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 stressed.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you determine if your car keys were stolen or lost. Next, call your insurance company. You might be able to file a claim based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. You will be issued a crime reference code that can be used to track your keys and your vehicle. Police can also give suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, for instance by using a wheellock.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Be sure to search every bag, pocket and other places where you may have keys. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or inside your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the keys or display its most recent location but only if the keys are within your phone's reach.
If you have an older key that doesn't have any fancy chips, you can replace it at the local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need visit the dealership. In this instance, it is worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
Car thefts triggered by people keeping their keys inside are on the rise and it is vital to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves can use an instrument known as relay attack which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a partner to arrive with the equipment to open the car. This is a common method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. You should always leave an extra set of keys somewhere else than in your vehicle. Also, you should never leave your insurance documents or license in your car since they 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're a complete car insurance policy owner It is essential to notify your company immediately of the keys that are missing. This will help to ensure your safety and stop other people from utilizing your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
It is stressful to lose your keys. The worst thing you'd like to happen is that someone else uses them! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to make duplicate keys for you. They can also program the replacement keys so that the keys you lost not work anymore.
It is always recommended to report any keys that are stolen immediately to the police, particularly when it was smart keys or an ordinary key ignition that is turned on. Police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer further advice on how to keep your car secure, including installing wheel locks. They might be able to provide information on where to purchase a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurer, you should make sure that you've checked your pockets and bags for keys. You can easily lose a car key if it's dropped or if your keys get tossed out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've searched everywhere and aren't able to locate them, it's probably time to contact your insurance company.
The choice to submit an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. Mechanical keys that are old-fashioned are cheap and can be repaired at a locksmith for less than your deductible. Modern keys, however, are more expensive and need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances keys for cars that are brand new can cost more than your deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company may run a credit check read more to see if there is the possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being rejected or investigated, which is why it's important to report your keys stolen as soon as you can.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is essential to remain at ease and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car keys. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and most options are cheaper than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great solution in case you lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first thing to determine is the type of key you own. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key it can be replaced easily by locksmith. These keys do not come with any special features, and they are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may require an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more sophisticated and typically installed in the key fob.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in the keys that is connected to the vehicle's computer. You'll require the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain the new key. A dealership can make a key for your car, but the cost may be higher than visiting locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you have it is a good idea to have a spare just in case. In this way, you'll be able to return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith to arrive. Additionally, you will be free of having to pay for a tow or phone for assistance on the road.
Check your pockets and other places you might not normally search for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on the floor or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave a spare key with a trusted family member, and you might even think about using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your car keys safe and easily accessible.
Get your car repaired
You have a few options if your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of your new key fob and then have your locks replaced if you don't have an extra. Or, you can purchase a key from a hardware store at a lower cost than it would cost to file an insurance claim.
Based on the model of your vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, it is possible that you will have to visit your dealer or auto dealership to get a replacement. Dealers may have to order the key chip and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing your vehicle to a dealership or other service shop that can create an entirely new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will charge you more for services already covered by your car insurance. In addition, some locksmiths have been caught using the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to trick the owner into believing that their vehicle manufacturer is sending them an email asking them to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are tricky to spot, but you can keep an eye for them by entering your code via the official website of your car manufacturer or application.
Check with your home insurance provider to find out if there's any additional coverage available for lost car keys. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers and keys for your dwelling without a minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available for all insurance companies however it's worth a look to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're able to add it to your insurance policy.