Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the advancement of automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic keys, but some still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if a person finds it and then uses it for a long time.
1. Contact the police
Notifying the police is the first thing you must do if you suspect that your car keys have been stolen. You can create a police report, and they will let you know when they return your key. It is important to do this right away because if you put off for too long, someone else could use your vehicle without your permission. This could lead to fines from the city.
The police may also be able to offer you tips about keeping your vehicle safe and secure. They can also give you the crime reference number can be used to track your case. This is important if you would like to submit a claim to your insurance company in the event of theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys on hand. Sometimes, these keys are hidden in easy-to-access places, such as your purse or wallet, or they might be in the possession of family or friends members. You can also contact your local dealership to see whether they can reprogram your factory key fob.
Double-check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car key. Ask friends or family members to check too if possible. You can also call local libraries or restaurants to ask if any keys have been discovered. A lot of people forget where they put their keys, making it essential to double-check the obvious places before you start looking in less common ones.
Even if you've got an extra key, it's important to contact the police to report an incident of theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car and may assist them in locating your key before they do. The police may also be able to give you tips on how to protect your car, such as using a wheel lock.
In some cases you may learn from the police that the keys to your car have been returned to an officer station. You can then visit the police station and get it. The process can be more difficult if you have modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen can be an incredibly difficult and stressful experience. Whether it was lost or discarded in another location, forgotten, or stolen by someone looking for a way to take your car, it can be a devastating experience. The first step is to call the police and let them know that your car keys are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye out for the key, and help you get control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional 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 an ignition and key that is mechanical the locksmith will replace your current key. If, however, your vehicle has a key fob or is an older model that uses a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will need to have access to your vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the back of the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also have to verify that you own the car by presenting proof like a registration or title.
In some cases locksmiths may be able to erase the car's "memory" of the key that was stolen and stop it from working in the future. This usually requires you to bring your car to the dealer. In this case, you'll need to either have a spare key, or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Lastly, it is recommended to look over your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover car keys being stolen or lost. This coverage is provided in a lot of policies, and can be an excellent way to pay the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.
Keys stolen from cars are a frequent occurrence. If you're a responsible driver and take the right precautions, there is a much less chance that your vehicle will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking down the thief and provide you with peace of mind. It also helps protect you from identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites to find detailed details about their victims. This includes address, workplace as well as other personal details. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you notice it missing can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions may differ so it is recommended to contact your provider to discuss your insurance coverage. Some companies may offer additional benefits, like free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
You will need go to your automaker or dealer to purchase a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys that are in use and programming the new keys to the vehicle. This can be costly and ranges from $200 to $500 per key, based on the type of key.
Some thieves may try to drive your car after stealing your keys. This can cause expensive damage, such as damaged doors and windows. The person who stole the keys could also be fined when they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at an early stage, your insurance company will pay for any damage caused by this crime.
After you've reported the loss of your car keys, it's important to verify that they are missing. This will help you avoid making false claims and getting charged extra. Begin by looking through every pocket, bag, and other places you normally keep your keys. After that, look back and reflect on your day and what you may have done to cause them to be lost. For instance, did you, put them on your car's table when you got home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when you reached in your purse to get your phone?
It's a good idea notify the police if find your keys. This will stop the burglar from being able to use your stolen keys to access other vehicles and to commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major issue. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion per year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have advanced security features that make it very difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry still need extra security. Consider a steering lock or tire and brake locks to guard your car from theft. These locks are easy to install and website make it difficult for thieves to drive your vehicle away.
It's important that you inform the police about the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer to have new key fobs created. You will have to scan your existing keys and program your new ones on the computer in your vehicle. This process may take several days, and will be costly.
You will also have to cover any damage caused by the criminal as he drives off with your vehicle. Keep your car in a place that is well-lit and in an area that is secure. Also keep your keys in a safe location and don't put keys in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal cars of the present is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically found under the dashboard. The criminals can use this information to obtain the code for the key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." To stop this from happening, install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking area with cameras and security.
You can also avoid having your car keys from being stolen by storing them in a bag that is screened. These pouches will block the signal that thieves can amplify with equipment called "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to disable the key that was stolen.