If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
If you lose your keys, it could be a stressful experience. Before you panic take a deep breath, and walk through your day to see if they're somewhere obvious, like in your pocket or the bag you pulled out of the car.
Contact your insurance company. They will usually pay for the replacement of your car keys if you immediately report the incident.
Call Your Insurance Company
The most frequent cause of car thefts is leaving keys in the vehicle. According to research that show that a car is taken every 32 seconds, costing Americans more than $8 billion every year. This statistic shows the importance of keep your keys in a secure location. It's also recommended to invest in high-quality locks and keep spare keys hidden from view.
Contact the police if you don't know where your keys are. The officers will be able to check their records and provide advice on how to protect your vehicle. They will also be able to provide you with a crime code that is needed to make a claim with an insurance company.
The next step is to determine whether it's worth submitting an insurance claim for lost keys. The decision will be based on what type of key you have and how much it will cost to replace it. Some modern cars have electronic keys or smart keys which are more expensive to replace compared to traditional turn-key ignitions.
The majority of auto insurance companies will pay for locksmiths to visit your vehicle if you've been locked out. However, they will not pay for the cost of creating the new key for you, meaning you'll have to pay out-of-pocket for that. It's important to remember that your premiums could increase if you file an insurance claim, therefore it's worth weighing the pros and cons before you do so.
If your car has an upgraded key that needs to be re-sequenced by the car's computer or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have go to your dealership to do this. This could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on your policy and car dealer. If you lose an enhanced key, you might want to make a claim if the policy provides comprehensive coverage. It's not worth it to risk your premiums increasing and do the additional work. Contact an independent agent to discuss adding the full coverage of your auto insurance.
Call the Police
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't such a big deal. You could simply call a locksmith and have a replacement key made right on the on the spot. Some cars today, however, have much more advanced ignition systems, and it could be expensive to replace your lost or stolen keys. There are two kinds of keys and ignitions available in the present: traditional turn-key ignitions as well as electronic key fobs, also known as smart keys.
The good news is that most insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost set of car keys regardless of whether it's a fob or standard key. It is important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can start looking for your keys, and to obtain a new set without having to pay out of pocket.
If your car is on public property when you lose your keys, it's crucial to inform the police immediately. That way, they can assist in stopping other people from driving around in the vehicle, and may be capable of catching them in the act. If you allow someone else to use your car and is later questioned by the police, then they could be fined or even arrested.
You should also contact your car dealer and inform them that you've lost your keys. Many dealers have access replacement keys for most types of vehicles and can usually assist you quickly. They can also rekey your lock and provide you with a key that disables the old one so that it will no longer work.
If your car keys have been stolen, it is possible that the thieves have also taken your wallet or purse. If this is the case, it's a good idea to contact your bank and credit card to determine if they have any suspicious activity on their records.
There are also several smartphone apps available that allow you to track keys that are lost or stolen. For instance, Tile and AirTag are popular choices that attach to your keys and utilize GPS technology to locate them. You can also use them to ring the car key in your vicinity or view their last known location on maps.
Contact a Locksmith
Losing your keys to your car could be a nightmare. The loss of your car keys could make it difficult to get to work or to school. If your car keys get lost, there are steps you can take to prevent the worst from occurring.
Contacting the police should be your first step. This will prevent thieves from stealing your car, or using it to enter your home. This will allow you to locate the person who took your keys to your car.
The next step is to call the locksmith. A locksmith will be able to replace your lost car key. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new key so it is crucial to have your identification and registration in hand. The locksmith will need to know both the VIN and name of the vehicle.
In the end, you should contact your insurance company. A lot of auto insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key, so it's worth checking out your policy prior to taking this step.
The theft of your car keys is not fun, but if you follow these steps to minimize the damage and avoid many headaches. Just remember to be patient and search thoroughly before giving up! If your car keys are stuck inside the ignition, do not try to take them off yourself. This could cause more harm than good.
The majority of locksmiths can create a new key even if you have an old-fashioned key. If, however, you have an electric fob or other advanced technology, the process could take longer and require a visit to the dealership. Bring proof of ownership, such as your title or registration, if that is the case. This will accelerate the process significantly. It's also likely that you'll pay less to locksmiths than at the dealership. It's better to be cautious rather than sorry.
Call Your Car Dealer
Car keys are an essential piece of equipment. Your car will not start without them. However, it isn't uncommon for thieves to steal your keys as a means of getting into your car. There are a few things you can do to stop this from occurring.
The first step is to inform the police immediately. This will allow police to track down the thief and you will get the crime reference number that you can use in the future. It is also recommended to contact your dealership, a locksmith, or a different mechanic to have your keys replaced.
You may have to take your key fob to the dealership for deactivation in the g28 car keys event that it is connected to the car's computer. If you've lost your keys in a public area like a parking garage or a retail store it will help ensure that your car won't be stolen because the thief won't have a functioning key to access it.
Some car dealerships offer services to replace keys that have been lost, based on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. Dealers are capable of removing your current keys and then attach the new key to the vehicle. This process is more complicated than simply having a professional locksmith create you a replacement key, which is why it's recommended to contact the dealer for this service.
If you notify the loss as quickly as possible the insurance company might be able to help. Additionally, some property insurance policies that include personal possessions insurance may be able to cover the cost of a brand new set of keys too.