If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
If you've lost your keys, it can be an overwhelming experience. Take an exhale before you panic and go about your day to look for them. They might be in your pocket or in a bag you removed from your car.
Most importantly, contact your insurance company. They will usually provide the cost of replacing your car keys if you report it promptly.
Call Your Insurance Company
The most frequent cause of car thefts is leaving keys inside the vehicle. According to research, a car gets stolen every 32 seconds, costing Americans more than $8 billion each year. This statistic shows why it's important to keep your keys in a secure place. It's also a good idea to invest in high-quality locks and store spare keys.
If you're not sure where your keys are it's a good idea contact the police department. The officers will be able to check their records and offer tips on how to safeguard your vehicle. In addition, they will be able to provide you with the crime reference number, which is necessary to file claims with your insurance company.
The next step is to determine whether it's worth making an insurance claim for keys that have been lost. The decision will mostly depend on the type of key you have and how much it will cost to replace it. Some modern vehicles come with electronic keys, also known as smart keys which are more expensive to replace compared to traditional turn-key ignitions.
The majority of auto insurance companies will cover for a locksmith to help you access your vehicle when you've been locked out. However, they won't cover the cost of making an entirely new key for you, so you will have to pay for that out-of-pocket. It's important to remember that your premiums could increase when you file a claim, so it's worth considering the pros and cons before you do so.
You'll have to visit your local auto dealer to have the upgraded key repaired or re-sequenced with the computer of the car. This could cost hundreds of dollars based on your insurance policy and dealer. If you lose a highly-enhanced car key and you are unable to replace it, it might be worth the effort to file a claim, but only when you have a comprehensive insurance coverage under your policy. It's not worth the risk of your premiums increasing and do the additional work. Contact an independent agent to discuss adding the full coverage of your auto insurance.
Call the Police
In the past when you lost your car keys was not a big deal. You could contact locksmiths and have a new key made right on the on the spot. Certain automobiles today come with more sophisticated ignition systems, and it can be costly to replace your lost or stolen keys. There are two kinds of ignitions and keys that are available today: standard turn-key ignitions as well as electronic key fobs, also known as smart keys.
The good news is that most insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen set of car keys, whether it's a fob, or a standard key. It is important to report the incident to your insurance company as quickly as you can so that they can begin looking for your keys and also to receive a replacement set without having to pay out of pockets.
It's important to notify the police immediately if your vehicle is stationed in a public space in the event that you lose your keys. They can then deter people from driving around in your car and possibly catch them in action. If you allow someone else to use your car and is later questioned by the police, then they could be fined, or even detained.
Inform your dealer of you've lost keys. Many dealers have access keys that can be used to replace the locks on a variety of models of cars and can usually help you out quickly. They can also change the lock's key and give you the new key that will disable the old one, so that it can't be used anymore.
If your car keys have been stolen, it's possible that the thieves have also taken your wallet or purse. If this is the case, you should contact your bank and credit card company to determine if there are suspicious transactions in their records.
You can also use a smartphone application to locate your keys in the event that they get lost or stolen. For example, Tile and AirTag are popular options that attach to your keys and employ GPS technology to find them. They can also be rung to hear your car keys nearby or to see their last known location on the map.
Call a locksmith
Losing here your keys to your car could be an absolute nightmare. It's already difficult enough to get to work or school without a car and when you lose your keys it can make life extremely difficult. If your car keys are lost, there are ways to avoid the worst from occurring.
The first thing you must do is call the police. This will help prevent thieves from stealing your car or even trying to break into your home. It will also help track down the person who stole your car keys should they do this.
Next, you should call the locksmith. A locksmith can replace your lost car key. Before they can create keys, they'll need to verify your ownership of the vehicle. It is therefore important to bring along your identification and registration. The locksmith also needs to know the vehicle's name and VIN.
In the end, you should contact your insurance company. A lot of auto insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key It's worth checking out your policy prior to making this call.
The theft of your car keys is not a pleasant experience If you follow these guidelines to minimize the damage and avoid many headaches. Be patient, and search thoroughly before you give up! If your car keys become stuck in the ignition, don't try to remove them yourself. This could cause more harm than good.
Most locksmiths can make you a new key if you have an old-fashioned key. If you have a new key fob, for instance one that is electronic it could take a little longer. You will need to visit the dealership. If this is the case, ensure you bring proof that you are the owner of your vehicle or the original registration or title. This will speed up the process. You'll likely pay less for locksmiths than you would at a dealership. It's better to be safe rather than sorry.
Contact Your Car Dealer
Car keys are a vital piece of equipment for your car. Without them, your car won't start. It is not uncommon for thieves to steal your keys in order to get into your vehicle. There are a few things you can do to prevent this from occurring.
Report the theft as soon as you can to police. This will help police track the perpetrator and provide you the crime reference number to use in the future. You should also call your dealer, a locksmith, or another mechanic to have your keys replaced.
If you have an electronic key fob that connects to the computer in your car, you may need to take it to the dealership to be deactivated. If you have lost your keys in public like a parking lot, or in a store, this will prevent your car from being stolen because the burglar has no working key to gain access to your car.
Some car dealerships offer services to replace your keys that are lost, based on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. Dealers can take away your old keys and pair the new one to the vehicle. This process is more complicated than just having a professional locksmith create you a new key, so it is recommended to go to the dealer to get this service.
The cost of replacing your car keys will differ however you are likely to receive some assistance from your insurance company if the loss is reported in the earliest time possible. Certain policies for property insurance, which include personal possessions insurance, may also cover the cost of a set of new keys.