What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it can be very frustrating. It's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
First, retrace the steps you've taken. This will help you determine if the keys to your car have been stolen or simply misplaced. Contact your insurance company. You may be able make an insurance claim based on the situation.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. This will provide you with an identity number which you can use to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police may also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, such as the use of an ignition lock for your wheel.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other places they may be. Check places you might not typically look, such as under the seat or your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show its last known location however only if your keys are within your phone's reach.
If you have an older key that doesn't have any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at your local locksmith. If you have a remote or smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership. It is a good idea to see if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen due to people leaving keys in the vehicle is increasing. It is essential to keep your keys secure throughout the day. Thieves can employ a device known as a relay attack to replicate the signal of the key fob of a car, then wait for an accomplice to arrive with a piece of equipment to allow the vehicle to be opened. This is a very common method of car theft in cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key outside of your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance documents or license in your vehicle, as these are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company and the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive car insurance, it is important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the keys missing. This will help ensure your safety and also stop others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith, or even the dealer of your car to create a new set keys.
It's stressful to lose your keys. The last thing you want to happen is that someone else uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They can also program the keys to ensure that the keys you lost not work anymore.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as soon as you can is always a good idea, especially when they are an electronic key. Police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer further advice on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might be able to offer suggestions on where to buy an additional key.
You should examine your bags and pockets thoroughly before making contact with your insurance company. You can easily lose keys to your car if they are lost more info or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've tried everything and aren't able to locate them, it's probably time to call your insurance company.
The decision to submit an insurance claim following losing a car keys depends on the type of key you own and the deductible you have. The majority of older mechanical car keys are inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for the cost of less than the insurance deductible. The latest keys, however are more expensive and have to be purchased directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In certain instances the cost of a new key may surpass your limit on deductible.
It's also important to note that if you have significant debt, an insurance company might run a credit check to determine if there's a possibility of fraud. This could result in your claim being denied or even a probe. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately report your keys as soon as you discover them.
Get a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it's important to remain at peace and contemplate what you can do next. There are several ways to obtain a new set of keys, and most options are cheaper than you would think. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This is particularly helpful when you lose your car keys often. You can find these types of devices online or in the majority of electronics stores.
The first step is to identify the kind of key you own. If you have an older mechanical or traditional key, it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. These types of keys do not have special features or chips, and are used only to unlock and lock the vehicle. You may require an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more sophisticated and usually installed in the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles produced after 1990 are fitted with a chip inside the key that connects to the vehicle's computers. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to get an additional key. A dealership can create keys for your car however the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you own it is important to have a spare in the event that you lose one. You will be able return to your vehicle without having to wait around for a locksmith. You will also be free of the cost of tows and call roadside assistance.
Examine your pockets and other places where you may not usually look for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can leave an extra key with a trusted friend or family member, and you could even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your keys in the car safe and easy to locate.
Get your car repaired
You have a few options if your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance to pay for the new key fob and have your locks changed if you do not have a spare. You can also purchase the key from a hardware store at a lower cost than it would cost to file an claim.
You may have to go to your dealer to change the key, based on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a traditional turn-key ignition. The dealer may need to order the key chip and then pair it up with your vehicle. This could be costly. However, your roadside assistance coverage might cover towing the car to a dealership or other service shop that can create the new key, according to Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, because there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your car insurance or dealer already covers. Additionally, some people have been known to use the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to trick the owner into believing that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are tricky to spot however, you can watch for them by entering your code through the website of the manufacturer or app.
Check with your home insurance provider to see if there is any additional insurance coverage available for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance for instance, covers keys to your garage and for dwelling openers without a deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurance companies however, so it's worth checking to see if this coverage is available by your current insurer or whether you might be eligible to add it to your insurance policy.