What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. But, it's essential to be calm and not panic.
Then, go back to the steps you've taken. This will help to determine if the keys to your car were stolen or misplaced. Next, contact your insurance company. You may be eligible to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing you need to do when your car keys have been stolen is report it to the police. You will receive a reference code that you can use to track your keys and vehicle. The police might also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, including the use of an ignition lock for your wheel.
The next step is to locate the keys. Check every pocket, bag and other places you may have them. Also, be sure to check places you would not typically look, such as underneath the seat or in your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map however, they only work when the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it with a locksmith in your neighborhood. If you have a remote start or smart key, you'll need to visit the dealership. In this instance, it is worth checking your insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave their keys in the vehicle is increasing. It is important to keep your keys secure at all time. Thieves may use the relay attack to replicate the signal of the key fob of a car, then wait for an accomplice to arrive with another piece of equipment to allow the vehicle to be opened. This is a common way of taking cars from large cities where thieves have the ability to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere other than inside your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance card or your license in your car since they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy owner it is crucial to inform your company immediately of the keys that are missing. This will keep you safe and will stop others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
It can be extremely stressful to lose your car keys, the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to take the keys! It's a good idea to contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to make an identical key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the key you stole will not work anymore.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as quickly as you can is always recommended, especially if they were an electronic key. The police will provide you with a crime reference number and provide additional advice on keeping your car secure, such as installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They might also be able to advise you on where to purchase a replacement key.
It is important to check your bags and pockets carefully before contacting your insurance company. You can easily lose a car key if it's dropped or if your keys are knocked out of your bag when you try to take something. If you've searched for a while and are unable to locate your keys, it is time to call your insurance company.
The decision on whether to make 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 cheap and can be repaired at locksmiths for less than your deductible. The latest keys, however are more costly and require to be ordered directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In certain instances, the price of a new key could exceed your tax deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company may conduct a credit investigation to determine if there's an opportunity for fraud. This could result in your claim being denied or re-examined this is why it's important to report your keys stolen as soon as you can.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is important to stay in a state of calm and plan what are going to do when you lose your car keys. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and the majority alternatives are less expensive than you would think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This is a great choice if you lose your car keys often. These devices can be found on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first step is to identify the kind of key you own. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key you can replace it easily by a locksmith. These keys are not equipped with any special features, and they can only be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you have transponder keys, which are an advanced version of key that is usually placed in the key fob or key chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer to get an alternative.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that is linked to the vehicle's computers. This means that you will need to have the VIN number for your vehicle to make a new key. A dealership could make a key for your car, but the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you have it is click here a good idea to have a spare just in case. This way, you will 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 a tow and calling roadside assistance.
Look in the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may not typically search for keys, like in your shoes if they're on the floor or in the refrigerator in the event that you've had a drink. You can also leave a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several ways to go about it if keys to your car have been stolen. You can file an insurance to pay for your new key fob, and have your locks replaced if you don't have an extra. You can also purchase the key from a hardware store for a fraction of the price it would cost to file an claim.
It is possible to go to your dealer to replace the key, based on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a traditional turn-key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase the key chip and then pair it to your vehicle. This could be costly. According to Reina your roadside protection, it could pay for towing your vehicle to a dealer or another service shop where a new key can be created.
Locksmiths can be scammers who charge too much for services already covered by your auto insurance. Additionally, some people have been known to use the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into believing that the vehicle manufacturer is sending them an email asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams can be very difficult to detect, but you can look for them by entering your code through the car manufacturer's website or application.
While you're at it you should also contact your home insurance provider to see if they have any additional protection for lost car keys. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers and keys to your home without any cost-sharing. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth to determine if the current provider offers it or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.