Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved along with the development of automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic key fobs, and a few still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and stressful. It could also make your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if a person finds it and then uses it for a long time.
1. Call the Police
The first thing to do if your car keys has been stolen is to call the police. You can make a police report, and they will notify you when they return your key. It is imperative to report the theft immediately because if you delay, someone could use your vehicle without permission. This can lead to fines from the municipality.
You could also receive tips from the police on how to keep your vehicle safe. They can also give you a crime reference number that you can use to track your case. This is crucial in the event that you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.
Make sure that you have your spare car keys in your bag. Sometimes, these keys are kept in accessible places like your wallet or purse or they might be in the possession of family or friends members. You can also contact your local dealership to see whether it is able to reprogram your factory key fob.
Make sure to check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car key. If possible, ask friends or family to check as well. You can also try calling local libraries or restaurants to see if they have found any lost keys. It's common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious locations first before moving on to less obvious locations.
Even if you've got a spare key, it is still important to notify the police of a theft. This will stop any person from trying to steal your car, and could help them find your key. The police might provide tips on how to secure your car, including using a lock for your wheel.
In some cases, you may be able learn from the police that your car keys were returned to a police station. You can then pick up your car key at the police station. If you have electronic keys on your vehicle, the process could be more complicated.
2. Contact a locksmith
Car keys stolen are an extremely stressful and frustrating event. It doesn't matter if it was lost or discarded in another location, neglected, or taken by someone looking for an opportunity to steal your car, it can be a devastating experience. Contact the police to inform them know your keys to your car have disappeared. This will allow them to keep an eye on keys and assist you to gain possession of your car in the event that it is stolen.
The next step is to get in touch with a locksmith. The type of locksmith you need to call depends on the kind of car you have. If your car is equipped with mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, the locksmith will replace your current key. If, however, your vehicle is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that utilizes a traditional turn-key system, the locksmith will need to have access to the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the back of the key or the dashboard display). They must also be able to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle using documents such as your registration or title.
In some instances the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working in the future. However, this would typically require that you bring the car to the dealer to be able to do this. In this scenario you'll have to have a spare key or be prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
Examine your insurance policy for home to see if it covers car key theft and loss. This coverage is included in many policies, and is an excellent way to pay the cost of replacing keys and lock changes.
Stolen car keys are not uncommon. If you're a diligent driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a lower chance that your car will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help to track the culprit and provide you with peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. Thieves will often search social media for detailed details about their victims including address, work location and other personal information. Notifying a car key that was stolen immediately you notice it missing can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact conditions and terms may differ and it is recommended to contact your insurance provider to discuss the specifics of your insurance. Some companies may offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
You'll have go to your dealer or automaker to purchase a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This will mean deleting the old keys and reprogramming new ones for the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys used, this could be costly and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
The thieves may try to drive the car following the theft of the keys. This can result in costly damages, including damaged doors and windows. It is also possible that the person who stole your keys is punished for driving without a license or for violating traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys in the early stage the insurance company will be able to cover any damages resulting from this crime.
It is crucial to confirm that the keys are missing after reporting their loss. This will prevent you more info from making a false claim and being charged a fee. Start by searching your bag, pocket, and other places that you usually keep your keys. Then, go back through your day to consider what you could have done that could have resulted in them being lost. For example, did you place them on the table in your car after getting home from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you went to your purse to get your phone?
If you discover your car keys, it's still a good idea to contact the police. This will prevent the thief from being able to use your keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major problem. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Modern cars are equipped with advanced security features, making it hard to steal them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry require additional protection. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire and brake locks to safeguard your vehicle from theft. These devices are simple to install and make it impossible to steal your car.
It is crucial to report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them find the person responsible and hopefully return your vehicle. 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 for your vehicle's manufacturer and get a new set of key fobs created. You'll have to scan your keys and program the new ones with the computer in your vehicle. This process may take several days, and will be expensive.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll have to pay for towing costs and any damages caused by the thief while driving off with your car. It is important to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in well-lit areas. Keep your keys in a secure place and do not put them in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves steal modern cars. The criminals could use this information to get the code for the key fob, and then start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, you should install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking space with cameras and guards.
You can also keep your keys from being taken by storing keys in a pouch that is screened. These pouches block signals that thieves use to amplify with equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You could also purchase the device referred to as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port in order to block the car key that was stolen.