Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the advancement of automobiles. Today, most autos use electronic key fobs and some still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys to your car can be stressful and difficult. It also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if someone discovers it and then uses it for a while.
1. Call the police
Notifying the police is the first thing you must do if you suspect that your car keys have been stolen. They can assist you in preparing an investigation and will let you know when they locate your car key or is willing to surrender it. It is important to take action immediately since if you delay for too long, someone else could use your car without permission. This can lead to penalties from the municipality.
The police might also be able to give you tips about keeping your car safe and secure. They will also give you a crime reference number that you can use to track your case. This is crucial if you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance company in the event of theft.
If you have a spare car key, make sure that you have it in your possession. These keys can be hidden in places that are easy to access, such as your purse or wallet or with family or friends. You can also inquire with the local dealership to determine whether they can reprogram your factory key fob.
Double-check every place you think your car key might be. Ask friends or family members to verify the information if they are able. You can also contact local restaurants or libraries and ask if any keys have been found. It is normal for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it's crucial to verify the obvious places first before moving on to more obscure ones.
Even if you've got a spare key, it's worth calling police to report the theft. This will stop anyone from trying your car, and could assist them in finding your key. The police may be able to provide you tips on how to protect your car, such as having a lock on your wheel.
In certain cases the police might be able to inform you that your car keys was turned in at an officer station. Then, you can go to the police station to retrieve it. The process can be more difficult if you have modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A car key stolen is an extremely stressful and frustrating event. It doesn't matter if it was lost or left in a different location and forgotten or taken by someone seeking an opportunity to take your car, it could be a devastating experience. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your car keys are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key, and assist you regain control of your car if it is stolen.
Next, you'll want to call locksmith. The type of locksmith you need to call depends on the type of car you have. If your car has an ordinary, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will replace your existing key. If, however, your vehicle has a key fob, or is an older model that uses a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will have to access your vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith also needs to verify the ownership of the car by presenting proof such as a registration certificate 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. This usually requires you to bring your vehicle to the dealer. In this case, you'll need to either have a spare key, or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Check your home insurance policy to see if it covers car key theft and loss. A lot of policies include this coverage, and it could be a great option to cover the cost of your replacement car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are not common. If you drive with care and take the proper precautions, your car is less likely to be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help you track the culprit, and give peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. The thieves will search social media sites for specific details about their victims. This includes address, workplace, and other personal details. Reporting a stolen car key immediately you notice it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions can vary and you should consult your provider to discuss your policy. Some companies may offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
You'll have to go to your dealer or automaker to order a replacement set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. Depending on the type of keys, it could be costly and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
The thieves may try to drive the car after stealing the keys. This can lead to expensive damage, such as broken doors and windows. The person who stole the keys could be penalized more info if they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damage caused by the theft If you report it in time.
If you've reported the loss of your car keys, it's important to confirm that they are missing. This will help you avoid creating a false report and racking up additional costs. Begin by looking through your purses, pockets and other places you store your keys. After that, look back and reflect on your day and what you may have done that caused them to be lost. For instance, did you put them on the table in your car when you got home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you went to your purse to grab your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief from using the keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and to commit additional criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a huge issue. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion every year. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it very difficult for thieves to take them. Older cars and models with keyless entry need additional security. To guard your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or a tire and brake lock. These locks are simple to install and will make it difficult for a thief to drive your vehicle away.
It is crucial to report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track the perpetrator and, hopefully, recover 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 of your vehicle's maker and have new key fobs created. You'll need to have the existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed by your car's computer. This can take a few days and can be costly.
You'll also need to cover any damage caused by the thief as he drives off with your vehicle. It's important to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in well-lit areas. Keep your keys in a safe place and never leave them in the ignition.
One method that thieves use to steal cars of the present is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically found under the dashboard. The criminals are able to use this information in order to unlock the code on the key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." To stop this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking space with cameras and security.
You can also stop your car keys from being stolen by keeping keys in a pouch that is screened. These pouches block the signal that thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to block the key that was stolen.