Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved along with the advancement of automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic key fobs and some still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be stressful and frustrating. If someone steals your car keys and then uses them for a period of time, it could leave you vulnerable to unauthorized access.
1. Call the Police
Notifying the police is the first thing you need to do if you suspect your car key has been taken. They can assist you with the creation of reports and inform you whether they have found your key or turns it in. It is recommended to act quickly because if you put off for too long, someone else could use your vehicle without your permission. This can result in fines from the city.
The police might also be able to offer you advice on keeping your vehicle safe and secure. They can also give you a crime reference number that you can use to track your case. This is essential if would like to make a claim with your insurance company for the theft.
If you have a spare car key ensure that you have it in your possession. Sometimes, these keys are kept in accessible places like your wallet or purse, or they might be in the possession of family or friends members. It's also worth talking to your local car dealership to determine if they are able to reprogram your key fob that came with the car and give you the new one.
Double-check every place you believe your car key could be. If you can, ask friends or family members to check too. You can also try calling local restaurants or libraries to find out if they've found any keys that were lost. Most of the time, people forget where they've put their keys, making it essential to double-check the obvious locations before searching for less obvious ones.
Even if you have an extra key, it is still important to notify the police of an incident of theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car, and could assist them in locating your key before they do. The police may also be able to offer you advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance having a lock on your wheel.
In certain cases you may to learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to the police station. You can then visit the police station to get it. This process is more difficult if you own a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen can be an incredibly painful and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was stolen or lost, or left in another location. Contact the police to let them know your keys to your car are missing. This will let them keep an eye on the key and help you regain possession of your vehicle in case it does get stolen.
Next, you'll want to call a locksmith. The kind of locksmith you will need to contact will depend on the type of car you own. If your car is equipped with mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, the locksmith will simply replace your existing key. However, if your car is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that only has a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will have to have access to your vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also have to verify the ownership of the car by presenting proof such as a registration or title.
In certain situations the locksmith might be able erase the "memory of the car" and block the key from working in the future. This will usually require you to bring your vehicle to the dealer. In this instance you'll need to have a spare key, or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Lastly, it is recommended to look over your home insurance policy to determine if it covers the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is covered in a variety of policies and can be a great way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.
Keys stolen from cars are not common. If you're a responsible driver and take the right precautions, there is a much smaller chance that your car will be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's important to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and provide you with peace of mind. It also helps protect against identity theft. Thieves frequently look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work location and other personal information. Reporting the theft of a car key immediately you notice it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions may differ so it is recommended to contact your insurance company to discuss your insurance coverage. Some companies offer extra benefits like rental car coverage or free replacements.
You'll have go to your automaker or dealer to purchase a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This will require deleting the old keys and programming new ones for the vehicle. This could be expensive and ranges from $200 to $500 per key, based on the type of key.
Some thieves may try to drive your car after they've stolen the keys. This could cause costly damage such as broken doors and windows. The thief may also be fined when they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. If you report the loss of your keys at an early stage the insurance company will be able to cover any damages resulting from this crime.
It is essential to confirm that the keys are missing after submitting the loss report. This will help you avoid creating a false report and getting hit with extra charges. Start by searching your pockets, bags, and any other places where you keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day and think about what you did that led to them being lost. For example, did you put them on the table in your car when you got home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to grab your phone?
If you discover your car keys, it's recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief from using the keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major issue. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Modern vehicles are equipped with the latest security features, making it hard to steal them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry still need extra security. To protect your car from theft, consider getting a steering wheel lock or tire here and brake lock. These locks are simple to install and make it difficult for a thief to drive your car away.
It's important that you report the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will enable them to locate the culprit, and hopefully recover your vehicle. The police will provide you with the number of the crime that your insurance company will use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership of your vehicle's maker and have new key fobs created. You'll have to scan your existing keys and program your new ones on the computer in your vehicle. This process could take a few days and will be expensive.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll be required to pay for towing and any damage caused by the theft who stole your car. Make sure that your car is in an area which is well-lit, and in an area that is secure. Keep your keys in a secure place and never leave keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves steal modern vehicles. They then utilize this information to figure the code on your key fob and use it to start the car. This is called "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure space with security cameras and guards.
You can also keep your keys from being stolen by keeping them in a secure pouch. These pouches block the signal that thieves use to amplify with equipment called "relay transmitters." You can also buy the device referred to as a "relay-deactivator" that you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port to disable the stolen car key.