What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. It is important to remain calm and not get overwhelmed.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or lost. Contact your insurance provider. You might be able to file an insurance claim based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The report of the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. You will be issued a crime reference code that you can use to identify your keys and track your vehicle. The police can also provide advice on how to protect your vehicle, for instance by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other possible places where they may be. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location but only if the keys are within the range of your phone's.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys that do not have fancy chips) then you can get a replacement at the local locksmith. However, if you have an electronic key or remote start, you will need to go to the dealership to get one. It is important to see if your insurance covers the cost of a replacement lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen due to people leaving keys in their car is increasing. It is essential to keep your keys secure throughout the day. Thieves can use a device known as a relay attack to replicate the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for an accomplice to arrive with another piece of equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of car theft in cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep a spare set of keys in a different location than in your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance documents or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive car insurance policy holder it is crucial to inform your company right away about the missing keys. This will help to ensure your safety and stop other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car dealer or locksmith to make new keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The last thing you want to happen is that someone else uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to design a duplicate key. They can also program the keys to ensure that your stolen pair will be ineffective.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as quickly as you can is always an ideal idea, particularly when they are smart keys. The police can provide you with a crime number and provide additional advice on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might also provide advice on where to buy an additional key.
Before contacting your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose a car key if it's dropped or if the keys are knocked out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've searched but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The choice to submit an insurance claim for a lost car key will depend on the type of key and your deductible amount. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are inexpensive and can be replaced at the locksmith for less than your deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and have to be purchased directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases, the price of a new key may surpass your deductible.
It is also important to be aware that insurance companies may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is a possibility. This can lead to your claim being denied or re-examined, which is why it's important to report your keys stolen immediately.
Purchase a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it's essential to stay calm and think about what you're going to do. There are many ways to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also utilize a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This is particularly helpful when you lose your car keys frequently. You can find these kinds of devices online or in most electronics stores.
The first step is to identify the type of key you have. If you own a traditional or mechanical key it is easy to replace it with one from an locksmith or a hardware store. The keys aren't equipped with any special features, and they are only used to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you have transponder keys, a more advanced type of key that is usually placed inside the key fob or chain, you might have to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to purchase a replacement.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in the keys that is connected to the computer of the vehicle. You'll require the VIN number of your vehicle to get the new key. A dealership can make keys for your vehicle, but the cost may be higher than visiting a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you have, it is always recommended to keep an extra key in case of need. You will be able return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith. In addition, you will be free of having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.
Check your pockets and other places where you may not usually look for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on the floor or in the refrigerator in the event that you've had a drink. You can also leave keys with an amiable family member, and you can even think about using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your car keys safe and easy to locate.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different options you can choose from when your car keys are stolen. You could file an insurance claim to cover the cost of replacing a key fob and get your car's locks changed when you don't have a spare, or you can purchase a new key at a hardware store here for much less than what it might cost you to make an insurance claim.
Based on the model of your car and whether it has an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your dealer or auto dealership to purchase an alternative. The dealer might need to purchase the key chip and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be costly. According to Reina the roadside insurance may cover the cost of towing your car to a dealer or service shop where a new key will be created.
Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your car insurance or dealership already covers. In addition, some locksmiths have been known to employ a technique called "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into thinking that the car manufacturer has sent them an email requesting them to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are tricky to spot, but you can watch for them by entering your code via the official website of your car manufacturer or application.
While you're at it you should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if they provide any additional insurance for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance, for example, provides coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers without charging the minimum deductible. This coverage is not available from all insurance companies. However, it's worth to determine if the current provider provides it or if it's possible to add it to your existing policy.