What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. But, it's essential to remain calm and not be overwhelmed.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will help to determine if the keys to your car were stolen or misplaced. Contact your insurance provider. You might be able to file a claim based on the circumstances.
Inform the police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. This will provide you with an identity number which can be used to track the keys and your vehicle. The police might also be able to provide tips on protecting your vehicle, including using the wheel lock.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Check every pocket, bag and other possible locations where they may be. Also, make sure to check places you would not normally look, like under the seat or in your shoes. You can also make use of an app to locate your keys like Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map however, they only work if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have an older key that doesn't have any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at your local locksmith. If, however, you have an electronic key or remote start, you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase one. It is worth checking to see if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave keys in their car is increasing. It is important to ensure your keys are safe at all time. Thieves may use a device known as a relay attack to copy the signal from the key fob of a car, then wait for a accomplice to arrive with another piece of equipment to unlock the vehicle. This is a typical method of taking cars from large cities where thieves are able to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key somewhere other than inside your car. Don't leave your license or insurance card in your car, as 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 have comprehensive car insurance, it is important to inform your company immediately about the lost keys. This will help to keep you safe and prevent other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
Although it can be very stressful to lose your car keys, the most important thing you want is for someone else to use the keys! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith right away and ask them to create an identical key for you. They can also program the replacement keys so that the keys you lost be ineffective.
It is recommended to report any keys that are stolen as soon as possible to the police, especially if it was smart keys or a standard key ignition that is turned on. The police will be able to provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about making sure your car is secure including installing an ignition lock for your wheel. They might also give you advice on where to buy a replacement key.
You should check your pockets and bags thoroughly before contacting your insurance company. It's easy to lose keys to your car if they are dropped or if the keys are knocked out of your bag when you go to grab something. If you've searched but still cannot find your keys, it is time to contact your insurer.
The decision on whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car key depends on the kind of key you have and your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical keys for cars are cheap, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith at a cost less than the insurance deductible. However, newer keys are generally more expensive and must be ordered from the manufacturer or dealership. In certain instances the cost of a new key can exceed your tax deductible.
It's also important to note that if you're in a position to incur significant debt an insurance company could conduct a credit check to determine if there's a possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being rejected, or even a probe. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately report your keys as soon as you discover them.
Buy a new set keys
When you lose your car keys, it's important to remain calm and think about what you're going to do. There are many options to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This is a great choice for those who lose their car keys frequently. These devices are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first thing you need to determine is the type of key you have. If you have an older mechanical or traditional key, you can easily replace it by a locksmith. These types of keys don't have any special features or chips, and can only be used to secure and unlock your vehicle. read more You may have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to replace a transponder, a key that is more advanced and is usually inserted into the key fob.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in their keys that connects to the vehicle's computer. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain an additional key. A dealership may also create an original key for your vehicle, but it might cost more than calling locksmith.
Whatever type of car key you own, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. You will be able get back on the roads without waiting for a locksmith. Additionally, you'll be able to avoid having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.
It is important to look through the pockets of your clothes before you leave and also to look in places where that you don't typically look for keys, like in the shoes if you're wearing them or in the fridge if have had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
You have a few options if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to cover the cost of your new key fob, and also have your locks replaced if you do not have a spare. You can also purchase keys from a hardware shop for a fraction of the price it would cost to file an insurance claim.
Depending on the type of vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your auto dealer or dealer to obtain a replacement. The dealer may need to order an electronic key chip and link it up with your vehicle. This can be expensive. However, your roadside assistance coverage could cover towing your vehicle to a dealership or service shop that can create a new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers and will charge you more for services already covered by your auto insurance. In addition, some locksmiths have been known to employ an approach known as "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into believing that the car manufacturer is sending them a message asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are tricky to spot, but you can look out for them by only entering your code on the car manufacturer's website or application.
While you're at it you should also contact your home insurance company to see if they offer any additional insurance for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance, as an instance, covers keys to your garage and for dwelling openers, without requiring for a deductible. This coverage isn't offered by all insurers, but it's worth checking to see if this coverage is available by your current provider or if you're capable of adding it to your insurance policy.