What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you lose your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. It's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or simply lost. Next, call your insurance company. You may be eligible to file an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which you can use to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police might also be able to provide suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, for instance the use of an ignition lock for your wheel.
Next, you need to find the keys. Make sure you check every pocket, bag, and other places where you may have them. Look for places that you may not normally look, like underneath the seat or inside your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show you its last known location on a map, but they only work if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have an older key without any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at the local locksmith. If you have an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need to visit the dealership. In this case, it is worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave their keys in their car is on the rise. It is essential to keep your keys safe all the time. The thieves can use a device called relay attack that copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a third party to arrive with a piece of equipment to open the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key other than inside your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance cards or your license in your car as they are important tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to contact your insurance company and the police as soon as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy holder, it's important to notify your company immediately of the keys missing. This will help to ensure your safety and also stop other people from utilizing your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse 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 you are the one who uses keys! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and request duplicate keys for you. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key so that the lost key is no longer working.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as quickly as you can is a good idea, especially when they are a smart key. Police can provide you with a crime number and provide further guidance on how to keep your car secure, including installing wheel locks. They may be able to give you suggestions 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 keys. It's possible to lose a car key if it's dropped or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you go to grab something. If you've searched everywhere and you're still unable to find them, it's probably time to contact your insurance company.
The decision of whether to submit an insurance claim following the loss of a car key is based on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical car keys are inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for an expense less than your insurance deductible. However, modern keys are generally more expensive and should be purchased from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances, the price of a new key may exceed your tax deductible.
You should also be aware that an insurance company may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could lead to your claim being rejected or scrutinized and that's why it's crucial to report the theft of your keys as soon as you can.
Get a new set of keys
It is important to stay calm and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car keys. There are several ways to obtain a new set of keys. The majority alternatives are less expensive than you would think. You can also make use of a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easily accessible. This option is especially helpful in the event that you lose your car keys often. These devices are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first step is to determine what kind of key you have. If you have a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one purchased from the locksmith or hardware store. These keys are not equipped with any unique features, and they are only used to lock or unlock your vehicle. You may require an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more sophisticated and usually installed in the key fob.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in the keys that is connected to the computer in the vehicle. This means that you'll need to have the VIN number for your vehicle to have a new key made. A dealership may also create keys for your car, but it could cost more than going to a locksmith.
Whatever type of key you own it is a good idea to have an extra key in case of need. In this way, you'll be able to return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith's arrival. Additionally, you will be able to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
Examine your pockets and other places where you may not usually look for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys website secure and easy to locate Consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options when your car keys are stolen. You can make an insurance claim to pay the cost of a new key fob and get your car locks changed if you don't have a spare, or you can buy a new key at a hardware store for much less than it would cost you to make an insurance claim.
It is possible to go to your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a traditional turn-key ignition. The dealer is likely to purchase a new key chip and pair it with your vehicle, which could be quite expensive. According to Reina, your roadside coverage could be able to cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a dealer or service shop where a new key can be created.
Locksmiths are scammers who charge too much for services already covered by your car insurance. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they fool the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking for the reset of their code. These scams are very difficult to detect, but you can ward off them by entering your code only via the app or website of the car manufacturer.
Check with your home insurance provider to see if there is any additional insurance coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance, as an example, provides coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers without for a minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available for all insurers however it's worth a look to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're able to add it to your insurance policy.