Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the advancement in automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs, but some have the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys to your car can be stressful and stressful. If someone finds your car keys and then uses them for a long period of time, it could make you vulnerable to unauthorised entry.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to contact the police. They can assist you with the creation of reports and inform you when they locate your key or is willing to surrender it. It is important to take action immediately since if you delay, someone else might use your vehicle without permission. This could result in fines from the city.
You could also receive tips from the police about how to keep your vehicle secure. You'll also be provided with an incident reference number which you can use to track the investigation. This is crucial if you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.
If you have a spare car key ensure that you keep it on hand. The keys can be tucked away in places that are easy to reach, such as your wallet or purse, or with family or friends. You can also check with your local dealership to see whether it is able to reprogram the factory key fob.
Make sure to check any possible locations where you might have lost your car keys. If possible, ask your friends or family members to look as well. You can also call local libraries or restaurants to inquire if keys have been discovered. A lot of people forget where they have put their keys, making it important to double-check the obvious places before you start exploring other locations.
Even if you have an extra key, it is still worth calling police to report an incident of theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and may assist them in finding your key. The police might provide advice on how to protect your vehicle, which includes using a wheellock.
In some instances the police may be able to tell you that your car's key has been turned in at a police station. You can then visit the police station and retrieve it. If you have an electronic key fob on your vehicle, the process could be more complex.
2. Call a Locksmith
A car key that was stolen is a terribly difficult and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it somewhere else. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your car keys are missing. This will let them keep an eye on keys and assist you to gain possession of your car in case it does get stolen.
The next step is to contact an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to contact is contingent on the type of car you own. If your car is equipped with a mechanical key and ignition, the locksmith can simply replace your current key. If, however, your vehicle is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that has a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to access your vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or on the dashboard display). They should also be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by having evidence like your registration or title.
In certain instances locksmiths may be capable of erasing the car's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working again. This will usually require you to take your vehicle to the dealer. In this instance you'll have to have a spare key, or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. A lot of policies include this protection and could be a great option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Stolen keys to cars are not uncommon. If you're a responsible driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a less chance that your vehicle will be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist you in tracking the culprit, and give peace of mind. It will also protect you from identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites for detailed information about their victims. This includes the address, work place and other personal information. Reporting a missing car key immediately can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions can vary so it is recommended to contact your insurance provider to discuss your coverage. Certain companies may provide additional benefits, like free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
If your car keys are not in the ignition, you'll have to visit your dealer or automaker to have a new set made. This involves removing the existing keys and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys you have, this could be costly and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
Some thieves may attempt to drive your vehicle after they've stolen the keys. This could cause costly damage such as broken windows and doors. The burglar could be penalized for driving without a license or in violation of traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.
It's important that you confirm the keys are indeed missing after submitting the loss report. This will help you avoid making an untrue claim and getting charged an additional fee. Start by searching your purses, pockets and other places you keep your keys. After that, go back and think about your day and what you could have done that caused them to disappear. For instance, did it happen that you place them on the table in your car when you got home from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you went to your purse to grab your phone?
It's a good idea to notify the police if discover your keys. This will stop the thief from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit further criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major issue. It happens every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion every year. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated security features, making it very difficult for thieves steal them. Older cars and models that have keyless entry require extra security. Think about a steering lock or brake and tire locks to protect your car against theft. These devices are simple to install and make it difficult to drive away your car.
It is crucial to report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track the culprit and hopefully recover your car. The police will give you a the crime number which your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and get a new set of key fobs made. You'll need to have your current keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and will cost you money.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll need to pay for towing costs and any damage caused by the thief who stole your vehicle. It's important to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in areas that are well-lit. check here Keep your keys in a secure place and never leave them in the ignition.
One method that thieves use to steal modern cars is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port, which is usually located beneath the dashboard. They then use this information to find out the code for your key fob, and then start the car. This is known as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure area with cameras and security.
You can also prevent your car keys from being stolen by keeping them in a screened bag. The pouches will block the signal that thieves can amplify using devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device dubbed a "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to disable a stolen key.