Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved due to the advances in automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic keys, but some have the old fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. It also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if a person finds the vehicle and uses it for a period of time.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys is stolen is to contact the police. They can assist you in preparing a report and will inform you when they locate your key or is willing to surrender it. You must report it promptly because if you put off the process, someone could be able to use your vehicle without authorization. This can result in penalties from the city.
You could also receive tips from the police about how to keep your vehicle safe. They can also provide you with a crime reference number that can be used to track your case. This will be important should you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys with you. Sometimes these keys are kept in accessible places, such as your purse or wallet, or they might be with friends or family members. You can also check with your local dealership to see whether they can reprogram your factory key fob.
Double-check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car keys. If you can, ask friends or family members to check as well. You can also call local libraries or restaurants and inquire if any keys have been discovered. Many times, people forget where they put their keys, so it's crucial to double-check obvious places before looking in less common ones.
Even even if you have a spare, it's still a good idea to contact the police to report the theft. This will stop anyone from attempting to steal your car and might even help them locate your key. The police might also be able offer you tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as using a wheellock.
In some cases the police may be able to tell you that your car keys has been returned to an officer station. You can then visit the police station and retrieve it. The process can be more difficult if you own modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
A car key stolen is a frustrating and stressful event. It doesn't matter whether it was stolen, lost, or left somewhere else. The first step is to call the police and let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key, and assist you get control of your car if it is stolen.
Next, you'll want to contact an locksmith. The kind of locksmith you'll require will depend on the type of vehicle you own. If your car comes with an ignition and key that is mechanical the locksmith can replace the key you have. If your vehicle is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which is usually displayed on the dashboard or in the key display). The locksmith will also need to verify the ownership of the car by presenting proof such as a registration certificate or title.
In certain situations the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working in the future. This will usually require you to bring your vehicle to the dealer. You'll either require a spare, or be willing to pay a lot of money for this service.
Lastly, it is recommended to look over your insurance policy for home insurance to determine if it covers car keys being stolen or lost. This coverage is covered in a lot of policies, and is an excellent way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.
Stolen keys to cars are not common. If you are a diligent driver and take the right precautions, there is a much smaller chance that your car will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notifying the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is important. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. It will also protect you from identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites to find detailed details about their more info victims. This includes the address, work place as well as other personal details. Notifying a car key that was stolen as soon as you discover it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact conditions and terms vary and it is recommended to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your policy. Some companies might offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or rental car insurance.
If your car keys aren't in the ignition, you'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to have a new set made. This involves removing the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys, this could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
Some thieves may attempt to drive your car after stealing your keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like broken windows and doors. It is also possible that the burglar will be penalized for driving without a permit or for violating traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at an early stage, your insurance company will pay for any damage caused by this crime.
It is essential to confirm the keys are indeed missing after reporting their loss. This will prevent you from making a false claim and getting hit with extra charges. Begin by looking through every pocket, bag and other places where you typically keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day and think about what you might have done that could have led to them being lost. For instance, did you, put them on your car's table after you returned from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while you reached into your purse to take out your phone?
If you discover your car keys, it's recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief from using the 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 each year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have sophisticated security features that make it difficult for thieves to take them. However, older cars and those without keyless entry require additional security. To protect your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or tire lock and brake lock. These devices are easy to install and make it impossible for a thief to drive your vehicle away.
It is imperative to report the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking down the thief and possibly recover your car. The police will also give you a the crime reference number which 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 will need to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will have to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This can take a few days and can be costly.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll have to pay for towing as well as any damage caused by the theft when he steals your car. It is essential to keep your car in a secure parking spot and park in areas that are well-lit. Keep your keys in a secure place and do not leave keys in the ignition.
One method used by thieves to steal modern cars is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port, which is usually located under the dashboard. The thieves are able to use this information in order to unlock the code on the key fob, and begin the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, you should install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and security.
You can also try to stop your car keys from being taken by storing them in a secure pouch. These pouches block the signal thieves use to amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also buy a device known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port in order to deactivate the car key that was stolen.