What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you lose your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. But, it's crucial to remain calm and not be overwhelmed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will help determine if the keys to your car were stolen or misplaced. Next, contact your insurance company. You may be able submit an insurance claim based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. This will give you a crime reference number, that can be used to track the keys and your vehicle. The police might also offer tips on protecting your vehicle, including the use of the wheel lock.
The next step is to find the keys. Be sure to search every pocket, bag, and other places where you may have them. Also, make sure to look in places that you wouldn't normally look, like under the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map, but they only work if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys that do not have fancy chips) then you can easily obtain a replacement from your local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need to visit the dealership. In this case, it is worth checking your insurance policy to see whether they will cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.
Car thefts that are caused by leaving their keys inside are increasing, and it is crucial to ensure their security at all times. The thieves could employ the device, known as a relay attack which copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a partner to arrive with an equipment to open the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than inside your car. Never leave your insurance or license in your car, since they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you have lost your keys, contact your insurance company as well as the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance it is essential to notify your company right away about the keys missing. This will help keep you secure, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
It's a stressful experience to lose your keys. The last thing you want to occur is that you are the one who uses them! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to create a duplicate key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the key you stole will no longer work.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is always an ideal idea, particularly in the case of a smart key. The police will be able to provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about protecting your vehicle including installing a wheel lock. They might also be able to guide you on where to buy keys to replace.
You should examine your bags and pockets thoroughly before calling your insurance company. It's possible to lose keys to your car if they are dropped or if your keys are knocked out of your bag when you go to grab something. If you have searched and you are still unable to locate your keys, it is time to contact your insurer.
The decision on whether to make an insurance claim after losing a car keys depends on the kind of key you have and the amount of your deductible. Mechanical keys that are old-fashioned are not expensive and can be replaced by locksmiths for less than your deductible. Modern keys, however, are more expensive and need to be purchased directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances, a new car key could exceed your maximum deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit check to see if there is a possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being denied or even investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you find them.
Find a new set keys
It is crucial to remain in a state of calm and plan what will do next when you lose your car keys. There are many ways to get a new set of keys, and the majority 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 a great option in case you lose your car keys often. You can find these types of devices online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing you need to do is determine the kind of key you have. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key it can be replaced 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. You may require an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more sophisticated and is usually inserted into the key fob.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip in their keys that is tied to the computer of the vehicle. You'll need the VIN number of your vehicle to get a new key. A dealership can make keys for your car however the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you have it is an excellent idea to have an extra key in case of need. In this way, you'll be able to immediately get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. Additionally, you will be free of having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.
It is essential to examine the pockets of all your clothing before leaving and to check places you wouldn't normally look for a key such as in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if have been drinking some beer. You can also leave an extra key with a trusted family member, and you might even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of options when your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance claim to cover the cost of your new key fob and have your locks changed if you don't have an more info extra. You can also purchase the key from a hardware shop at a lower cost than the cost of filing an insurance claim.
Based on the model of your vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your auto dealer or dealer to purchase an alternative. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be expensive. According to Reina your roadside protection, it could pay for transporting your vehicle to a dealer or service shop where a new one can be made.
Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths because there are scammers who try to charge you for services that your insurance or dealer already covers. Some locksmiths have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking for them to reset their codes. These scams are hard to detect, but you can avoid them by entering your code only via the website or app of the car manufacturer.
Contact your home insurance company to see if there is any additional coverage for lost car keys. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers and keys to your home without any minimum deductible. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth checking if your current provider has it, or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.