Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you shouldn't put your keys in your car, but sometimes you forget. If you do and your keys have been stolen but the car is still there, here's what to do.
The first thing you'll need to do is call the police. This will help ensure that anyone who stumbles upon your keys doesn't use them to commit the crime.
Buy a new set of keys
The loss of your car keys can be a hassle and a risk, whether it is because of a moment of forgetfulness or if someone steals them. It's not just a matter of preventing you from getting where you want to go, but it also means you'll have to spend time and money to replace your key. However, the good news is that it's not as expensive and difficult to replace keys for cars as it was.
Contact your insurance company or warranty provider to find out whether you're protected for the loss of your car key. Bring your evidence of ownership to the locksmith in case it is covered. They will then be able work with the number of your vehicle identification (commonly called the VIN) that they can make a brand new key for your car without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the easiest type of car key to replace. These keys can be made locally by your local locksmith, and are generally cheaper than other kinds. However, if the car is made with a transponder or chip, you'll need to go to the dealership instead.
A transponder is a small chip that is inside the car key that transmits an individual code when it comes in contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure way to start your car and reduces risk of theft, but it's a bit more complicated than simply cutting a standard key.
Only the dealer can issue you a replacement transponder keys should you lose it. They are able to do this because they have records of the security systems that are in each car and can easily locate information.
If you do not have a spare key, contact your dealer as soon as possible. They might be able to make you a new key immediately or they may need to wait for a replacement key to come in. It could take a couple of days, but it's still less expensive than hiring an auto locksmith to complete the task. It's much more convenient than having to search for your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to police
It's easy to get distracted and forget to leave your phone, wallet or key inside your vehicle. If you think this is happening the first step is to notify the police. This might seem like a waste, but it could help police locate the item that was stolen. The police will request details regarding the incident including the name of the person who committed the crime and any other items they may have discovered in the vehicle.
You might want to add any items you had on you at the time of the theft, such as your credit cards or license. If the items are found by the wrong people and are used to commit crimes.
After you have notified police of the theft, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim. The insurance company may pay for the cost to replace your keys, depending on the type coverage you have. It is also recommended to install an anti-theft device to your vehicle, like a lock or immobilizer to prevent thieves from targeting it in the future.
It is also recommended to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your vehicle's title and registration information to show the fact that it was stolen. This will stop people from driving your vehicle illegally, causing red lights or obtaining parking tickets, or committing other crimes.
You may be able to add a property protection plan as an extra coverage for items stolen from your vehicle. This will help you protect yourself from the financial burden of items like laptops and phones that you might have in your car. You can determine whether your insurance company offers this by speaking with a representative or by visiting the website of your provider. You can also ask your agent for other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one method to increase the security of your car. Another option is to hide a spare key set away from your home or vehicle.
Keep track of your keys with a smartphone application
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply get a duplicate key made and you were in good shape. But now, modern cars require more sophisticated technology in order to operate. This means that the cost to replace keys to cars that have been stolen or lost has skyrocketed.
There are two primary types of car keys: electronic key fobs and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a few still have standard ignitions which require the turning of an ignition key to start the car.
You can connect an electronic key tracker to your car in order to avoid worrying about losing your keys. There are a variety of key trackers that are available. Some of the most effective include:
To use the device, simply pair it with your smartphone. If you're out and about the app will assist you locate your car keys either by emitting a noise or showing their location in an image. You can also share the device with friends and family members so they can assist you in finding your keys.
You might be able make an insurance claim for lost or stolen car keys, depending on the type of policy you have and the specifics of your particular situation. For instance, if paid for comprehensive or property insurance, these policies may provide for the cost of replacing your lost keys.
It's also worth talking to your insurance company for home insurance to determine whether they offer similar services. If you have reported your car keys as stolen or lost in a timely manner they may refund car stolen after losing keys the cost of replacing them.
If your car keys are missing, it is essential to be calm and come up with a plan. Call the police as soon as possible to avoid any other complications. They will provide you with advice on how to protect your vehicle and will also provide you with a reference number. They might even be able to provide you with a new set of keys in a matter of minutes.
Contact for a locksmith
In the past the loss of your car keys was a minor issue. The only worry you had was that if you lost your car keys it would be difficult to enter the vehicle. As automobiles have advanced in technology, so too are their keys. They are becoming more expensive to replace, if they're stolen. Therefore, it's essential to have a spare key and to secure your car and keys securely.
Find out if the personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. You could save money by not needing to pay for an auto locksmith.
Reporting the lost keys to the police is another thing you should do. The police will then be able give you additional tips on protecting your vehicle from theft, including the use of a wheel lock, and they'll give you an identification number that can help them to track down the person responsible for the theft.
It is beneficial to find a locksmith who is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths are able to create keys for a variety of automobile models, whereas others are only able to repair and replace older cars that have standard turn-key ignitions.
It is not unusual to receive an additional key for your vehicle within a couple of minutes of providing the registration information. The dealership will use a computer to check the details of your vehicle and then create keys for you.
It is also worth considering having the keys reprogrammed so that previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a service you can obtain from a dealer or locksmith. This is a great way to prevent your car from being stolen after you've purchased it secondhand.