What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
When you lose your car keys, it could be a very stressful experience. It's important to stay calm and not get stressed.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will allow you to determine whether your car keys have been stolen or lost. The next step is to contact your insurance company. You may be able submit an insurance claim based on the situation.
Report the theft to police
The first thing you need to do if your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. You will receive a reference code that can be used to track your keys and vehicle. Police can also give tips on how to safeguard your vehicle, such as using a wheel lock.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Make sure you check every bag, pocket and other places you might have keys in. Look for places that you may not normally look, like underneath the seat or your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring the key or display its last known location however only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily find a replacement at the local locksmith. If you have a remote or smart key, you'll need to visit the dealership. It is worth checking to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
The number of car thefts that occur because people leave keys in their vehicle is increasing. It is essential to keep your keys secure throughout the day. Thieves can use the relay attack to copy the signal from a car's key fob, then wait for a accomplice to arrive with another device that can allow the vehicle to be opened. This is a typical method of stealing cars in large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. Always leave an extra set of keys somewhere else than in your vehicle. Don't leave your license or insurance card in your car, as they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to notify your insurance company and the police as quickly as possible.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy holder, it's important to notify your company immediately of the keys that are missing. This will help ensure your safety and stop other people from utilizing your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a locksmith or dealer to make new keys.
It's a stressful experience to lose your keys. The last thing you want to happen is that someone else uses them! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to design a duplicate key. They can also program the keys to ensure that the key you stole will not work anymore.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as quickly as you can is always recommended, especially when they are a smart key. The police will give you an incident reference number and give you additional tips on protecting your vehicle including installing the wheel lock. They might be able to offer advice on where to buy an additional key.
Before contacting your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your bags and pockets for keys. It's easy to lose keys if you place it somewhere else or you reach in your bag to grab something and take your keys from it. If you've looked everywhere but still can't find them, it's probably time to contact your insurance company.
The decision to file an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key you have and your deductible amount. Mechanical keys that are old-fashioned are not expensive and can be replaced at locksmiths for less than your deductible. Modern keys, however, are more expensive and need to be purchased directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases keys for cars that are brand new can exceed your insurance deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you have significant debt, an insurance company might run a credit check to see if there is a possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being denied, or even being investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to report your keys as soon as you find them.
Find a new set keys
It is important to stay at ease and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car key. There are a variety of options to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also utilize a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This is a great choice for those who lose their car keys often. You can find these types of devices online or in the majority of electronics stores.
The first step is to identify the type of key you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key, you can replace it easily by locksmith. These types of keys do not contain any special features or chips and are used only to lock and unlock the vehicle. If you have a transponder key, an advanced version of key, which is usually installed in the key fob or key chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to obtain an alternative.
The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip in their keys that is tied to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you will require the VIN number for your car in order to make a new key. A dealership may also read more create a new key for your vehicle, however it may cost more than calling a locksmith.
Whatever kind of key you have it is a good idea to have an extra in case. This way, you'll be able to immediately get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. In addition, you will be free of having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.
It is essential to examine the pockets of all your clothes before leaving and to check places you wouldn't normally search for keys for example, in your shoes if you are wearing them or in the fridge if you have had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you wish to keep your car keys safe and easily accessible, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a variety of alternatives if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car locks changed if you do not have a spare or you can purchase a new key at an hardware store for less than what it would cost to make an insurance claim.
Depending on your type of vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, you might require a visit to your dealer or auto dealership to get a replacement. The dealer might need to purchase the key chip and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be costly. According to Reina the roadside insurance could cover the cost of towing your car to a dealer or service shop where a new key can be created.
Locksmiths can be scammers who will overcharge for services that are already covered by your auto insurance. Some locksmiths have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car manufacturer has sent them a message requesting them to reset their code. These scams can be tricky to spot however, you can watch out for them by only entering your code through the website of the manufacturer or application.
Contact your home insurance company to determine if there's any additional coverage available for lost car keys. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys without any deductible. This coverage is not available from all insurance companies. However, it's worth to determine if the current provider provides it or if you can add it to your existing policy.