If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
It can be stressful to lose your car keys. Before you panic take a deep breath, and go through your day to check whether they're located in a visible place such as in your pocket or inside a bag you took out of the car.
Contact your insurance company. If you notify your insurance company of the loss of your car keys quickly they might be able to pay for the loss.
Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most common reasons for car theft is leaving keys inside. Statistics indicate that a car is stolen every 32 seconds and costs Americans $8 billion each year. This figure shows why it is important to keep your key in a secure location. It's also a good idea to invest in high-quality locks and store spare keys in a safe place.
Contact the police if are unsure where your keys are. The officers will be able to check their records and offer further tips on how to protect your vehicle. They will also be able provide you with a crime number that is needed to make a claim with an insurance company.
The next step is to decide whether it's worth making an insurance claim for keys that have been lost. The decision will be based on the type of key you have and the amount 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 locksmiths to visit your vehicle if you've been locked out. However, they will not pay for the cost of creating the new key for you, meaning you'll have to pay for it out of pocket. Be aware that your insurance premiums could increase if you file an application. It's best to consider the advantages and disadvantages of filing a claim prior to making a decision.
If your car has an enhanced key that needs to be re-sequenced with the computer in your car or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have go to your dealership to do this. This could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on your policy and car dealer. If you lose a highly-enhanced car key, it may be worth the effort to file a claim but only if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. It's not worth the risk of the cost of your insurance rising and to do the additional work. Contact an independent agent to discuss adding complete coverage to your car insurance.
Contact the police
Not so long ago when you lost your car keys wasn't such an issue. A locksmith could create an replacement key on the spot. Some automobiles today have much more advanced ignition systems, and it could be costly to replace keys that are stolen or lost. There are two kinds of ignitions and keys available in the present: traditional turn-key ignitions as well as electronic key fobs, sometimes referred to as smart keys.
It's important to know that the majority of insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing stolen or lost keys to cars. This is true regardless if they're fob keys or a standard key. It's important to inform your insurance company immediately so that they can begin searching for your keys. You can also get a new set without having to pay out from your pocket.
If your car is parked on public property when you lose the keys, it's crucial to inform the police right away. This will assist in preventing others from driving the vehicle and may be able to catch them in the act. In addition, if anyone else tries to use your car and is website spotted by the police, they may be fined or even detained.
Inform your dealer about you've lost your keys. Many dealers have access keys that can be used to replace the locks on a variety of types of vehicles and are able to help you out fast. They can also change the lock's key and give you an additional key that disables the old one, so that it can't be used anymore.
Another important thing to remember is that if your car keys were stolen, it's possible that the thieves may have also stolen other valuables like your wallet or purse. If this is the situation, it's a good idea to contact your bank and credit card to find out if they've had any suspicious activity on their records.
You can also use a smartphone app to locate your keys in case they are lost or stolen. Tile and AirTag for instance, are popular options that can be attached to your keys using GPS technology. They can also be rung to sound your car keys nearby or to show their last known location on a map.
Call a Locksmith
The loss of your car keys could be a nightmare. It's difficult enough to get to school or work without a car, but when you lose your keys it can make life incredibly difficult. If your car keys get stolen it is possible to take steps to avoid the worst.
Contacting the police should be your first step. This will stop thieves from stealing or using your vehicle to gain entry into your home. It will also help you track down the person who took your car keys if they do so.
The next step is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith can replace your vehicle's key. Before they can create a key, they will have to confirm your ownership of the vehicle. It is therefore essential to bring your ID and registration. The locksmith needs to know the VIN as well as the name of the vehicle.
In the end, you should contact your insurance company. Many auto insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a stolen car key, so it's worth checking out your own policy before making this call.
The theft of your car keys is not fun If you follow these guidelines, you can minimize the damage and avoid a lot of headaches. Remember to be patient, and search thoroughly before giving up! If your car keys become stuck in the ignition, don't try to take them off yourself. This could cause more harm than good.
Most locksmiths can provide you with new keys even if you have an old-fashioned key. If, however, you have an electronic fob or another advanced technology, the process could take longer and require an appointment with the dealership. Bring evidence of ownership, like your title or registration, in the event that it is. This will accelerate the process significantly. Locksmiths will probably cost less than a dealership. It's better to be safe instead of sorry.
Contact Your Car Dealer
Car keys are a vital piece of equipment. Without them, your car won't start. It is not uncommon for thieves steal your keys to gain entry into your car. There are ways to prevent this.
First, you must notify the police right away. This will enable police to find the perpetrator and you will get a crime reference code that you can use in the future. It is also recommended to contact your dealer, a locksmith or a different mechanic to have your keys replaced.
If you have the key fob which connects to your car's computer, you may need to bring it into the dealership to have it deactivated. If you've lost your keys in a public area such as a parking lot or in a shop, this will help ensure that your car can't be stolen because the thief will not have a functioning key to use to get inside.
Some car dealerships offer services to replace keys that are lost, based on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. The dealers will be capable of removing your current keys and then attach the new key with the vehicle. It's more complicated for a locksmith to create the replacement key rather than visit an agent.
If you notify the loss as quickly as possible your insurance company might be able to help. In addition, some policies for property insurance that provide personal possessions insurance may be able to cover the cost of purchasing a new set of keys too.