What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. However, it's important to keep calm and not get stressed.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or simply lost. Next, contact your insurance company. You may be eligible to file an insurance claim based on the circumstances.
Inform the police
The first thing you need to do when your car keys have been stolen is to report it to the police. This will give you an identity number which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. The police might also be able to provide suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, including the use of a wheel lock.
The next step is to find the keys. Make sure to check every pocket, bag, and other places that you could have keys in. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't typically look, such as under the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location, but only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a conventional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can find a replacement at the local locksmith. If, however, you have an electronic key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealership to get one. It is a good idea to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that occur due to people leaving keys in their vehicle is on the rise. It is crucial to keep your keys safe at all time. The thieves could employ a device called a relay attack which copies the signal from the keyfob on the car's. They then wait for a partner to arrive with a piece of equipment to open the car. This is a typical method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep an extra set of keys in a different location than inside your car. Never leave your license or insurance card in your car, since they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company and the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance It is crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the missing keys. 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 make new keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The most you would like to see occur is that someone else uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen key is no longer working.
It is always recommended to report your keys stolen as soon as you can to the police, particularly if it was a smart key or a standard turn-key ignition. The police will be able to provide you with a crime reference number and provide additional advice on making sure your car is secure including installing the wheel lock. They may also be able to advise you on where to buy keys to replace.
Before you contact your insurance company, you should make sure that you've thoroughly checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose keys if you place it in a place or you reach in your bag to grab something only to knock your keys out of it. If you've tried everything and still can't find them, it's probably time to call 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. Most old-style mechanical keys are not expensive and can be repaired at a locksmith for less than your deductible. Newer keys, however, are more costly and require to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases the purchase of a new car key can cost more than your maximum deductible.
It is also important to be aware that insurance companies might run a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This could result in your claim being denied or even a probe. It's therefore important to report your keys as soon as you discover them.
Find a new set keys
It is crucial to remain in a state of calm and plan what will do next when you lose your car keys. There are many options to obtain new keys. There are many options that are less expensive than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This option is especially helpful in the event that you lose your car keys frequently. They are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first thing you need to determine is the type of key that you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key, you can replace it easily by locksmith. These keys do not come with any special features, and they are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. If you have a transponder key, one of the more advanced types of key, which is usually found in the key fob or chain, you may need to visit an auto locksmith or the dealer to purchase an alternative.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in their keys that connects to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you will need to have the VIN number for your vehicle to get a new key. A dealership may also create a new key for your vehicle, however it could cost more than going to locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you have, you should always have a spare key in case you lose one. This way, you will be able to quickly return to the road without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. In addition, you will be in a position to not have to pay for a tow or call for roadside assistance.
Look in the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may not usually search for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on or in the fridge in the event that you've had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with a trusted friend or family member, and you might even think about using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible.
Get your car repaired
There are several options you can choose from when keys to your car have been stolen. You can file an insurance to pay for your new key fob and then have your locks replaced if you do not have a spare. Or you can get a key from a hardware store at a lower cost than it would cost to file an insurance claim.
You may need to visit your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your car has an electronic fob or a traditional key ignition. The dealer is likely to purchase a new key chip and pair it with your vehicle, which could be quite expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing the vehicle to a dealer or service shop that can create a new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will overcharge for services already covered by your auto insurance. In addition, some locksmiths have been caught using a technique called "key check here phishing," where they try to fool the owner into thinking that the car manufacturer has sent them an email requesting to reset their keyless entry code. These scams can be very difficult to detect, but you can keep an eye for them by entering your code via the website of the manufacturer or application.
Check with your home insurance provider to find out if there's any additional insurance coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers and keys for your dwelling without a cost-sharing. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth to determine if the current provider has it, or if you can add it to your existing policy.