your key fob from the factory and provide you an alternative.
Double-check any possible locations where you might have lost your car keys. Request family members or friends to look it up if they can. You could also contact local restaurants or libraries to find out if they've discovered any keys missing. Many times, people forget where they have put their keys, making it essential to double-check the obvious places before exploring other locations.
Even if you have a spare key, it is still important to contact the police to report an incident of theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car, and may assist them in locating your key prior to them doing. The police may also be able offer you suggestions on how to safeguard your vehicle, which includes using a lock for your wheel.
In some cases you may learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to an officer station. You can then pick up your car keys at the police station. The process could be more difficult if you have an automobile that has an electronic key fob.
2. Call an expert locksmith
Car keys stolen are a frustrating and stressful event. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, or left in another location. The first step is to contact the police and let them know that your car keys are missing. This will let them keep an eye out for keys and assist you to gain possession of your car in the event that it is taken.
The next step is to call a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to contact is contingent on the type of car you own. If your car comes with a mechanical key and ignition, the locksmith can simply replace the key you have. If your vehicle is older and has traditional turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the key or dashboard display). They should also be able to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle through documents like your registration or title.
In some cases the locksmith might 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 car to the dealer to be able to do this. You'll require a spare, or be willing to pay a lot of money for this service.
Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. Many policies do include this type of coverage, and it could be a great option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock changes.
Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive cautiously and take the necessary precautions, your car is less likely to be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and provide you with peace of mind. It will also protect you from identity theft. Thieves often look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work place and other personal details. Notifying a car key that was stolen as soon as you discover it missing get more info can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions of the policy can differ and you should consult your insurance company to discuss your coverage. Some companies offer extra benefits such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.
You'll have to visit your automaker or dealer to purchase a new set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys you have, this can be expensive and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
Some thieves may attempt to drive your car after they've stolen the keys. This can result in costly damage, like broken windows and doors. The person who stole the keys could also be fined when they drive without a license or in violation of traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damages resulting from the theft if you report it early.
It is crucial to verify that the keys are missing after submitting the loss report. This will help you avoid making an untrue claim and getting charged a fee. Begin by looking through your purses, pockets and other places you store your keys. Then, take a walk through your day and think about what you did that might have led to them being lost. For example, did you put them on the table in your car after getting home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to retrieve your phone?
It's a good idea to notify the police if find your keys. This will stop the thief from using the keys you've stolen to access other vehicles and commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of vehicles is a major issue. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans over $8 billion a year. Modern vehicles are equipped with the latest security features, making it difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older vehicles and those that do not have keyless entry require additional protection. To protect your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or tire and brake lock. These locks are easy to install and make it difficult for thieves to steal your car away.
It is crucial to inform the police about the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track down the thief and, hopefully, recover your vehicle. The police will give you a a crime number that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and get a new set of key fobs made. You'll need to have your existing keys scanned and the new ones will need to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process can take several days and can be costly.
You'll also need to pay for any damage done by the criminal as he takes off with your car. Make sure your car is in an area that is well-lit and located in an area that is secure. Also, keep your keys in a secure location and don't leave keys in the ignition.
One method used by thieves to steal cars of the present is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically located under the dashboard. They can then utilize this information to figure the code on your key fob and use it to start the vehicle. This is called "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and guards.
You can also stop your car keys being stolen by storing keys in a secure bag. The pouches will block the signal that thieves can amplify using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device dubbed a "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to block the key that was stolen.