Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all are aware that you should not leave your keys in the car, but sometimes you forget. If you've made a mistake and your keys get taken however the car remains in place, here's what you need to do.
The first thing you'll want to do is contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who stumbles upon your keys doesn't use them to commit the crime.
Get a new set of keys
Losing your car keys can be stressful and risky no matter if it's because of a moment of forgetfulness or if someone steals them. You'll not only be unable get where you want to go, but you'll also have spend money and time to replace your key. The good news is it's no longer as complicated or expensive to replace the key.
Before you call your local locksmith, make sure to see if the lost car key is covered by your insurance or warranty. If it is, bring your proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They can then work with the number of your vehicle identification (commonly known as the VIN) which they will use to create a new key for your car without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the most straightforward kind of car key to replace. They can be made on-site at your local locksmith, and are often cheaper than other types of keys. If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder, or chip or chip, then you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder, a tiny chip in the car key, transmits a unique number when it is in contact with the vehicle. This is a safer way to start your car and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's more complicated than cutting a regular key.
Only the dealer can issue you a new transponder key if you lose it. This is because they keep track of every car's security system and can locate the information within their database easily.
Unless you have an extra key, it's recommended to call your dealer immediately. You might be able to get a new one on the spot or they might need to wait until a replacement is available. It may take a few weeks, but it is still less expensive than hiring locksmith. It's also more convenient than trying to find the keys you lost elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to lose focus and forget to leave your phone, wallet or key in your vehicle. The first thing you need to do if you suspect this has happened is to contact the police. It may seem as a waste of your time, but it could aid law enforcement in locating your item stolen. The police will request details regarding the incident including the name of the perpetrator and any other items they might have found in the vehicle.
It might be an excellent idea to include any other items you might have on you at the time of the theft, including your license or credit cards. In certain instances in the event that the items are discovered in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
Once you've reported the theft to the police, you should contact your insurance company to file an insurance claim. Based on the type of coverage you have, your insurer may cover the cost of replacing your keys. You will also be advised to install an anti-theft device to your car, such as a lock or immobilizer to stop thieves from stealing it in the future.
You should also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will change the car's registration and title information to indicate that it's been stolen. This will stop anyone else from driving your vehicle in violation of the law and running red lights, parking tickets or committing other crimes using it.
In certain situations you may be able to obtain additional protection for items that are stolen in your vehicle by adding an insurance plan for property protection to your car insurance policy. This will protect you from the financial burdens of items like phones, laptops or other valuables that might have in your vehicle. Find out if this coverage is provided by your insurance provider by speaking to an agent or going to their website. You can also ask your agent for other options to increase the security of your vehicle. For example, you can install an alarm system and then hide an extra set of keys away from your vehicle or at home.
Track your keys with an app for your smartphone
A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. You could just make a duplicate key and you were good to go. However, modern vehicles require a more sophisticated set of technology to function. In the process, the cost to replace keys to cars that have been stolen or lost has risen dramatically.
There are two kinds of keys for cars. The first is the electronic key fob. The second is the traditional key ignition that is turned on by a turn. A majority of cars today use electronic key fobs, however a fair number still have standard ignitions that require a turning of the key to start the car.
One way to keep from worrying about your car keys while you're traveling is to buy a key tracker and attach it to your vehicle. There are a myriad of devices on the market, but the most effective ones include:
Connect the device to your smartphone to use it. Then, when you're out and about the app can help you find your car keys by making the sound of their location on the map. You can also share the device with your friends and family members so that they can assist you in finding your keys.
You may be able to file an insurance claim for your keys stolen or lost from your car, depending on the kind of policy you've purchased and the details of your specific situation. For instance, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance and policies, check here they may provide for the cost of replacing your lost keys.
You should also check with your home insurance company to see whether they offer similar services. If you have reported your car keys as lost or stolen promptly they might be able to reimburse you the cost of replacing them.
If your keys to your car are missing, it's crucial to remain calm and think of a solution. Contact the police as quickly as possible to avoid any additional problems. They will give you tips on how to protect your vehicle and give you a crime reference number. They may also be able to issue you with a new set of keys immediately.
Call for a locksmith
In the past, losing your keys to your car was only an inconvenience. The only issue you faced was that in the event that you lost your car keys, it would be impossible to enter the vehicle. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys, and are now more expensive to replace if stolen. This means it's essential to always have a backup key, and to keep your keys and car secured.
Check if your personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. If it does, you could be in a position to avoid the cost of a locksmith for your vehicle, and could be able to save a few dollars.
Another thing you must do after your keys are lost is to report them to police. The police will then be able to provide you with more information on how to safeguard your car from theft, like using a lock, and will also give you a crime code that they can use to locate the person responsible for the theft.
It is a good thing to locate a locksmith who is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths can create new keys for different types of vehicles, while others are able to repair or replace older vehicles that use conventional turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide vehicle registration details and other details to get a new car key made, but this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will then utilize computers to verify the details of your vehicle and make a new key for you.
It's also worth considering getting the keys to your car reprogrammed to ensure that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a simple service that can be done at a locksmith, or even the dealership. It's a great way to safeguard yourself from the possibility of your vehicle being stolen after you have bought it second-hand.