Car Keys Stolen But Not Car Keys
There's a good chance you have lost your keys at some point. It's easy to do. You might have left them in the car or in the bag.
You can request that your key fob changed to ensure that previous owners are unable to use it to get into your vehicle. Depending on your insurance you may also be able to file an auto theft claim.
Lost Keys
Sometimes, we lose our keys at the most inconvenient times, when filling up with gas, going shopping, or rushing out of the house to get to work. Locking the keys to your car can be a recipe for disaster, as opportunistic thieves are more likely to target cars that have their owner's car key in the ignition.
If you're in this situation, don't panic! A locksmith will be able to make a new key for you. They may also be able to erase the car's "memory" so that the stolen key will not work and is a great method to keep your vehicle from being tow and repossessed.
You may be able to get keys from a car dealer or a locksmith, depending on the type you have. Generally, key fobs cost more than traditional mechanical keys, however you might be able file an insurance claim and have the cost covered, based on your policy and deductible amount.
Report the theft of your car key immediately. This not only helps the police monitor for suspicious persons in your vehicle, but it will help prevent personal items from being taken from inside the car.
Many people keep personal documents in their trunk or in the glove box. If a burglar gets your keys, they could open your car and gain access to the documents. This could lead to identity theft.
If you do end up filing an insurance claim for a lost key, make sure that you have a backup key. This can be expensive to have done, and it is best to confirm whether this service is available in your roadside assistance plan from your car insurance company before you decide to do this. In certain instances the dealer may be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement key because they have records of the security features of your vehicle. You can cut out the cost of a locksmith but save money by not having to replace your lock.
Stolen Keys
It's not unusual to leave your keys in the car. What if your car's not waiting for you when you get back? There are many vehicles with key fobs that can lock the car and then start it, but thieves can also employ more sophisticated methods. One of these is known as relay theft that involves two devices: The first one captures the signal from your key fob and the second amplifies it. This could fool your car into thinking that the key fob is near enough to turn the ignition and open the door.
It can happen regardless of whether your car is locked or not, so it's essential to keep a spare key in your boot or on your. Alternatively, you can try keeping the keys to your car in a wire bag or a Faraday cage in order to prevent the signal from being received. Some apps, like Tile and AirTag can also assist you to locate your keys if they're stolen.
You must always be sure to report any car or key theft to police. They can check CCTV footage and use ANPR technology to try to track down your vehicle. They may be able to give you information that can assist you in finding your car. For instance they can provide you with the model and model number or registration number.
Deactivating your car's keyfob is another crucial step. The manual for your car will provide instructions on how to do this, as they vary by model. You can also request your local locksmith to assist you.
If you have reported the theft to police and they have the right to work with other agencies like the DVLA to track your vehicle. They can also conduct an investigation into your credit score on your car to see if it's been used fraudulently. If so they may be able to help you get your money back.
It is worth looking into your insurance policies as well. Certain comprehensive car insurance policies will pay for the replacement of your keys. Some policies even provide an option to rent a car while the replacement is in process. Property insurance policies that cover personal possessions (such as renters or homeowners) can also cover keys that are lost.
Damaged Locks
If you have an ignition key equipped with a chip that connects with your vehicle, your keys might not even require you to physically touch the vehicle to unlock it. These keys are known as "transponder keys". They are different from conventional keys and have to be created by a locksmith who specializes in transponder keys. They cost more than regular keys, however they are also more secure.
There are a variety of ways to secure them. When you're not driving your vehicle, remove the keys from the ignition and secure it. Keep valuables hidden in your car and in a locked purse or briefcase when you are not making use of it.
If you've lost or stolen your keys, you should try to replace them as soon as you can. A reputable locksmith, dealer or expert in automotive will be able to cut you a key that will work with your car. They can also "erase" the "memory", so that the keys stolen will not be able to open your car.
If your keys were stolen, call your insurance company as quickly as you can to determine whether they have roadside assistance or a car protection plan. They may be able to send an emergency locksmith to you or they could pay to have your key fob replaced at a dealership or auto shop.
Most comprehensive insurance policies for cars will cover the cost of key replacement or locksmith however, not all policies do. You may be able add key coverage by adding an endorsement to your policy, or by purchasing a separate property insurance policy with key coverage.
If you have an extra car key, make sure to use it before thieves find it. Also, be sure to check your pockets and other places you might have place your keys (like your purse or shoes) and the usual places where they are usually discovered. It is crucial to remain calm when you lose your keys and to try to remember where you last used them.
Insurance
The extent to which your insurance policy covers stolen keys depends on the type of insurance you have. In general, comprehensive insurance will include things like a stolen car and its keys. You should verify your policy details and consult an independent agent prior to making a decision on whether you wish to claim.
Based on the policy you have depending on your policy, you could also have roadside assistance insurance that will cover key replacement. You can find your policy online, or contact the insurance company to request an exact car stolen keyless entry copy.
In the past, misplacing keys to your car was a minor issue and not much of a concern. As automobiles have advanced and so has the technology that powers them. These include smart keys that can open the doors, turn on the alarm and start the engine. Compared to old-style mechanical keys, these electronic keys can be quite expensive to replace in the event that they are lost.
If you own an electronic key, you should have an extra. This will not only save you from having to shell out for a new key, it also means that should keys do become stolen, you'll have access to your vehicle. If you lose your key, you should notify the police. This will provide you with an identity reference and aid the police to locate the culprits.
The answer to this question is typically not usually. The majority of car insurance policies won't cover keys that are stolen or lost unless you have an add-on. Your homeowner's insurance or renters policy might cover items taken from a vehicle. If you're covered by these types of policies, make sure to save receipts from the money you spent to replace your keys, as well as other items that were taken with them.
In the end, deciding if it's worth filing a claim for your keys that have been stolen or lost comes down to the amount of money it will cost and how you feel about your car insurance premium going up. In most instances, it's not worth the hassle of submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key.