What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you've lost your car keys, it can be a very stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and not get overwhelmed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will help to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or misplaced. The next step is to contact your insurance company. You may be eligible to file a claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing to do when your car keys have been stolen is report it to the police. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which can be used to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police can also offer advice on how to protect your vehicle, such as by using a wheellock.
The next step is to locate the keys. Make sure you check every pocket, bag, and other places where you may have them. Look for places that you may not typically look, such as under the seat or your shoes. You can also make use of an application to locate your keys like Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the key or display its last known location however only if your keys are within the range of your phone's.
If you have an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it with a locksmith in your neighborhood. However, if you have an electronic key or remote start, you will have to visit the dealership to purchase. It is worth checking to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that occur because people leave keys in the vehicle is on the rise. It is important to keep your keys secure throughout the day. Thieves can use a device known as a relay attack to replicate the signal from the car's key fob and then wait for an accomplice to arrive with another device that can open the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always leave an extra set of keys in a different location than inside your car. You should also never leave your insurance cards or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, make sure to contact your insurance company and the police as soon as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy owner it is crucial to inform your company immediately about the keys missing. This will help keep you secure, and prevent others from using your vehicle. The majority of insurance policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith, or even the car dealer to create a new set of keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys but the most important thing you want is for someone else to use the keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to make a duplicate key. They can also program the replacement keys so that the key you stole will not work anymore.
It is recommended to report the theft of your keys immediately to the police, particularly if it was a smart key or a standard turn-key ignition. The police can give you a crime number and give you further guidance on how to keep your car safe, such as installing wheel locks. They might be able to provide suggestions on where to buy a replacement key.
You should examine your bags and pockets thoroughly before calling your insurance company. You can easily lose a car key if it's lost or if your keys are knocked out of your bag when you try to take something. If you've looked everywhere but still can't find keys, it's time to contact your insurance company.
The decision of whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car keys depends on the type of key you have and your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are not expensive and can be replaced at a locksmith for less than your deductible. Newer keys, however, are more costly and require to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In certain instances, the price of a new key may exceed your deductible.
You should also be aware that an insurance company may run a credit report to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could result in your claim being denied or scrutinized, which is why it's vital to report the theft of your keys as soon as possible.
Purchase a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think about what you should do next. There are several options to replace your set of keys, and most alternatives are less expensive than you might expect. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This is a great option in case you lose your car keys often. You can locate these types of devices online or at most electronics stores.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of key that you own. If you own a traditional or mechanical key, you can easily change it out with one from a locksmith or at a hardware store. These keys are not equipped with any unique features, and can only be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you own transponder keys, which are one of the more advanced types of key, which is usually installed in the key fob or key chain, you might have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain an alternative.
In the United States, most vehicles manufactured after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that is connected to the vehicle's computers. This means that you will require the VIN number for your vehicle in order to have a new key made. Dealers can also create a new key for your car, but it might cost more than calling a locksmith.
Whatever type of car key you own it is important to have a spare in case you lose one. You'll be able to get back on the roads without having to wait around for an locksmith. You'll also be free of the cost of tows and calling roadside assistance.
Look in your pockets and other places where you may not typically look for keys, like in your shoes if they are on or in the fridge when you've consumed a beer. You can also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys secure and easy to locate Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several ways to go about it if keys to your car are stolen. You can make an insurance claim to cover the cost of replacing a key fob and have your car's locks changed if you don't have a spare or you can buy an alternative key from a hardware store for much less than what it might cost to file an insurance claim.
You may have to go to your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a standard turn-key ignition. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new key chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which could be a bit expensive. According more info to Reina, your roadside coverage may cover the cost of towing your car to a dealer or another service shop where a new key will be created.
Locksmiths can be scammers and will overcharge for services already covered by your car insurance. Some locksmiths have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they fool the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking for the reset of their code. These scams are tricky to spot however, you can watch for them by entering your code through the official website of your car manufacturer or application.
While you're at it, you should also contact your home insurance provider to see if they offer any additional coverage for keys to your car that are lost. American Family's home insurance for instance, offers coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers, without requiring a minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurers. However, it's worth to determine if the current provider provides it or if it's possible to add it to your existing policy.