What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you've lost your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. However, it's important to keep calm and not get stressed.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or lost. Next, contact your insurance company. You might be able to make an insurance claim dependent on the situation.
Report the theft to police
The first thing you have to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. You will be issued a crime reference code that can be used to identify your keys and track your vehicle. The police might also be able to offer advice about protecting your vehicle, such as using the wheel lock.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Be sure to search every pocket, bag, and other places you might have keys in. Check places you might not normally look, like underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also make use of an app to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map however, they can only be used when the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you own a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at the local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll have to visit the dealership. In this case it is advisable to check your insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
Car thefts caused by people leaving their keys inside are on the rise and it is essential to ensure their security at all times. Thieves can employ a device called a relay attack to copy the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for a accomplice to arrive with another device that can unlock the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key other than inside your car. Also, you should never leave your insurance documents or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to contact your insurance company and the police as soon as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance It is crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the missing keys. This will help keep you secure and stop other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
It's a stressful experience to lose your keys. The most you would like to see occur is that you are the one who uses keys! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to create an identical key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that your stolen pair will be ineffective.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as soon as you can is always a good idea, especially when they are an electronic key. The police will give you an incident reference number and give you additional tips on protecting your vehicle by installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They might be able to offer suggestions on where to buy an additional key.
Before you contact your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've thoroughly checked your bags and pockets for keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it somewhere else or you reach in your bag to grab something only to you knock your keys out of it. If you've searched everywhere and you're still unable to find keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The decision to file an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key used and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical car keys are inexpensive and can be replaced by a locksmith for a cost less than the insurance deductible. Modern keys, however, are more expensive and have to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances the cost of a new key could surpass your deductible.
It is also important to be aware that insurance companies may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This can lead to your claim being denied or investigated this is why it's crucial to report your keys stolen immediately.
Buy a new set keys
If you have lost your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think through what you're going to do. There are several options to replace your set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great option for those who lose their car keys often. These devices are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first step is to determine what kind of key you own. If you here have an older traditional or mechanical key, it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. These keys are not equipped with any extra features, and they are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. If you own transponder keys, a more advanced type of key, which is usually placed inside the key fob or chain, you might have to visit an auto locksmith or the dealer to get a replacement.
Most vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in their keys that is tied to the computer in the vehicle. This means that you will need to have the VIN number for your car in order to make a new key. A dealership can create keys for your vehicle however the cost may be higher than going to locksmith.
Whatever type of key you own it is a good idea to have an extra in case. This way, you will be able to immediately return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith's arrival. You will also be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
It is important to look through the pockets of all your clothes before you leave and to check places you would not typically look for a key such as in your shoes if you're wearing them or in the fridge if were drinking a beer. You could leave an extra key with an amiable family member, and you can even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in the car safe and easy to find.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of alternatives if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car locks replaced in the event that you don't have a spare, or you can buy a new key at an hardware store for less than what it would cost you to make an insurance claim.
It is possible to visit your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a standard key ignition. The dealer is likely to purchase a new chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which could be a bit expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing your vehicle to a dealer or service shop that can make a new key, according to Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, because there are scammers who will try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealership already covers. Some people have been caught using the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into believing that the car manufacturer is sending them an email asking them to reset their keyless entry code. These scams can be tricky to spot, but you can look for them by entering your code on the official website of your car manufacturer or app.
While you're at it, you should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if they provide any additional insurance for lost car keys. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers as well as keys for your dwelling without the deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurance companies however it's worth a look to see if it's offered by your current insurer or whether you might be capable of adding it to your insurance policy.