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 cars use electronic keys, but some still have the old fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. It also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if someone discovers it and then uses it for a period of time.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys is stolen is to contact the police. They can assist you with the creation of a report and will notify you when they locate your car key or is willing to surrender it. You must report it promptly because if you put off, someone could use your vehicle without permission. This could lead to fines from the city.
You may also get some tips from the police on how to keep your car secure. You'll also get an incident reference number which you can use to track the case. This will be important if you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.
If you have a spare car key make sure that you have it in your possession. Sometimes, keys are kept in accessible places, such as your purse or wallet, or they might be with friends or family members. You can also inquire with your local dealer to see if it can reprogram the factory key fob.
Check all the places you think your car key might be. If possible, ask your friends or family to check too. You can also contact local libraries or restaurants to inquire if any keys have been discovered. It's common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it's important to check the obvious areas first before moving on to less obvious ones.
Even if you have an extra key, it's important to notify the police of the theft. This will deter any person from trying to steal your car, and could assist them in finding your key. The police may provide tips on how to secure your vehicle, which includes using a wheellock.
In certain cases you might to learn from the police that your car keys were returned to a police station. You can then pick up your car keys at the police station. This process is more difficult if you own an automobile that has an electronic key fob.
2. Contact a locksmith
A stolen car key can be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was lost, left somewhere else and forgotten, or stolen by someone who was just looking for a way to take your car, it can be a devastating experience. The first step is to contact the police and let them know that your car keys are missing. This will let them keep an eye on keys and assist you to gain possession of your car in the event it gets stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith that you need to call depends on the model of vehicle you own. If your car is equipped with an ignition and key that is mechanical the locksmith will replace your current key. If, however, your vehicle has a key fob or is an older model that uses a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will have to be able to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also need to verify your ownership of the car by presenting proof such as a registration or title.
In some instances, the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and prevent the key from working again in the future. This will usually require you to bring your vehicle to the dealer. In this scenario, you'll need to either have a spare key or be prepared to pay a large amount for the service.
Check your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. This coverage is covered in many policies, and is an excellent way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.
Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive with care and take the appropriate precautions, your car is less likely to be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Reporting the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will assist in tracking down the thief and provide you with peace of mind. It will also protect you from identity theft. Thieves often search social media for detailed information about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal information. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you discover it missing can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact here conditions and terms may differ and it is recommended to contact your insurance provider to discuss the specifics of your coverage. Some companies might offer additional benefits, such as free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
If the keys to your car are not in the ignition, you will have to go to your dealer or automaker to have a new set made. This involves removing the old keys and programming new ones for the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys, it could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
The thieves could attempt to drive the car following the theft of the keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like broken doors and windows. It is also likely that the person who stole your keys could be penalized for driving without a license or for violating traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damage caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.
It is essential to confirm that the keys are missing after submitting the loss report. This will stop you from making false claims and getting charged extra. Begin by looking in your pockets, bags and other places where you keep your keys. After that, go back and think about your day and what you might have done to cause the keys to disappear. For instance, did you put them on your car's table after you returned from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while reaching in your purse to take out your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief from using the keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and to commit additional crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of vehicles is a huge problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Fortunately, modern cars have sophisticated security features that make it hard for thieves to steal them. Older vehicles and those with keyless entry need additional protection. Consider a steering lock or brake and tire locks to guard your car from theft. These devices are simple to install and make it impossible to drive away your car.
If your car keys are stolen, it's crucial to immediately report the theft to the police. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and hopefully recover your car. The police will provide you with the number of the crime which your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership for your car's manufacturer and have a new set of key fobs created. You will have to scan your existing keys and then program your new ones on the vehicle's computer. This can take a few days and can be costly.
In addition to the cost of the new key, you will need to pay for towing costs and any damage caused by the theft who stole your car. Make sure your car is in an area that is well-lit and in an area that is secure. Keep your keys in a secure location and don't leave them in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal modern vehicles is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically located beneath the dashboard. The thieves could use this information to obtain the code for the key fob, and begin the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." To prevent this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and guards.
You can also try to prevent your car keys from being taken by storing them in a secure pouch. These pouches block signals that thieves make use of to amplify their signal using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You could also purchase the device referred to as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port to deactivate the stolen car key.