Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the advancement of automobiles. Most autos today use electronic keys, but certain models still use the old fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be stressful and difficult. If someone discovers your car keys and uses them for a certain period of time, it can make you vulnerable to unauthorised entry.
1. Call the Police
The first thing you should do if your car keys has been stolen is to call the police. They can help you create an investigation and will notify you when they locate your key or if someone gives it back. You should do this immediately because if you delay, someone could use your vehicle without authorization. This could lead to penalties from the municipality.
You can also receive tips from the police on how to keep your vehicle secure. They will also give you an identification number for crime that you can use to follow your case. This is important if you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.
If you have an extra car key, ensure that you have it in your possession. Sometimes, keys are hidden in easy-to-access places, like your purse or wallet, or they could be in the possession of family or friends members. You can also contact your local dealer to see if it can reprogram your original key fob.
Double-check all the places you believe your car key could be. Ask family members or friends to look it up if they can. You can also try calling local libraries or restaurants to see if they've found any keys that were lost. It is common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious areas first before proceeding to less obvious ones.
Even if you have a spare, it's still a good idea to contact the police to report the theft. This will stop anyone from attempting to steal your car and might even help them locate your key. The police might provide tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as the use of a wheel lock.
In some instances, you may be able find out from the police your car keys have been returned to an officer station. You can then pick up your car key at the police station. The process could be more difficult if you own an automobile that has an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A stolen car key is a frustrating and stressful event. It doesn't matter whether it was stolen, lost, or left in a different location. The first step is to contact the police and let them know that your car keys are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key and help you get your car back in the event that it is taken.
The next step is to call an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the type of vehicle you own. If your car is equipped with a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, the locksmith will simply replace the key you have. If your car is older and uses traditional turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob, the locksmith should have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which is usually displayed on the dashboard or key display). The locksmith will also need to verify your ownership of the car by presenting proof such as a registration or title.
In some instances the locksmith may 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 prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
Examine your insurance policy for home for coverage of car keys theft and loss. A lot of policies include this coverage, and it can be a useful way to cover the costs of your replacement car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you're a responsible driver and take the right precautions, there is a much smaller chance that your car is stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Reporting the theft of your car keys to your insurance provider is essential. This will help to track down the thief and give you peace of mind. This will also help protect you against identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites for specific details about their victims. This includes addresses, work address and other personal information. Reporting a missing car key immediately can prevent this.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact conditions and terms may differ, so it's best to contact your provider to discuss the specifics of your coverage. Certain companies provide additional benefits such as rental car coverage or free replacements.
You'll need go to your automaker or dealer to order a replacement set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys that are in use and programming the new ones to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys, this can be expensive and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
Some thieves may try to drive your car after they've taken your keys. This can cause expensive damage such as broken windows and doors. It's also likely that the thief is fined for driving without a permit or ignoring traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages resulting from the theft when you report it before the deadline.
After you've reported the theft of your car keys, it's important to verify that they are missing. This will ensure that you don't end up creating a false report and getting hit with extra charges. Begin by looking through every bag, pocket, and other places you normally keep your keys. Then, take a walk through your day and think about what you might have done that caused them to be lost. Did you, for example, put them on the table in your car after returning from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to retrieve your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still a good idea to contact the police. This will stop the thief from using the keys you've stolen to access other vehicles and commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of cars is a huge problem. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans over $8 billion a year. Fortunately, modern cars have read more advanced security features that make it hard for thieves to steal them. Older cars and those with keyless entry require additional security. To guard your car from theft, consider getting a steering wheel lock or a brake and tire lock. These locks are simple to install and will make it difficult for a thief to drive your vehicle away.
It's important that you immediately report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track the culprit and possibly recover your car. The police will also give you a an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership of your vehicle's manufacturer to create new key fobs. You'll need to scan your keys and program the new ones using the vehicle's computer. This procedure could take a few days, and can be expensive.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll have to pay for towing and any damage caused by the thief when he steals your vehicle. It is essential to keep your car in a secure parking spot and park in well-lit areas. Also, keep your keys in a safe location and don't leave them in the ignition.
One method used by thieves to steal cars of the present is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically located beneath the dashboard. The thieves can use this information to get the code for the key fob, and start the car. This is known as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, you should install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking area with cameras and security.
You can also stop your car keys from being taken by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches block the signal that thieves make use of to amplify their signal using equipment called "relay transmitters." You could also purchase a device known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port in order to block a stolen car key.