Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved along with the advancement of automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs, but some still have the turn-key ignition of the past.
Losing your car keys can be stressful and frustrating. It could also make your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if someone finds it and then uses it for a while.
1. Contact the police
Contacting the police is the first thing you should do if you suspect your car keys have been taken. You can create a police report, and they will notify you when someone returns your key. It is best to act quickly since if you delay for too long, someone else could use your vehicle without permission. This could result in penalties from the city.
The police might provide you tips about keeping your car safe and secure. They will also give you the crime reference number you can use to track your case. This is crucial if you are planning to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys on hand. These keys can be hidden in places accessible to you like your wallet or purse, or even with your family or friends. It's also worth talking to the local dealership for your car to find out if they're able to reprogram your factory key fob and give you an alternative.
Make sure to check any possible locations where you might have lost your car key. If you can, ask friends or family members to check as well. You can also try calling local restaurants or libraries to see if they have discovered any keys missing. Most of the time, people forget where they have put their keys, which is why it's crucial to double-check obvious locations before looking in less common ones.
Even if you've got a spare key, it's important to contact the police to report an incident of theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car, and may aid in finding your key before they do. The police may provide tips on how to secure your vehicle, which includes using a lock for your wheel.
In some instances you may to learn from the police that the keys to your car have been returned to the police station. You can then pick up your car key at the police station. The process can be more difficult if you own a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Call a Locksmith
Car keys stolen are an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. If it was stolen or left in a different location and forgotten or taken by someone who was just looking for a way to take your car, it could be devastating. Contact the police to let them know that your car keys have gone missing. This will enable them to keep an eye on keys and assist you to regain possession of your vehicle in case it does get taken.
Next, you'll want to contact a locksmith. The type of locksmith you will need to call will depend on the type of car you have. If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic ignition and a mechanical key, the locksmith can simply replace your current key. However, if your car has a key fob, or is an older model that only has a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will need to have access to the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the back of the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also have to verify that you own the car by presenting evidence such as a registration certificate or title.
In some instances the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working in the future. This usually requires you to take your vehicle to the dealer. In this case you'll have to have a spare key, or be prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
It is also an excellent idea to review your insurance policy for home insurance to determine if they cover car key loss and theft. Many policies provide this coverage and can be a useful option to cover the cost of your replacement car keys and lock changes.
Keys stolen from cars are a frequent occurrence. If you're a diligent driver and take all the necessary precautions there is a lower chance that your car will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
The reporting of the theft of your car keys to your insurance provider is essential. This will help you track the perpetrator and provide peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. Thieves often search social media for detailed details about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal details. Notifying a lost car key immediately can help prevent this.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact terms and conditions vary and it is recommended to contact your provider to discuss the specifics of your insurance. Some companies offer extra benefits such as rental car coverage or free replacements.
You'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to order a new set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the old keys and programming new ones for the vehicle. This could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key, based on the model.
A few thieves might try to drive your vehicle after they've taken your keys. This can result in costly damages, including broken doors and windows. The person who stole the keys could also be fined for driving without a license or in violation of traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys in the early stage, your insurance company will be able to cover any damages caused by this crime.
It's important that you confirm that the keys are missing after submitting the loss report. This will prevent you from making an untrue claim and getting charged a fee. Start by searching every pocket, bag and other places where you typically keep your keys. After that, look back and reflect on your day and what you could have done to cause them to be lost. For example, did you place 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 retrieve your phone?
It is a good idea to call the police if you find your keys. This will stop the thief from using the keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and to commit additional criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of cars is a major issue. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion per year. Thankfully, modern cars come with sophisticated security features that make it hard for thieves to take them. However, older vehicles and those that do not have keyless entry still need extra security. Consider installing a steering lock, or brake and tire locks to protect your car against theft. These devices are easy-to-install and make it difficult to drive away your car.
If your car keys are stolen, it's crucial to report it immediately to police immediately. This will help them locate the culprit, and hopefully recover your vehicle. The police will provide you with a crime number that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership for your car's manufacturer and get new key fobs created. You will need to have the existing keys scanned, and the new here ones will have to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and will be costly.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you will be required to pay for towing as well as any damage caused by the theft while driving off with your car. Make sure that your car is in a location that is well-lit and in a secure parking lot. Also keep your keys in a secure place and don't leave them in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal modern vehicles is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically located under the dashboard. They can then utilize this information to figure out the code for your key fob, and then start the car. This is known as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure space with security cameras and security.
You can also try to keep your keys from being stolen by keeping them in a secure pouch. These pouches block the signal thieves make use of to amplify their signal using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can also buy an item known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port in order to disable the stolen car key.