Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You should never leave keys in your car, but you might forget. If you do and your keys have been stolen but the car is still there, here's the best way to do.
The first thing you'll want to do is contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who comes across keys doesn't use them to commit crime.
Buy a new set keys
Losing your car keys could be stressful and risky regardless of whether it's because of a moment of forgetfulness or if someone steals them. You'll not only be unable to reach where you want to go, but you'll also have spend money and time to replace your keys. The good thing is that it's not as expensive and difficult to replace the car key as it was in the past.
Before you call your local locksmith, check to see if the lost car key is covered under your insurance or warranty. Bring proof of ownership to the locksmith if it's covered. The locksmith will then make use of the vehicle identification number also referred to as the VIN, to make an entirely new car key, without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the most straightforward type of car key to replace. They can be made on-site at your local locksmith and are usually less expensive than other kinds of keys. However, if your vehicle is made with a transponder or chip, you'll need to visit a dealer instead.
A transponder, a small chip in the car key, transmits an unique number each time it is in contact with the vehicle. This is a safer method to start your car and reduces the risk of theft, but it's a bit more complex than cutting a regular key.
If you lose your transponder keys, only the dealer can make you a new one. This is because they keep track of every car's security systems and can access the data in their system quickly.
Unless you have spare keys, it is best to contact your dealership as soon as you can. They might be able to make you a new one immediately, or they might need to wait for a replacement to arrive. This could take a couple of days, however, it's less expensive than hiring a locksmith for your car to do the job. It's much more convenient than looking for your keys elsewhere.
Inform the police about the theft
It's easy to lose focus and leave a wallet, phone or car key inside your vehicle. If you think this has happened, the first step is to report the theft to the police. It might seem to be a waste of time, but it could assist law enforcement in tracking down your item stolen. The police will want to know the details of the incident, including the description of the perpetrator, as well as any other items that were found in the vehicle.
You may want to include any belongings you may have on you at the time of the theft, such as your credit cards or your license. In certain cases, if the items are discovered in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
Once you've informed the police about the theft, you should contact your car insurance provider and file an insurance claim. Your insurance provider may pay the cost of replacing your keys, depending on the type coverage you have. They might also recommend you to install an anti-theft device, like a wheel lock or immobilizer, to deter thieves from targeting your vehicle in the future.
You should also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your car's title and registration information to show the fact that it was stolen. This will stop anyone else from driving your car illegally, running red lights, parking tickets or committing other crimes with it.
You could be able add a property protection plan as an extra coverage for items stolen from your vehicle. This can protect you against the financial burden of items such as laptops or phones you might keep in your car. You can determine whether your insurance company offers this by speaking with an agent or going to the website of your company. You can also ask your agent for alternatives to improve the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one way to enhance the security of your car. Another option is to hide a spare key set away from your vehicle or home.
Keep track of your keys using a smartphone app
A few years ago the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big issue. You could just get a duplicate key made and you were all set. Modern automobiles require more advanced technology to function. This means that the cost of replacing keys to cars that have been stolen or lost has risen dramatically.
There are two types of keys for cars that are electronic: key fobs with electronic keys and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs. However, a few still have traditional ignitions that require the turning of an ignition key to start the car.
You can attach a key tracker to your car to avoid having to worry about losing your keys. There are a myriad of devices on the market, but the most effective ones include:
To make use of the device, just pair it with your smartphone. If you're out and about, the app will help you locate your car keys by emitting a sound or showing their location in an image. You can also share the device with your friends and family members so that they can help you find your keys.
You could be able to file an insurance claim when you lose or take your car keys. This will depend on the nature and specifics of your policy. For instance, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance coverage the policies could be able to cover the cost of replacing your lost keys.
It is also worth checking with your insurance company for home insurance to determine whether they offer similar services. If you report your car keys as lost or stolen promptly they may reimburse you the cost of replacing the keys.
If your car keys are missing, it's important to remain calm and devise a plan. Call the police as soon as possible to avoid any additional complications. They can provide you with suggestions on how to secure your car and provide you with a reference number. They may also be able provide you with new keys immediately.
Call for a locksmith
Not so long ago the loss of your car keys was a relatively minor issue. You could keep a spare key in a bag or glove box, and the only concern was that you may not be able to access inside. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too do keys. They are becoming more expensive to replace, in the event of theft. Therefore, it's essential to have a spare key in your possession and to lock your vehicle and keys securely.
It is also worth checking whether the personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. If it does, you could be in a position to save money on the services of a locksmith for your vehicle, and possibly save a few dollars.
Reporting the lost keys to the police is another thing you must do. The police will then be able to offer you further advice about protecting your vehicle from theft, such as the use of a wheel lock, and they'll give you a crime reference number that can assist them track down the person responsible for the theft.
If you haven't completed this, it's recommended to find an accredited locksmith who can handle your specific vehicle and its key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for many different automobile models, whereas others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles using traditional turn-key ignitions.
It is not uncommon to receive the new key to your car within a few minutes after providing the registration website information. The dealership will make use of a computer to review the details of your car and create the key for you.
It's also worth considering having the keys for your car changed to ensure that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a service that you can obtain at a dealership or a locksmith. It's a great method to protect yourself from the possibility of your car being stolen after you have purchased it second-hand.