What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to remain calm and not get stressed.
First, retrace the steps you took. This will allow you to determine whether your car keys have been stolen or simply lost. Next, contact your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Inform the police about the theft
The first thing to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is report it to the police. This will give you an identity number that can be used to track the keys and your vehicle. The police can also offer suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, for example using a wheel lock.
The next step is to try and find the keys. Make sure you check every pocket, bag, and other places that you could have them. Look for places that you may not typically look, such as under the seat or your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show its last known location on a map, however, they can only be used only if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can obtain a replacement from the local locksmith. However, if you own an electronic key or remote start, you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase one. In this case, it is worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
The number of car thefts that occur due to people leaving keys in their car is on the rise. It is crucial to keep your keys secure at all time. The thieves may employ an instrument known as relay attack which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a third party to arrive with the equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of stealing cars in large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. It is recommended to always keep an extra set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. Never leave your license or insurance card in your vehicle, as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, you should contact your insurance company as well as 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 ensure your safety, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
Although it can be very stressful to lose your car keys and car keys, the most important thing you want is for someone else to use them! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith right away and request a duplicate key for you. They can also program the replacement keys so that your stolen pair will no longer work.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is recommended, especially in the case of a smart key. The police can provide you with a crime number and give you further advice on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might also be able to guide you on where to buy keys to replace.
Before contacting your insurer it is important to ensure that you've thoroughly checked your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose keys if you place it down somewhere or if you reach in your bag to grab something only to you knock your keys out of it. If you've searched but still cannot find your keys, it is time to contact your insurer.
The decision of whether to submit an insurance claim following the loss of a car key is based on the type of key you have and the deductible you have. Mechanical keys that are old-fashioned are cheap and can be replaced by a locksmith for less than your deductible. Modern keys, however, are more costly and require to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases, a new car key may cost more than your insurance deductible.
It's also worth noting that if you're in serious 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 denied or even investigated. Therefore, it is crucial to notify your keys as quickly when you notice them.
Purchase a new set of keys
When you lose your car keys, it's important to remain calm and think about what you should do next. There are many ways to obtain a new set of keys, and the majority options are cheaper than you might expect. You can also read more use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This is particularly helpful if you tend to lose your car keys often. You can find these kinds of devices online or at many electronics stores.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of key you have. If you have a conventional or mechanical key, you can easily replace it with one purchased from an locksmith or a hardware store. These keys do not contain any special features or chips, and are used only to secure and unlock your vehicle. If you have transponder keys, which are one of the more advanced types of key, which is usually installed inside the key fob or key chain, you might have to visit an auto locksmith or the dealer to get a replacement.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that is linked to the computer of the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your car to get an additional key. A dealership could make a key for your car, but the cost may be higher than going to a locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you've got regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. This way, you'll be able to get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith to arrive. You'll also be free of the cost of tows and call roadside assistance.
It is important to look through the pockets of your clothes before leaving and to check places you wouldn't normally look for keys for example, in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you were drinking a beer. You can also leave a spare key with someone in your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your keys in a safe place and easy to locate you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several routes you can take when your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance to cover the cost of your new key fob and have your locks changed if do not have an extra. Or you can get the key from a hardware shop at a lower cost than the cost of filing an insurance claim.
Depending on your type of car and whether it has an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, you might need to visit your auto dealer or dealer to purchase an alternative. The dealer will likely have to order a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be a bit expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing the car to a dealership or other service shop that can create an entirely new key, as per Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths because there are scammers who will try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealership already covers. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking them to reset their code. These scams are hard to spot however, you can avoid them by entering your code only on the official website or app of the car manufacturer.
While you're at it you should also contact your insurance company for home insurance to determine if they provide any additional coverage for keys to your car that are lost. American Family, for instance provides coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys without a deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurance companies. It's worth checking if your current provider provides it or if you can add it to your existing policy.