Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you shouldn't leave your keys in the car, but occasionally you forget. If you do and your keys get stolen, but the car is still there, here's how to do.
You'll need to first contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who comes across the keys does not use them to commit crimes.
Buy a new set of keys
Losing your car keys could be a hassle and a risk no matter if it's because of a moment of forgetfulness or if someone steals them. Not only does it prevent you from getting to where you're going but it also means that you'll need to spend time and money to replace your key. The good thing is that it's not as difficult or costly to replace a key.
Before you contact your local locksmith, check to see if the lost car key is covered by your insurance or warranty. Bring your evidence of ownership to the locksmith if it's covered. They will then be able to use the number of your vehicle identification (commonly known as the VIN) which they will use to make a new key for your car without the original.
The most straightforward type of car keys to replace is the conventional or mechanical key. These keys can be made by a local locksmith and are typically less expensive than other types. If your car has chip or transponder or chip, then you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a tiny chip in the car key that transmits an unique code each time it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a safer way to start your car and lowers the risk of theft. However, it's more complicated than cutting a standard car key.
Only dealers can give you a new transponder key should you lose it. They can do this because they have records of the security systems installed in each vehicle and can easily locate the information.
If you don't have a spare key make contact with your dealer as soon as possible. It's possible to purchase a new one right away or may need to wait until a replacement is available. This can take a few days, but it's still less expensive than hiring a locksmith for your car to complete the task. It's also easier than trying to find the keys you lost elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's not difficult to get distracted, and forget your wallet, phone or keys in your car. If you believe this has happened the first step is to report the theft to the police. It might seem as a waste of your time, but it could help law enforcement track down your item stolen. The police will need to know more about the incident, including the name of the person who committed the crime, as well as any other items discovered in the vehicle.
You might want to add any belongings you may have on you at the time of theft like your credit cards or license. If the items are discovered by a thief and are used to commit crimes.
Once you've informed police of the theft, notify your car insurance provider and file an insurance claim. The insurance company may pay for the cost to replace your keys, depending on the type coverage you have. You may also be urged to install an anti-theft device to your car, such as a lock or immobilizer to prevent thieves from targeting it in the future.
In addition to notifying the police and your insurance company, you must also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will change your car's title and registration information to reflect that it was taken. This will stop people from driving your vehicle illegally, running red lights, getting parking tickets, or other crimes.
You might be able to add a protection plan for your property to provide additional protection for items stolen from your vehicle. This will help you to protect yourself from the financial costs of things like laptops, phones or other valuables you might have in your vehicle. You can find out if your insurance provider offers this by speaking to an agent or going to the website of your company. You can also inquire with your agent about other options to increase the security of your vehicle. For instance, you could install an alarm system and hide the keys of a spare set away from your car or your home.
Find your keys using an app on your smartphone
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. The process of obtaining duplicate keys for your car was easy. Modern cars require more advanced technology to function. The cost of replacing lost or stolen keys has gone up significantly.
There are two types of keys for cars. The first is an electronic key fob. The second is the standard key ignition that is turned on by a turn. check here A majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a fair number still have standard ignitions that require a turning of the key to start the car.
One method to avoid worrying about your car keys when you're on the go is to purchase an electronic key tracker and connect it to your vehicle. There are many devices that are available. Some of the top include:
To utilize the device, you must pair it with your smartphone. Then, when you're out and about the app can assist you in finding your car keys by making the sound of their location on a map. You can also share the device with family and acquaintances so that they can locate your keys.
You could be able to submit an insurance claim on your keys to your car that were stolen or lost, depending on the kind of policy you have and the details of your specific situation. If you have property or comprehensive coverage, the policy could provide the funds to replace your lost keys.
You should also contact your home insurance to see whether it provides similar services. If you report your car keys as stolen or lost in a timely manner they may refund the cost of replacing the keys.
In the end, if your car keys have gone missing, it's crucial to remain calm and develop a plan of action. Contact the police as soon as you can to avoid other complications. They can give you tips on how to protect your vehicle and give you a reference number for crimes. They may also be able to issue you with a brand new set of keys in a matter of minutes.
Call an expert locksmith
In the past the time of keys being lost to your car was an unimportant issue. You might keep a spare key in a bag or glove box, and your sole concern was that you might not be able to return inside. As cars have technologically advanced, so too have their keys. They are becoming more expensive to replace if they're stolen. Therefore, it's essential to have a spare key available and to lock your car and keys up securely.
Find out if the personal property coverage under your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. You may be able save money by not needing to pay for an auto locksmith.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police is another thing you must do. The police can then give you more advice on how you can protect your vehicle from theft, for example, using a wheel lock and also provide you a crime number they can use to locate the person responsible for the theft.
If you haven't already completed this, it's recommended to find an experienced locksmith who is able to work on your type of car and its key. Some locksmiths can create keys for various automobile models, whereas others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles that have traditional turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide vehicle registration information as well as other details to have a brand new car key made, however it's usually quite simple. The dealership will use computers to verify your vehicle's details and create the key for you.
It is also worth looking into getting your car keys reprogrammed, so that the old owners can't use them. This is a service that you can obtain from a dealer or locksmith. It's a great way to protect yourself against the possibility of your car being stolen after having purchased it second-hand.