What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it can be a very stressful experience. It's crucial to keep calm and not get stressed.
Then, go back to the steps you took. This will help determine if your car keys are actually stolen or just misplaced. Contact your insurance company. You may be able make an insurance claim depending on the situation.
Report the theft to the police
The first thing to do if your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. This will give you an identity number which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. The police may also offer suggestions on how to protect your vehicle, for instance the use of a wheel lock.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other places you might have keys. Check places you might not usually look like under the seat or 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 however only if your keys are within your phone's reach.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys that do not have fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at the local locksmith. However, if you have a smart key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealership to get one. In this instance it is worthwhile to check your insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.
Car thefts that are caused by keeping their keys inside are increasing, and it is essential to ensure they are secure at all times. Thieves can use a device called a relay attack to copy the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for a accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment that will open the vehicle. This is a typical method of car theft in large cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep a spare set of keys in a different location than in your vehicle. Never leave your insurance or license in your vehicle, as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to contact your insurance company and the police as quickly as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy holder it is crucial to inform your company right away about the keys that are missing. This will help keep you secure and will stop others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys but the last thing you want is for someone else to take them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to design a duplicate key. They'll also be capable of programming the new key so that your stolen pair no longer works.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as quickly as you can is always an ideal idea, particularly in the case of a smart key. The police will be able to give you a crime reference number and provide additional advice on protecting your vehicle including installing the wheel lock. They may be able to provide advice on where to buy keys to replace.
You should check your bags and pockets thoroughly before contacting your insurance company. It's possible to lose keys to your car if they are lost or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you reach in to take something. If you've searched for a while and are unable to locate your keys, it is time to call your insurance provider.
The decision to file an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical car keys are inexpensive, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for an expense less than your insurance deductible. Modern keys, however, are more costly and require to be purchased directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In certain instances, the price of a new key may exceed your tax deductible.
You should also be website aware that insurance companies might run a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This could lead to your claim being denied, or even a probe. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately report your keys as soon as you find them.
Buy a new set keys
If you have lost your car keys, it's important to remain at peace and contemplate what you're going to do. There are several options to replace your set of keys. The majority options are cheaper than you would think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great option for those who lose their car keys often. These devices can be found on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first step is to determine what kind of key you own. If you have an older traditional or mechanical key it can be replaced easily by a locksmith. The keys aren't equipped with any extra features, and are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more advanced and typically installed in the key fob.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in the keys that is connected to the computer in the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your car to get a new key. A dealership can create keys for your vehicle however the cost may be higher than going to locksmith.
Regardless of what type of car key you have regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in the event that you lose one. You will be able return to the road without waiting for a locksmith. Additionally, you will be able to avoid paying for tows and calling roadside assistance.
It is important to check the pockets of all your clothes before leaving and to check places that you don't typically look for a key such as in your shoes if you are wearing them or in the fridge if were drinking a beer. You could also leave a spare key with a family member or trusted friend. If you wish to keep your keys in a safe place and easy to locate, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of alternatives if your car keys are stolen. You could file an insurance claim to cover the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car's locks changed if you do not have a spare or you can buy the new key from hardware stores for less than what it would cost you to make an insurance claim.
You may have to go to your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a conventional turn-key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase the key chip and then pair it to your vehicle. This could be costly. According to Reina, your roadside coverage may cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a dealer or another service shop where a new key can be made.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, as there are scam artists who try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealer already covers. Some locksmiths have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car's manufacturer sent them a message requesting them to reset their code. These scams are hard to detect however you can stay clear of them by entering your code only on the app or website of the car manufacturer.
While you're there, you should check with your home insurance company to determine if they provide any additional coverage for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance, for instance, offers coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers, without requiring for a deductible. The coverage isn't available to all insurers however it's worth a look to see if it's available by your current provider or whether you might be capable of adding it to your insurance policy.