Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved along with the development of automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic key fobs, and a few still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. If someone steals your car keys and then uses them for a long period of time, it could make you vulnerable to unauthorised access.
1. Call the police
The first thing you need to do if your car key is stolen is to notify the police. They can assist you in preparing an investigation and will let you know when they locate your key or if someone turns it in. It is best to take action immediately because if you put off you could let someone else use your car without permission. This can lead to fines from the municipality.
The police might also be able to offer you advice on keeping your vehicle safe and secure. They will also provide you with the crime reference number can be used to track your case. This is essential if are planning to file a claim with your insurance company for the theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys with you. Keys can be hidden in places that are easy to reach, such as your purse or wallet or even with your family or friends. It's also worth checking with your local dealership for cars to determine if they are able to reprogram your key fob from the factory and provide you a new one.
Check for any possible places in which you may have lost your car keys. Ask friends or family members to check too if possible. You can also contact local restaurants or libraries and inquire if keys have been discovered. It is normal for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious places first before proceeding to more obscure ones.
Even if you have an extra key, it is still important to contact the police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from trying your car and might even assist them in finding your key. The police may be able to provide you advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.
In certain cases you might learn from the police that your car keys were returned to the police station. Then, you can retrieve your car key at the police station. The process can be more difficult if your vehicle is a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Call an expert locksmith
Car keys stolen are an extremely stressful and frustrating event. It doesn't matter whether it was stolen, lost, or left in another location. Contact the police to inform them know your keys to your car are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye out for the key, and assist you get back control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to get in touch with an locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the kind of vehicle you own. If your car comes with an electronic ignition and a mechanical key the locksmith can replace the key you have. If, however, your vehicle is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that has a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith also needs to verify your ownership of the car by presenting evidence such as a registration or title.
In certain instances locksmiths may be able to erase the car's "memory" of the stolen key and prevent it from working again. This is usually a requirement to take your vehicle to the dealer. You'll either require a spare, or be willing to pay a significant amount of money for this service.
It is also an excellent idea to review your home insurance policy to see if they cover car keys being stolen or lost. Many policies provide this protection, and it can be a very useful option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are a common occurrence. If you drive with care and take the necessary precautions, your vehicle is less likely to be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's important to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help to track the perpetrator and provide you with peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. Thieves will often browse social media to find detailed details about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal information. Notifying a lost car key immediately can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact terms read more and conditions vary, so it's best to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your policy. Some companies may offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or rental car coverage.
You will need to go to your automaker or dealer to order a replacement set if your keys for your car are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the existing keys and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys, it could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
The thieves might try to drive the car after taking the keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like broken doors and windows. It's also likely that the thief will be punished for driving without a license or ignoring traffic laws. If you report the loss of your keys in the early stage your insurance company will pay for any damages caused by this crime.
It is crucial to confirm the keys are indeed missing after reporting their loss. This will prevent you from making false claims and getting charged extra. Begin by looking through every pocket, bag, and other places that you usually keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day and think about what you could have done that might have resulted in them being lost. Did you, for example, put them on the table in your car after you returned from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to get your phone?
It's a good idea to call the police if you discover your keys. This will stop thieves from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit further criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a huge problem. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion every year. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it difficult for thieves to take them. Older cars and those that have keyless entry require extra protection. Consider installing a steering lock, or brake and tire locks to safeguard your vehicle from theft. These locks are easy to install and make it impossible for thieves to drive your car away.
If your car keys have been stolen, it's important to immediately report the theft to the police. This will help them track down the thief and possibly recover your vehicle. The police will also provide you with an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and have a new set of key fobs created. It is necessary to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed by your car's computer. This process may take several days, and will cost you money.
In addition to the cost of a new key, you'll need to pay for towing costs and any damage caused by the theft while driving off with your vehicle. Make sure that your car is in a place that is well-lit and in a secure parking lot. Also, keep your keys in a safe place and don't leave keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves can steal modern vehicles. They can then utilize this information to figure out the code for your key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." To stop this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and security.
You can also prevent your car keys from being stolen by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches block the signal that thieves are able to amplify using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You could also purchase a device known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port in order to deactivate a stolen car key.