What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to stay calm and not panic.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you determine whether your car keys were stolen or lost. 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 have 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 your vehicle. The police may also be able to provide advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance the use of the wheel lock.
Next, you need to locate the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible places where you may have them. Also, make sure you check places you would not typically look, such as under the seat or inside your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show you its last known location on a map, however, they can only be used if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you have an older key that doesn't have any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at your local locksmith. If you own a remote start or smart key, you'll need to visit the dealership. It is important to see if your insurance covers the cost of a replacement lock and key.
Car thefts caused by people who leave their keys in their car are on the rise and it is essential to keep them safe at all times. The thieves could employ a device called a relay attack that 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 popular method of stealing cars in large cities where thieves have the ability to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance cards or license in your car since they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car It is crucial to inform your company immediately about the keys missing. This will keep you safe, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith or even the car dealer to create a new set of keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The most you would like to see occur is that you are the one who uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be capable of programming the new key so that the lost pair no longer works.
It's always best to report your keys stolen as soon as possible to the police, especially in the case of a smart key or a standard key ignition that is turned on. Police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer further advice on how to keep your vehicle safe, such as installing wheel locks. They might also give you suggestions on where to buy an additional key.
Before contacting your insurance company, you should make sure that you've checked your pockets and bags for keys. It's easy to lose keys if you place it somewhere else or you reach into your bag to grab something and knock your keys out of it. If you've searched but still cannot find your keys, it's time to call your insurance provider.
The choice to file an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key used and the amount of your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical car keys are inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith at a cost less than your insurance deductible. However, newer keys are usually more expensive and should be purchased from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances, a new car key could exceed your insurance deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in a position to incur significant debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit investigation to see if there is a possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being rejected, or even a probe. It is therefore crucial to immediately report your keys as soon as you find them.
Find a new set keys
If you lose your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think through what you can do next. There are many ways to get new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is particularly helpful in the event that you lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.
The first step is to identify the kind of key you have. If you have an older mechanical or traditional key, you can replace it easily by locksmith. These keys do not have special features or chips, and can only be used to secure and unlock your vehicle. If you own a transponder key, a more advanced type of key that is usually found in the key fob or chain, you might have to go to an auto locksmith or dealer to purchase an replacement.
In the United States, most vehicles produced after 1990 are fitted with a chip within the key that is linked to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you'll need to have the VIN number for your vehicle to get a new key. A dealership can also make keys for your car, but it could cost more than calling locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you own, it is always a good idea to have a spare just in case. You will be able get back on the roads without having to wait around for locksmith. You will also be free of the cost of tows and calling roadside assistance.
It is crucial to examine the pockets of all your clothing before leaving and also look for places where you wouldn't normally look for a key for example, in your shoes if you are wearing them, or in the fridge if have had a drink. You could also leave a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of your new key fob, and also have your locks replaced if you do not have an extra. Or, you can purchase a key from a hardware store for a fraction of the price the cost of filing an insurance claim.
Based on the model of your vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or a standard turn-key ignition, it is possible that you will have to visit your dealer or auto dealership to obtain an alternative. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be a bit expensive. According to Reina your roadside protection, it could pay for towing your car to a dealer or service shop where a new key will be created.
Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, because there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they fool the owner into thinking that their car here manufacturer sent them a message requesting them to reset their codes. These scams are hard to spot, but you can ward off them by entering your code only through the app or website of the car manufacturer.
Check with your home insurer to see if there is any additional coverage for keys that are lost in the car. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers as well as keys for your dwelling without any minimum deductible. This coverage isn't offered by all insurance companies however, so it's worth checking to see if it's offered by your current insurer or if you're eligible to add it to your insurance policy.