What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it can be very frustrating. It's important to stay calm and not get overwhelmed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will help you determine if your car keys have been stolen or misplaced. Next, call your insurance company. You may be able file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing you have to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. You will receive a crime reference code that can be used to identify your keys and track your vehicle. The police can also provide tips on how to safeguard your vehicle, such as by using a wheellock.
The next step is to find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible places where you might have them. Look for places that you may not normally look, like underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also utilize an application to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show its last known location on a map, however, they only work when the keys are within range of your phone.
If you own a traditional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at your local locksmith. If you have a remote start or smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership. It is worth checking to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of replacing a lock and key.
Car thefts triggered by people keeping their keys inside are on the rise, and it is vital to ensure they are secure at all times. Thieves may use a device known as a relay attack to copy the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for a accomplice to arrive with a device that can open the vehicle. This is a common method of car theft in cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere else than in your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance documents or your license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company and the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car It is crucial to notify your company right away about the keys missing. This will ensure your safety and stop others from using your car. Most policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith or even the dealer of your car to create a new set of keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to happen is that someone else uses keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be able to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen key no longer functions.
It is always recommended to report your keys stolen as soon as possible to the police, especially if it was smart keys or a standard turn-key ignition. The police can provide you with a crime number and give you further advice on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might be able to also advise you on where to purchase a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurance company it is important to ensure that you've thoroughly checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it down somewhere or if you reach into your bag to grab something and you knock your keys out of it. If you've searched everywhere and you're still unable to find keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The decision to file an insurance claim after losing a car key depends on the type of key you have and the deductible you have. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are not expensive and can be replaced at the locksmith for less than your deductible. The latest keys, however are more expensive and have to be ordered directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances the purchase of a new car key can cost more than your maximum deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in serious debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit check to see if there is the possibility of fraud. This could result in your claim being rejected, or even a probe. It is therefore crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you find them.
Buy a new set keys
It is important to stay calm and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car key. There are many ways to get new keys. The majority of options are less expensive than you think. You can also use Bluetooth get more info key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great choice for those who lose their car keys frequently. You can locate these types of devices on the internet or in many electronics stores.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of key that you own. If you own a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one purchased from an locksmith or a hardware store. These keys don't have any special features or chips, and can only be used to secure and unlock your vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more sophisticated and typically installed in the key fob.
Most vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in their keys that is tied to the computer of the vehicle. You'll require the VIN number of your car to get a new key. A dealership can make a key for your car, but the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you own, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. You will be able get back on the roads without having to wait for a locksmith. You will also be in a position to avoid paying for tows and calling roadside assistance.
It is important to check the pockets of all your clothes before heading out and to check places that you don't typically search for keys for example, in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you have had a drink. You can also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of routes you can take when your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay for the new key fob and also have your locks replaced if you don't have an extra. Or you can get keys from a hardware shop for a fraction of the price it would cost to file an claim.
Depending on your type of vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or a standard turn-key ignition, you might have to visit your auto dealer or dealer to purchase a replacement. The dealer will likely have to order a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be quite expensive. According to Reina your roadside protection, it could pay for towing your car to a dealer or another service shop where a new one can be created.
You must be cautious when dealing with locksmiths as there are scam artists who will try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealer already covers. Some people have been known to use the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to trick the owner into thinking that the car manufacturer has sent them an email asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are difficult to identify however, you can watch for them by entering your code through the official website of your car manufacturer or application.
Check with your home insurer to see if there is any additional coverage for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance for instance, offers coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers, without requiring for a deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurance companies, but it's worth checking to see if it's offered at your current provider or whether you might be capable of adding it to your policy.