What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to remain calm and not get stressed.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to determine if your car keys have been stolen or misplaced. Contact 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. You will receive a reference code that can be used to track your keys and your vehicle. The police can also offer suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.
Next, you need to find the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other places you may have them. Check places you might not normally look, like underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also utilize an app to locate your keys like Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the key or display its last known location however only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a conventional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can get a replacement at your local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need visit the dealership. In this instance it is worthwhile to check your insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.
Car thefts caused by people leaving their keys inside are on the rise and it is vital to ensure their security at all times. Thieves may use a device called a relay attack to replicate the signal from the car's key fob and then wait for an accomplice to arrive with another device that can open the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in large cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance documents or your license in your car, as these are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to call your insurer and the police as soon as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance, it is important to inform your company immediately about the missing keys. This will help 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 car dealer to create a new set of keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys but the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to have the keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to design a duplicate key. They can also program the keys to ensure that the keys you lost not work anymore.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as quickly as you can is an ideal idea, particularly when they are smart keys. The police will provide you with an incident reference number and provide additional advice on making sure your car is secure by installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They may be able to provide information on where to purchase a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurer it is important to ensure that you've thoroughly checked your pockets and bags for keys. You can easily lose the car key if it's dropped or if your keys get tossed out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've searched everywhere and aren't able to locate the keys, it's likely time to call your insurance company.
The choice to make 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 older mechanical keys aren't expensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith at an expense less than the insurance deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and have to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances the cost of a new key can exceed your deductible.
You should also 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 vital to report any keys stolen as soon as possible.
Buy a new set keys
If you lose your car keys, it is essential to stay at peace and contemplate what you should do next. There are many ways to get a new set of keys. The majority options are cheaper than you would think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to ensure that your keys are safe and easily accessible. This is a great choice in case you lose your car keys often. These devices are available online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to determine is the kind of key you have. If you own a traditional or mechanical key it is easy to change it out with one from a locksmith or at a hardware store. These keys don't have any special features or chips, and are only used to secure and unlock your vehicle. If you own transponder keys, an advanced version of key, which is usually placed in the key fob or chain, you might have to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to obtain an replacement.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip within the key that is linked to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you'll require the VIN number for your vehicle in order to have a new key made. A dealership could make keys for your vehicle, but the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
Regardless of what type of car key you own regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. This way, you'll be able to immediately return to the road without waiting for a locksmith's arrival. Additionally, you will be in a position to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
It is crucial to examine the pockets of all your clothing before you leave and to check places that you don't typically look for keys, like in the shoes if you're wearing them or in the fridge if were drinking a beer. You could also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you wish to keep your car keys safe and easily accessible you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There check here are several routes you can take when your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of the new key fob and then have your locks replaced if you don't have an extra. You can also purchase keys from a hardware shop at a lower cost than the cost of filing an insurance claim.
You may have to go to your dealer to change the key, based on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a traditional key ignition. The dealer will likely need to order a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be quite expensive. However, your roadside assistance coverage may pay for towing the car to a dealership or service shop that could make the new key, as per Reina.
You must be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. There are also those who have been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking for them to reset their codes. These scams are tricky to spot however, you can look out for them by only entering your code through the car manufacturer's website or app.
While you're there, you should check with your home insurance provider to see if they offer any additional protection for lost car keys. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers and dwelling keys without any cost-sharing. The coverage isn't available to all insurers however it's worth a look to see if this coverage is available by your current insurer or whether you might be eligible to add it to your insurance policy.