What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it could be extremely frustrating. However, it's important to be calm and not be overwhelmed.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will help you determine if the keys to your car were stolen or lost. Contact your insurance company. You may be able to file an insurance claim, depending on the circumstances.
Inform the police about the theft
Reporting the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. You will receive a reference code that can be used to identify your keys and track your vehicle. The police might also offer advice about protecting your vehicle, such as using a wheel lock.
The next step is to locate the keys. Be sure to search every pocket, bag, and other places that you could have them. Look for places that you may not usually look like under the seat or your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys, such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map however, they only work if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily find a replacement at your local locksmith. However, if you have a smart key or remote start, then you'll have to visit the dealer to purchase one. It is important to see if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that occur because people leave their keys in their vehicle is on the rise. It is important to ensure your keys are safe at all time. Thieves may use a device known as a relay attack to replicate the signal from the car's key fob and then wait for an accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment to allow the vehicle to be opened. This is a typical method of getting cars stolen in cities where thieves are able to access sophisticated equipment. Always leave an extra set of keys somewhere else than in your vehicle. Never leave your license or insurance card in your car, since they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, be sure to call your insurer and the police as quickly as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car It is crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the lost keys. This will keep you safe and will stop others from using your vehicle. Most 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 and car keys, the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to use them! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to create a duplicate key for you. They can also program the replacement keys so that the key you stole will be ineffective.
It is always recommended to report any keys that are stolen immediately to the police, particularly if it was smart keys or an ordinary turn-key ignition. Police can provide you with a crime number and give you further advice on how to keep your car secure, including installing wheel locks. They might also offer information on where to purchase keys to replace.
You should check your bags and pockets carefully before calling your insurance company. It's easy to lose keys if you place it somewhere else or you reach inside your bag to grab something and knock your keys out of it. If you've looked everywhere but you're still unable to find them, it's probably time to call your insurance company.
The decision of whether to submit an insurance claim following the loss of a car key is based on the kind of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are cheap and can be replaced at a locksmith for less than your deductible. However, newer keys are typically more expensive and require a purchase from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances keys for cars that are brand new can exceed your deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company may conduct a credit check to determine if there's an opportunity for fraud. This can lead to your claim being denied or scrutinized and that's why it's vital to report the theft of your keys as soon as you can.
Find a new set keys
It is essential to remain in a state of calm and plan what will do next when you lose more info your car key. There are a variety of options to replace your keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also utilize Bluetooth key trackers to ensure that your keys are safe and easily accessible. This option is especially helpful if you tend to lose your car keys frequently. They are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first thing you need to determine is the type of key you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key, it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. These keys don't have any special features or chips and are only used to lock and unlock the vehicle. If you have a transponder key, a more advanced type of key, which is usually found inside the key fob or chain, you might have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to get an replacement.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip in their keys that connects to the computer of the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your car to get a new key. A dealership can create keys for your vehicle, but the cost may be higher than going to locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you've got, you should always have a spare in the event that you lose one. You will be able return to your vehicle without waiting for an locksmith. You will also be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
Check your pockets and other places you might not usually look for keys, like in your shoes if they're on or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of options you can choose from when your car keys are stolen. You could make an insurance claim to pay the cost of replacing a key fob and have your car's locks changed in the event that you don't have a spare, or you can purchase the new key from a hardware store for much less than what it might cost to file an insurance claim.
You may need to go to your dealer to change the key, based on whether your car has an electronic fob or a standard key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase a key chip and pair it up with your vehicle. This could be costly. According to Reina the roadside insurance could cover the cost of transporting your vehicle to a dealer or service shop where a new key will be made.
Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, because there are scammers who will try to charge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. In addition, some locksmiths have been caught using the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer is sending them an email requesting to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are difficult to detect, but you can ward off them by entering your code only via the app or website of the car manufacturer.
Check with your home insurer to find out if there's any additional insurance coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers and keys for your dwelling without the minimum deductible. The coverage isn't offered from all insurance companies. It's worth checking if your current provider offers it or if you can add it to your existing policy.