What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your
car keys stolen from house and car stolen keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not panic.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help to determine if your car keys are actually stolen or just lost. Contact your insurance company. You may be able make an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. This will give you an identity number which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. The police may also be able to offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, for instance the use of a wheel lock.
Next, you need to find the keys. Be sure to search every pocket, bag, and other places you might have keys in. Also, be sure to look in places that you wouldn't normally go, such as under the seat or inside your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or display its last known location, but only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can find a replacement at your local locksmith. If you own an electronic or remote-controlled key, you'll need to visit the dealership. It is a good idea to see if your insurance covers the cost of a replacement lock and key.
Car thefts that are caused by keeping their keys inside are on the rise and it is crucial to keep them safe at all times. Thieves can use the relay attack to copy the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for an accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment to unlock the vehicle. This is a popular method of stealing cars in large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep a spare set of keys somewhere other than inside your car. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance cards or license in your car as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, be sure to call your insurer and the police as soon as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive car insurance policy owner it is crucial to inform your company right away about the missing keys. This will help ensure your safety and stop others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will cover the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
It can be extremely stressful to lose your car keys and car keys, the last thing you want is for someone else to have them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They can also program the keys to ensure that your stolen pair will no longer work.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as soon as you can is always an ideal idea, particularly in the case of smart keys. The police will be able to provide you with a crime reference number and provide additional advice on making sure your car is secure, such as installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They might be able to give you advice on where to buy keys to replace.
Before contacting your insurance company, you should make sure that you've checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it in a place or you reach inside your bag to grab something and take your keys from it. If you've looked everywhere but you're still unable to find them, it's probably time to call your insurance company.
The decision on whether to submit an insurance claim following the loss of a
my car keys were stolen key is based on the type of key you own and the deductible you have. Most old-style mechanical keys are not expensive and can be repaired at the locksmith for less than your deductible. The latest keys, however are more expensive and need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases keys for cars that are brand new can exceed your insurance deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company could run a credit check to see if there is the possibility of fraud. This can result in your claim being denied or even a probe. It is therefore crucial to immediately report your keys as soon as you find them.
Purchase a new set of keys
If you lose your car keys, it is essential to stay calm and think through what you're going to do. There are a variety of ways to get a new set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you think. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This is a great option in case you lose your car keys often. You can find these kinds of devices online or at the majority of electronics stores.
The first step is to determine
what to do if car key is stolen type of key you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key it can be replaced easily by locksmith. The keys aren't equipped with any extra features, and can only be used to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you have a transponder key, one of the more advanced types of key that is typically installed inside the key fob or key chain, you might need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain an replacement.
The majority of vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip in their keys that is tied to the computer of the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain an additional key. A dealership could make keys for your vehicle however, the cost could be higher than visiting a locksmith.
No matter what type of key you own, it is always a good idea to have an extra in case. You will be able get back on the roads without waiting for locksmith. You'll also be in a position to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places you might not typically look for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on the floor or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave an extra key with a family member or trusted friend. If you want to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of ways to go about it if keys to your car have been stolen. You can file an insurance claim to cover the cost of your new key fob and then have your locks replaced if you do not have a spare. Or, you can purchase a key from a hardware shop for a fraction of the price the cost of filing an insurance claim.
You may have to go to your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your vehicle has an electronic fob or a traditional turn-key ignition. The dealer will likely have to purchase a new key chip and pair it with your vehicle, which could be expensive. However, your roadside assistance coverage may pay for towing the car to a dealership or other service shop that can make the new key, according to Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths as there are scam artists who try to charge you for services that your
car keys stolen from house and car stolen insurance or dealer already covers. There are also those who have been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking them to reset their code. These scams are difficult to detect however, you can stay clear of them by entering your code only on the website or app of the manufacturer.
While you're there, you should check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if they provide any additional coverage for lost car keys. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys without a minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurance companies. It's worth to determine if the current provider provides it or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.