Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the advancement of automobiles. Today, most autos use electronic keys, but some still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. If someone finds your car keys and uses them for a certain period of time, it can make you vulnerable to unauthorised access.
1. Call the police
Notifying the police is the first step you should do if you suspect that your car key has been taken. You can create a police report, and they will let you know when the key is returned. You must report it immediately, as if you wait, someone could use your vehicle without permission. This could result in fines from the city.
You could also receive tips from the police regarding how to keep your car safe. They will also provide you with the crime reference number you can use to track your case. This is essential if would like to submit a claim to your insurance company in the event of theft.
If you have an extra car key, ensure that you keep it in your possession. These keys can be hidden in places that are easy to access like your purse or wallet, or in the hands of family or friends. It is also worth contacting your local car dealership to determine if they are able to reprogram your factory key fob and give you a new one.
Check all the places you believe your car key could be. Ask friends or family members to look it up if they can. You could also contact local libraries or restaurants to see if they have found any lost keys. A lot of people forget where they put their keys, so it's important to double-check the obvious places before you start exploring other locations.
Even even if you have a spare key, it's not a bad idea to call the police to inform them of the theft. This will deter any person from trying to steal your car and might even help them find your key. The police might also be able to give you advice on protecting your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.
In some instances, the police might be able to inform you that your car keys has been returned to the police station. Then, you can retrieve your car key at the police station. The process could be more difficult if you have an automobile that has an electronic key fob.
2. Call for a locksmith
A car key stolen can be a very painful and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it in another location. Call the police to let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will let them keep an eye out for the key and help you get your car back in the event that it is stolen.
The next step is to call a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you need to call depends on the kind of car you own. If your car comes with an electronic ignition and a mechanical key, the locksmith can simply replace the key you have. If your vehicle is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob the locksmith should have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the dashboard or key display). The locksmith also needs to verify the ownership of the vehicle by providing proof like a registration 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. However, this will typically require you to bring the car to the dealer to be able to do this. In this instance you'll have to have a spare key, or be prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
Examine your insurance policy for home to see if it covers car key theft and loss. This coverage is provided in a lot of policies, and can be a great way to cover the cost of replacing keys and lock replacements.
Keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you are a diligent driver and take the right precautions there is a lower chance that your car is stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
The reporting of the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will help track the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. It also helps protect you from identity theft. Thieves will often search social media for detailed information about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal information. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you discover it missing could prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions can vary and you should consult your insurance provider to discuss your policy. Certain companies offer additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.
You'll need go to your automaker or dealer to order a new set if your keys for your car are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys you have, 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 could result in costly damage, such as damaged doors and windows. It's also likely that the thief is fined for driving without a license or violating traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys in the early stage the insurance company will cover any damage caused by this crime.
After you've reported the loss of your car keys, it's crucial to make sure they actually are missing. This will prevent you from making a false report and incurring additional charges. Start by searching your bag, pocket and other places where you typically keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day to consider what you did that could have led to them being lost. For instance, did you put them on the table in your how do keyless cars get stolen car after you returned from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you reached into your purse to grab your phone?
If you discover your car keys, it's recommended to call the police. This will stop thieves 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 massive problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Thankfully, modern cars come with sophisticated security features that make it difficult for thieves to steal them. Older cars and models with keyless entry need additional protection. To guard your car from theft, consider getting a steering wheel lock or a tire lock and brake lock. These devices are simple to install and make it difficult to steal your car.
It is crucial to inform the police about the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track the culprit and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your car's manufacturer and get a new set of key fobs made. You'll need to scan your current keys and then program the new ones using the vehicle's computer. This can take a few days and will be expensive.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you will have to pay for towing as well as any damage caused by the thief when he steals your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a secure parking area and park in areas that are well-lit. Also, keep your keys in a safe location and don't put them in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves can steal modern vehicles. They can then use this information to find out the code for your key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure space with security cameras and guards.
You can also prevent your car keys from being stolen by keeping them in a bag that is screened. These pouches block the signal that thieves can amplify with equipment called "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to deactivate a stolen key.