What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not get stressed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will allow you to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or simply lost. Call your insurance company. You might be able to submit an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. You will receive a reference code that you can use to track your keys and vehicle. The police might also be able to offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, such as the use of a wheel lock.
The next step is to find the keys. Check every pocket, bag and other possible places where they may be. Check places you might not usually look like under the seat or inside 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 its last known location on a map, however, they only work when the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you own a traditional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can find a replacement at your local locksmith. However, if you own an electronic key or remote start, you will need to go to the dealership to get one. In this instance it is worthwhile to check your insurance policy to determine whether they will cover the cost of a new key and lock.
Car thefts triggered by people who leave their keys in their car are increasing, and it is vital to keep them safe at all times. The thieves may employ a device known as relay attack, which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a accomplice to arrive with an equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of car theft in large cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. You should always leave a spare set of keys somewhere else than inside your car. Don't leave your insurance or license in your vehicle, as they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as quickly as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy owner, it's important to notify your company right away about the keys that are missing. This will help to ensure your safety and stop others from utilizing your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a dealer or locksmith to make new keys.
It's a stressful experience to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to happen is that you are the one who uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to make a duplicate key. They'll also be able to program the replacement key so that the lost pair no longer works.
It is always recommended to report the theft of your keys as soon as you can to the police, especially if it was smart keys or an ordinary turn-key ignition. The police will give you an incident reference number and offer further advice about protecting your vehicle, such as installing a wheel lock. They might also be able to guide you on where to purchase an additional key.
Before contacting your insurer it is important to ensure that you've thoroughly checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it in a place or you reach in your bag to grab something only to take your keys from it. If you've searched everywhere and aren't able to locate keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The decision to file an insurance claim after losing a car keys depends on the kind of key you have and your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are inexpensive and can be replaced by the locksmith for less than your deductible. However, modern keys are usually more expensive and should be purchased from the manufacturer or dealership. In some cases the cost of a new key may surpass your deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you have significant debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit investigation to determine if there's a possibility of fraud. This could result in your claim being denied or even a probe. It's therefore important to immediately report your keys as soon as you discover them.
Get a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think about what you're going to do. There are a variety of ways to get a new set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you would think. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great solution if you lose your car keys frequently. You can find these kinds of devices on the internet or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to do is determine the kind of key you own. If you have an old mechanical or traditional key, you can replace it easily by a locksmith. These types of keys do not contain any special features or chips, and are used only to secure and unlock your vehicle. If you own transponder keys, a more advanced type of key, which is usually found inside the key fob or key chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to get an replacement.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in their keys that is tied to the vehicle's computer. You'll need the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain an additional key. A dealership may also create keys for your vehicle, but it might cost more than calling locksmith.
Regardless of what type of car key you have regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. You will be able get back on the roads without waiting for locksmith. You'll also be in a position to avoid paying for a tow and calling roadside assistance.
It is important to look through the pockets of all your clothing before you leave and also look for places where that you don't typically look for keys, like in the shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you have been drinking some beer. You could leave keys with a trusted family member, and you might even think about using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in the car safe and easy to locate.
Get your car repaired
There are several routes you can take when keys to your car have been stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of the new key fob and then have your locks changed if you don't have an extra. Or, you can purchase a key from a hardware shop for much less than it would cost to file an claim.
You may have to visit your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a conventional key ignition. The dealer is likely to purchase a new key chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which could be expensive. According to Reina the roadside insurance may cover the cost of transporting your vehicle to a dealer or other service shop where a new key will be made.
You must be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, as there are scam artists who will try to charge you for services that your insurance or dealer already covers. Some people have been known to use click here a technique called "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into thinking that the car manufacturer has sent them an email asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams can be very difficult to identify, but you can look out for them by only entering your code on the official website of your car manufacturer or application.
Contact your home insurance company to determine if there's any additional coverage for keys that are lost in the car. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys without the minimum deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurers however it's worth a look to see if it's available at your current provider or whether you might be able to add it to your policy.