What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
If you lose your car keys, it can be extremely frustrating. It's important to stay calm and not panic.
Retrace the steps you followed. This will allow you to determine if your car keys have been stolen or simply lost. Contact your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to police
The first thing 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 may also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, including the use of the wheel lock.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible places where they may be. Look for places that you may not normally look, like underneath the seat or inside your shoes. You can also utilize an application to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map however, they only work if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at the local locksmith. If you have a remote start or smart key, you'll need visit the dealership. In this instance it is advisable to check your insurance policy to determine whether they will cover the cost of a new key and lock.
Car thefts caused by people leaving their keys inside are increasing, and it is vital to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves may employ an instrument known as relay attack that copies the signal from the keyfob on the car's. They then wait for a partner to arrive with the equipment to open the car. This is a popular method of taking cars from large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. You should always leave a spare set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. Never leave your insurance or license in your car, as they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to call your insurer 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 that are missing. This will ensure your safety, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to occur is that someone else uses them! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith immediately and ask them to make an identical key for you. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key so that your stolen pair no longer works.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is an ideal idea, particularly in the case of smart keys. The police will give you a crime reference number and give you additional tips on keeping your car secure by installing a wheel lock. They might be able to give you suggestions on where to buy a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurer before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've thoroughly checked your bags and pockets for the keys. It's easy to lose keys to your car if they are dropped or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you reach in to take something. If you've looked everywhere but you're still unable to find keys, it's time to contact your insurance company.
The decision on whether to file 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 aren't expensive and can be replaced by a locksmith at the cost of less than the insurance deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and have to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases keys for cars that are brand new may cost more than your maximum deductible.
It's also important to note that if you have significant debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit investigation to see if there is a possibility of fraud. This could result in your claim being denied or even investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to report your keys as soon as you find them.
Get a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it is essential to stay at peace and contemplate what you're going to do. There are many ways to obtain a new set of keys. The majority options are cheaper than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This option is especially helpful if you tend to lose your car keys frequently. These devices can be found online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing to do is determine the type of key that you have. If you have an old mechanical or traditional key, it can be replaced easily by locksmith. These types of keys don't have any special features or chips, and are only used to lock and unlock the vehicle. You may require an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more advanced and typically installed in the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip within the key that is linked to the computer of the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your vehicle to get an additional key. A dealership may also create a new key for your car, but it could cost more than going to locksmith.
Whatever type of key you own, it is always a good idea to have an extra in case. You'll be able to return to your vehicle without waiting for a locksmith. Additionally, you will be free of having to pay for towing or call for roadside assistance.
It is essential to look through the pockets of your clothes before you leave and to check places you wouldn't normally look for a key, like in the shoes if you're wearing them or in the fridge if were drinking a beer. You could also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you wish to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different routes you can take when keys to your car have been stolen. You can make an insurance claim to pay the cost of replacing a key fob and get your car locks changed in the event that you don't have a spare, or you could get an alternative key from a hardware store for much less than what it might cost you to make an insurance claim.
You may have to visit your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your car has an electronic fob or a conventional turn-key ignition. The dealer will likely have to order a new key chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which can be a bit expensive. However, your roadside assistance coverage may pay for towing the vehicle to a dealership or service shop that could make a new key, according to Reina.
You must be cautious when dealing with locksmiths since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. Some locksmiths have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they g28carkeys.co.uk fool the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer sent them a message asking for the reset of their code. These scams are difficult to detect however you can avoid them by entering your code only through the official website or app of the car manufacturer.
While you're at it you should also check with your home insurance company to determine if they provide any additional coverage for keys to your car that are lost. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys without the minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available for all insurance companies, but it's worth checking to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're able to add it to your insurance policy.