What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to stay calm and not get stressed.
First, retrace the steps you've taken. This will help to determine if the keys to your car were stolen or lost. Contact your insurance company. You might be able to file a claim based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing you need to do when your car keys have been stolen is to report it to the police. This will provide you with an identity number which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. Police can also give suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, for example by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to locate the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket, and other places you might have keys in. Also, make sure to look in places that you wouldn't typically look, such as under the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an app 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, however, they only work only if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you are using an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it at your local locksmith. However, if you own an electronic key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase one. It is a good idea to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave their keys in their vehicle is on the rise. It is crucial to keep your keys secure all the time. The thieves may employ a device called relay attack, which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a third party to arrive with an equipment to open the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere other than inside your car. Don't leave your license or insurance card in your car, as they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, be sure to contact your insurance company and the police as soon as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance it is essential to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the keys missing. This will help keep you secure and will stop others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith, or even the car dealer to create a new set keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys but the last thing you want is for someone else to use them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They'll also be in a position to program the replacement key so that the lost key no longer functions.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as soon as you can is a good idea, especially if they were an electronic key. The police will give you an identification number for the crime and offer further advice about making sure your car is secure including installing a wheel lock. They might also be able to advise you on where to purchase a replacement key.
You should check your bags and pockets carefully before making contact with your insurance company. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it in a place or you reach into your bag to grab something and knock your keys out of it. If you've searched everywhere and aren't able to locate keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The decision to submit an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key and your deductible amount. The majority of mechanical keys aren't expensive and can be replaced by a locksmith for the cost of less than the insurance deductible. Modern keys, however, are more costly and require to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances the cost of a new key may exceed your deductible.
You should also be aware that insurance companies might run a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This could lead to your claim being rejected or re-examined and that's why it's vital to report the theft of your keys as soon as you can.
Find a new set keys
If you have lost your car keys, it's essential to stay at peace and contemplate what you should do next. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and most options are cheaper than you would think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is particularly helpful if you tend to lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first step is to determine what kind of key you own. 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 are only used to secure and unlock your vehicle. If you have a transponder key, a more advanced type of key, which is usually placed in the key fob or key chain, you might have to go to an auto locksmith or dealer to get a replacement.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip inside the key that is connected to the vehicle's computers. This means that you will require the VIN number for your car in order to make a new key. Dealers can also create keys for your vehicle, however it might cost more than going to a locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you have, it is always a good idea to have a spare just in case. In this way, you'll check here be able to quickly get back on the road without having to wait for a locksmith to arrive. Additionally, you will be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
It is crucial to look through the pockets of all your clothes before leaving and also to look in places where you would not typically search for keys such as in your shoes if you're wearing them or in the fridge if have had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of alternatives if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay the cost of a replacement key fob, and then have your car locks changed in the event that you do not have a spare or you could get the new key from hardware stores for less than it would cost you to file an insurance claim.
Based on the model of your car and whether it has an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your dealer or auto dealership to obtain an alternative. The dealer is likely to order a new key chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which can be quite expensive. However your roadside assistance policy could cover towing your vehicle to a dealership or service shop that can create a new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will charge you more for services that are already covered by your auto insurance. Some people 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 asking for the reset of their code. These scams can be tricky to spot, but you can look for them by entering your code via the official website of your car manufacturer or app.
While you're at it you should check with your home insurance provider to determine if they provide any additional insurance for keys to your car that are lost. American Family's home insurance, as an instance, covers dwelling keys and garage door openers without the cost-sharing. This coverage isn't available for all insurance companies, but it's worth checking to see if it's available at your current provider or if you're eligible to add it to your policy.