If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
It is stressful to lose your car keys. Before you panic take a deep breath, and go through your day to determine whether they're in a safe place, like in your pocket or bags you've taken out of the car.
First and foremost, you should contact your insurance company. If you report the loss of your car keys quickly they could cover the cost.
Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most common reasons for car theft is putting keys in the vehicle. Statistics show that a car is stolen every 32 seconds and costs Americans $8 billion a year. This is the reason it's so important to ensure that your keys is always in a safe place. It's a good idea to invest in high quality locks and hide spare keys.
If you're unsure where your keys are, it's a good idea contact the police department. The officers can check their records and provide suggestions on how to secure your vehicle. Additionally, they'll be able to give you an identification number for crimes, which is necessary for filing a claim with your insurance company.
Then, consider if it's worth submitting claims to your car insurance for lost keys. The decision will largely depend on the type of key you have and the amount it would cost to replace it. Some modern cars have electronic keys, also known as smart keys which are more expensive to replace when compared to traditional turn-key ignitions.
The majority of auto insurance companies will cover a locksmith to come to your vehicle if you've been locked out. However, they won't cover the cost of making a new key for you, meaning you'll have to pay out-of-pocket for that. Remember that your insurance premiums may increase if you make a claim. It is best to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of filing a claim prior to making the decision.
If your car has an upgraded key that needs to be re-sequenced by the computer in your car or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have to visit your auto dealership to have this done. This could cost you hundreds of dollars depending on your policy and the car dealer. If you lose an enhanced key, you might want to make a claim if your policy provides comprehensive coverage. It's not worth it to risk the cost of your insurance rising and to do the extra work. Contact an independent agent to discuss the possibility of adding the full coverage of your auto insurance.
Call the Police
Not so long ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could make an replacement key right on the spot. It can be costly to replace keys that have been stolen or lost in some automobiles due to more sophisticated ignitions. There are two types of auto keys and ignitions on the market today: electronic key fobs (sometimes called smart keys) and traditional turn-key ignitions.
The good news is that the majority of insurance companies will cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen set of keys for cars, whether it's a fob or a standard key. It's important to inform your insurance company immediately to allow them to begin looking for your keys. You can also obtain an alternative set of keys without having to pay out from your pocket.
It's important to notify the police immediately if your car is located in a public area in the event that you lose your keys. This way, they will help to deter others from driving around in the vehicle, and may be capable of catching them in the act. Additionally, if someone attempts to use your car and gets caught by the police, they may be fined or even detained.
You should also call your car dealer and tell them that you have lost keys. Many dealers have access replacement keys for all types of vehicles and are able to help you out quickly. They can also reset your lock and provide you an additional key that will disable the old one, so that it won't work for any longer.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the car keys you have stolen, it's possible that the thieves could have also stolen other valuables like your wallet or purse. If this is the case, you should contact your bank and credit card to see if there are any suspicious transactions on their records.
You can also use a smartphone app to locate your keys in case they are lost or stolen. For example, Tile and AirTag are popular choices that attach to your keys and use GPS technology to locate them. They can also be rung to sound your car keys nearby or to see their last known location on a map.
Contact a locksmith
The loss of your car keys could be a major nightmare. It's difficult enough to get to school or work without a car and when you lose your keys, it can make life incredibly difficult. If your car keys are stolen there are a few steps to avoid the most traumatic scenario.
The first thing you should do is call the police. This will stop thieves from stealing or using your vehicle to gain entry into your home. This will help you find the person who took the keys to your car.
The next step is to call the locksmith. A locksmith can repair your lost vehicle key. Before they can create keys, they'll be required to verify the ownership of the vehicle. It is therefore essential to bring along your ID and registration. The locksmith will also need to be aware of the car's name and VIN.
Finally, you should call your insurance company. Examine your policy to determine whether it covers the cost of replacing keys lost.
If you follow these guidelines, you can minimize the damage to your vehicle and avoid headaches. Remember to be patient and do your research thoroughly before giving up! If your car keys are stuck in the ignition, do not attempt to take them out. This could cause more harm than good.
If you have a traditional key, the majority of locksmiths can make a replacement for you right away. However, if you have an electronic fob or another advanced technology, the process may take longer and require a visit to the dealership. If this is the case, ensure that you bring proof that you're the owner of your vehicle, such as a copy of your registration or title. This will speed up the process considerably. A locksmith is likely to charge you less than a dealership. It's always safer to be safe rather than sorry!
Call Your Car Dealer
Your car keys are an essential piece of equipment. Your car will not start without them. It's not uncommon for thieves steal your keys to gain entry into your car. Luckily, there read more are things you can do to avoid this from happening.
Report the theft immediately to police. This will help police find the perpetrator and you will get an identification code for crime which you can use in the future. You should also contact your dealership, a locksmith or another mechanic to get your keys replaced.
You may need to take your key fob to the dealership for deactivation if it is connected to your car's computer. If you've lost your keys in a public place like a parking garage or a retail store it will help ensure that your car won't be stolen since the person who stole it won't have a functioning key to enter it with.
Some car dealerships offer services to replace your keys that have been lost, based on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. Dealers will be able delete your old keys and connect the new key to the vehicle. This is more complex than just having a professional locksmith make you a replacement key, which is why it's recommended to visit the dealer to get this service.
The cost of replacing your car keys will vary however you are likely to receive some assistance from your insurance company when the loss is reported to them promptly. Certain policies for property insurance that include personal possessions coverage, could also provide for the cost of a set of new keys.