What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not get overwhelmed.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help you determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or lost. The next step is to contact your insurance company. You may be able submit an insurance claim based on the situation.
Report the theft to police
The report of the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. You will receive a crime reference code that you can use to track your keys and vehicle. The police can also offer advice on how to protect your vehicle, such as by using a wheellock.
The next step is to find the keys. Be sure to search every bag, pocket and other places you might have them. Also, make sure you look in places that you wouldn't normally go, such as underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location on a map, but they only work when the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it with a locksmith in your neighborhood. If, however, you have a smart key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealership to purchase. In this case it is worthwhile to check your insurance policy to determine whether they will cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
Car thefts triggered by people who leave their keys in their car are on the rise and it is crucial to ensure their security at all times. Thieves can use the relay attack to replicate the signal of the key fob of a car, then wait for a accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment that will unlock the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance cards or your license in your car, as these are essential 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 have comprehensive insurance on your car it is essential to inform your company immediately about the missing keys. This will ensure your safety and stop other people from using your vehicle. The majority of insurance policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith or even the car dealer to create a new set keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys but the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to use keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be in a position to program the replacement key so that your stolen pair no longer works.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as soon as you can is recommended, especially in the case of smart keys. The police will provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about keeping your car secure by installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They may be able to give you suggestions on where to buy an additional key.
You should check your pockets and bags thoroughly before calling your insurance company. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it somewhere else or you reach inside your bag to grab something only to take your keys from it. If you've searched everywhere and aren't able to locate keys, it's time to contact your insurance company.
The choice to make an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key used and the amount of your deductible. Most old-style mechanical keys are not expensive and can be replaced at locksmiths for less than your deductible. However, modern keys are generally more expensive and must be ordered from the manufacturer or dealership. In certain instances, the price of a new key may exceed your deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company may run a credit check to see if there is the possibility of fraud. This can result in your claim being denied, or even investigated. It's therefore important to report your keys as soon when you notice them.
Find a new set keys
When you lose your car keys, it is crucial to remain calm and think through what you can do next. There are a variety of options to replace your set of keys, and most options are cheaper than you might expect. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is particularly useful if you tend to lose your car keys frequently. These devices can be found online or in most electronics stores.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of key that you have. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key you can easily replace it by a locksmith. These keys do not come with any unique features, and they are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. If you have a transponder key, an advanced version of key that is typically placed inside the key fob or key chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to purchase a replacement.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in the keys that is connected to the computer of the vehicle. You'll need the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain an additional key. A dealership can make keys for your vehicle however the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you own it is recommended to keep an extra in case. This way, you will be able to get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith's arrival. Additionally, you will be able to avoid paying for tows and calling roadside assistance.
Examine your pockets and other places where you may not normally look for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on the floor or in the refrigerator when you've consumed a beer. You could leave keys with a trusted friend or family member, and you can even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your keys in the car safe and easy to find.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of ways to go about it if keys to your car are stolen. You can file an insurance claim to cover the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car locks changed if you don't have a spare, or you can purchase an alternative key from hardware stores for less than what it would cost to file an insurance claim.
It is possible to go to your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a conventional key ignition. The dealer might need to purchase a key chip and pair it with your vehicle. This could be costly. According to Reina the roadside insurance may pay for transporting your vehicle to a dealer or other service shop where a new key read more can be made.
Locksmiths are scammers who will overcharge for services already covered by your auto insurance. Additionally, some people have been caught using the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into believing that the vehicle manufacturer is sending them a message asking them to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are difficult to detect however you can stay clear of them by entering your code only via the app or website of the manufacturer.
While you're there, you should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to see if they have any additional protection for keys to your car that are lost. American Family's home insurance for example, provides coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers, without requiring the minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurers. However, it's worth to determine if the current provider provides it or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.