What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you've lost your car keys, it can be a very stressful experience. It's crucial to keep calm and not get stressed.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help to determine if your car keys were stolen or lost. The next step is to contact your insurance company. You might be able to make an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing you need to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. This will provide you with an identity number which you can use to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police might also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, including using a wheel lock.
The next step is to locate the keys. Be sure to search every bag, pocket and other places where you may have keys. Check places you might not typically look, such as under the seat or your shoes. You can also make use of an application to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the key or display its last known location, but only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can obtain a replacement from your local locksmith. If, however, you have an electronic key or remote start, you'll have to visit the dealership to get one. In this situation, it is worth checking your insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.
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 at all time. The thieves can use a device known as relay attack that copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a third party to arrive with the equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of taking cars from large cities where thieves are able to access sophisticated equipment. You should always leave an extra set of keys somewhere other than inside your car. You should also never leave your insurance card or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company as well as the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy holder it is crucial to inform your company right away about the keys that are missing. This will ensure your safety and stop others from using your car. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith, or even the dealer of your car to create a new set keys.
It is stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to occur is that someone else uses keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They'll also be capable of programming the new key to ensure that the stolen pair no longer works.
It is always recommended to report the theft of your keys immediately to the police, especially in the case of an electronic key or an ordinary turn-key ignition. The police will give you an identification number for the crime and give you additional tips on keeping your car secure by installing a wheel lock. They may also be able to guide you on where to purchase an additional key.
Before contacting your insurer, you should make sure that you've thoroughly inspected your bags and pockets for keys. You can easily lose the car key if it's lost or if your keys are knocked out of your bag when you go to grab something. If you've looked everywhere but aren't able to locate keys, it's time to contact your insurance company.
The decision on whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car keys depends on the type of key you own and the amount of 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. Modern keys, however, are more costly and require to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances, a new car key could cost more than your maximum deductible.
It is also important to be aware that insurance companies may run a credit report to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could lead to your claim being denied or investigated this is why it's important to report the theft of your keys as soon as you can.
Purchase a new set of keys
When you lose your car keys, it's essential to stay calm and think through what you should do next. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you might expect. You can also make use of a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This is particularly helpful in the event that you lose your car keys often. You can find these kinds of devices online or in the majority of electronics stores.
The first thing you need to determine is the type of key you have. If you have an click here old traditional or mechanical key you can easily replace it by a locksmith. These keys are not equipped with any unique features, and are only used to lock or unlock your vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder key, a type of key that is more advanced and typically installed in the key fob.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip in their keys that connects to the computer of the vehicle. You'll require the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain the new key. A dealership can create a key for your car however the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you have it is an excellent idea to have a spare just in case. This way, you'll be able to immediately return to your vehicle without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. You'll also be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
It is important to examine the pockets of all your clothing before leaving and also look for places where that you don't typically look for keys such as in your shoes if you are wearing them, or in the fridge if have been drinking some beer. You can also leave an extra key with someone in your family or a trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different options you can choose from when your car keys are stolen. You could make an insurance claim to pay the cost of a new key fob and have your car locks replaced if you don't have a spare, or you can buy a new key at an hardware store for less than what it might cost you to make an insurance claim.
Depending on your type of vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you may have to visit your auto dealer or dealer to purchase a replacement. Dealers may have to order a key chip and pair it to your vehicle. This can be costly. However your roadside assistance policy might cover towing the car to a dealer or service shop that could make an entirely new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who charge too much for services that are already covered by your car insurance. There are also those who have been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer sent them a request asking the reset of their code. These scams can be difficult to identify however, you can look for them by entering your code via the website of the manufacturer or app.
While you're there, you should also contact your home insurance company to see if they have any additional coverage for keys to your car that are lost. American Family's home insurance for instance, covers keys for garage doors and dwelling keys openers, without requiring a deductible. This coverage isn't offered by all insurers however it's worth a look to see if it's available by your current provider or whether you might be capable of adding it to your policy.