What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help determine if your car keys are actually stolen or just lost. Call your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The report of the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. 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 be able to provide advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance using the wheel lock.
The next step is to locate the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other places you might have them. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map, however, they only work if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have an older key that doesn't have any fancy chips, you can replace it at the local locksmith. If you have an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need visit the dealership. It is worth checking to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of replacing a lock and key.
Car thefts that are caused by who leave their keys in their car are increasing, and it is vital to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves can use an instrument 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 unlock the vehicle. This is a typical method of stealing cars in large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep an extra set of keys somewhere other than inside your car. You should also never leave your insurance card or license in your vehicle as they are important tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, make sure to call your insurer and the police as fast as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car it is essential to inform your company immediately about the lost keys. This will help keep you safe and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith or even the dealer who will create a new set of 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! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to make a duplicate key. They'll also be in a position to program the replacement key so that your stolen key no longer functions.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as quickly as you can is always a good idea, especially when they are smart keys. The police can give you an identification number for the crime and offer additional advice on how to keep your car safe, such as installing wheel locks. They may be able to give you information on where to purchase keys to replace.
You should examine your bags and pockets thoroughly before calling your insurance company. It's easy to lose keys if you place it down somewhere or if you reach in your bag to grab something only to take your keys from it. If you have searched and you are still unable to locate your keys, it is time to contact your insurer.
The decision to file an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are cheap and can be replaced by a locksmith for less than your deductible. However, newer keys are usually more expensive and must be ordered from the manufacturer or dealership. In some cases, a new car key may exceed your deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in serious debt an insurance company could conduct a credit investigation to determine if there's the possibility of fraud. This can result in your claim being denied, or even investigated. It's therefore important to notify your keys as quickly when you notice them.
Buy a new set keys
It is crucial to remain calm and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car keys. There are many options to replace your keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also make use of a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This is a great solution if you lose your car keys frequently. These devices can be found on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first step is to determine the kind of key you own. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key, you can replace it easily by locksmith. These keys do not come with any unique features, and they can only be used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may need to visit an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more sophisticated and is usually inserted into the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles manufactured after 1990 are equipped with a chip inside the key that connects to the computer in the vehicle. This means that you'll require the VIN number for your car in order to get a new key. A dealership can create keys for your car however the cost may be higher than visiting a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you own, it is always a good idea to have a spare just in case. You will be able return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith. Additionally, you will be free of the cost of tows and call roadside assistance.
Check your pockets and other places where you may not usually search for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on or in the refrigerator when you've consumed a beer. You could also leave keys with a trusted friend or family member, and you could even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your keys in the car safe and easy to find.
Get your car repaired
You have a few options if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay for your new key fob and then have your locks replaced if you don't have a spare. Or, you can purchase a key from a hardware store for much less than the cost of filing an claim.
Depending on your type of car and whether it has an electronic key fob or a standard turn-key ignition, it is possible that you will need to visit your auto dealer or dealer to purchase an alternative. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which can be expensive. According to Reina the roadside insurance may be able to cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a dealer or another service shop where a new key can be created.
Locksmiths are scammers who will charge you more for services already covered by your car insurance. Some people have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car's manufacturer sent them a message requesting them to reset their code. These scams are difficult to identify, but you can look for them by entering your code through the website of the manufacturer or app.
While you're at it you should also contact your home insurance provider to see if they offer any additional protection for keys to your car that are lost. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers and keys to your home without any minimum deductible. This coverage isn't offered by all insurers, here but it's worth checking to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're eligible to add it to your insurance policy.