Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the advancement in automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic keys, but some still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. If someone steals your car keys and uses them for a long period of time, it can leave you vulnerable to unauthorized entry.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you should do if your car keys is stolen is to contact the police. You can make an official police report, and they will notify you when the key is returned. It is important to act quickly because if you wait you could let someone else use your car without your permission. This could lead to fines from the city.
The police might also be able to offer you advice on keeping your vehicle secure and safe. They can also give you an identification number for crime that you can use to follow your case. This is important in the event that you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.
If you have a spare car key ensure that you have it on hand. The keys can be tucked away in places that are easy to reach, such as your purse or wallet or even with your family or friends. It is also worth contacting your local dealership for cars to see if they can reprogram your key fob that came with the car and give you the new one.
Double-check all the places you think your car key might be. Request family members or friends to verify the information if they are able. You can also call local restaurants or libraries to see if they have discovered any keys missing. It's common for people to forget where they put their keys. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the obvious places first before moving on to less obvious ones.
Even if you have a spare, it's still worth calling the police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and may help them locate your key. The police may also be able to offer you tips on how to protect your car, such as using a wheel lock.
In certain cases, you may be able learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to a police station. Then, you can retrieve your car key at the police station. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process can be more difficult.
2. Call an expert locksmith
A stolen car key is a frustrating and stressful event. It doesn't matter if it was stolen or lost, or left in another location. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your car keys are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye out for keys and assist you to regain possession of your vehicle in the event that it is taken.
Next, you'll want to contact an locksmith. The kind of locksmith you will need to call will depend on the kind of car you own. If your car comes with a mechanical key and ignition the locksmith will replace the key you have. If your car is older and has a traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob, the locksmith should have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which is usually displayed on the key or dashboard display). The locksmith also needs to verify that you own the vehicle by providing proof such as a registration or title.
In some instances, the locksmith may be able erase the "memory of the car" and block the key from working again in the future. However, this will usually require that you bring the car to the dealer in order to do so. In this scenario, you'll need to either have a spare key or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Check your home insurance policy to see if it covers car key theft and loss. A lot of policies include this type of coverage and could be a great method to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Keys stolen from cars are a frequent occurrence. If you drive carefully and take the proper precautions, your car is less likely to be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notifying the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will assist you in tracking down the thief, and give peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. The thieves will search social media sites for specific information on their victims. This includes the address, work place as well as other personal details. Reporting missing car keys immediately can help prevent this.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact terms and conditions vary, so it's best to contact your provider to discuss the read more specifics of your insurance. Certain companies may provide additional benefits, like free replacements or rental car insurance.
If your car keys are not in the ignition, you'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to get a brand new set made. This will require deleting the old keys and programming new keys for your vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this can be expensive and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
The thieves might try to drive the car following the theft of the keys. This can lead to expensive damages, including damaged doors and windows. The burglar could be penalized when they drive without a license or in violation of traffic laws. Your insurance company will pay for any damages caused by the theft if you report it early.
It is crucial to verify that the keys are missing after reporting their loss. This will stop you from making an untrue claim and getting charged an additional fee. Begin by looking through your bags, pockets, and any other places you store your keys. Then, go back through your day to consider what you could have done that could have caused them to be lost. For example, did you put them on the table in your car after getting home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to pull out your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still a good idea to contact the police. This will stop the burglar from being able to use your keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and to commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major problem. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it difficult for thieves to take them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry require additional protection. To guard your car from theft, consider getting a steering wheel lock or brake and tire lock. These devices are simple to install and make it impossible to drive away your car.
If your car keys have been stolen, it's important to report them immediately to the police immediately. This will help them track down the thief and hopefully return your vehicle. The police will also provide you with the crime reference number which can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your vehicle's manufacturer to get new keys made. You will need to have your current keys scanned, and then the new ones will have to be programmed by your car's computer. This process could take several days, and can cost you money.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you will be required to pay for towing as well as any damage caused by the thief while driving off with your car. Keep your car in a location that is well-lit and in a safe parking area. Keep your keys in a safe place and never put them in the ignition.
The OBD port is typically located under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves steal modern cars. The criminals are able to use this information in order to unlock the code on the key fob and begin the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." To stop this from happening, install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking area that has cameras and guards.
You can also try to prevent your car keys from being stolen by keeping keys in a pouch that is screened. These pouches block the signal thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device dubbed"relay deactivator" or "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to disable keys that have been stolen.