Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the development of automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic key fobs, however certain models still use the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. If someone finds your car keys and uses them for a period of time, it can expose you to unauthorized entry.
1. Call the police
The first thing you need to do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to notify the police. They can help you create a report and will inform you whether they have found your car key or turns it in. It is best to act quickly because if you wait for too long, someone else could use your vehicle without your permission. This could lead to fines from the municipality.
You could also receive tips from the police regarding how to keep your car secure. They can also provide you with the crime reference number you can use to follow your case. This is crucial if you would like to submit a claim to your insurance company to cover the theft.
Always keep your spare car keys on hand. Sometimes these keys are kept in accessible places, such as your wallet or purse or they could be with family members or friends members. It's also worth talking to your local car dealership to find out if they're able to reprogram your key fob that came with the car and give you an alternative.
Check all the places you believe your car key could be. If possible, ask your friends or family members to check as well. You can also contact local libraries or restaurants to ask if any keys have been discovered. Many times, people forget where they've put their keys, which is why it's crucial to double-check obvious places before looking in less common ones.
Even if you've got a spare key, it's important to contact the police to report a theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car, and could help them locate your key prior to them doing. The police might also offer tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as using a lock for your wheel.
In some cases, you may be able find out from the police your car keys have been returned to a police station. You can then go to the police station to get it. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process can be more difficult.
2. Contact a locksmith
A stolen car key is an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it in another location. Contact the police to let them know your keys to your car have disappeared. This will enable them to keep a lookout for the key, and help you get back control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to contact an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the type of car you own. If your car is equipped with a mechanical key and ignition the locksmith can replace the key you have. If your vehicle is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob the locksmith must have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be located on the dashboard or key display). The locksmith will also have to verify the ownership of the car by presenting evidence such as a registration certificate or title.
In some instances the locksmith might be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working in the future. This is usually a requirement to bring your vehicle to the dealer. You'll need a spare or be willing to pay a significant amount of money for this service.
It is also a good idea to check your home insurance policy to determine if it covers car key loss and theft. Many policies do include this protection and could be a great method to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are a common occurrence. If you're a diligent driver and take all the necessary precautions, there is a much less chance that your vehicle is stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notifying the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will help to track the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. It also helps protect against identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites for specific information about their victims. This includes the address, work place as well as other personal details. Reporting missing car keys immediately can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions can vary so it is recommended to contact your insurance company to discuss your coverage. Some companies might offer additional benefits, like free replacements or rental car insurance.
You will need to go to your automaker or dealer to purchase a new set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys used, this can be expensive and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
The thieves may try to drive the car after stealing the keys. This could result in costly damage, such as damaged doors and windows. It is also likely that the burglar will be punished for driving without a license or for violating traffic laws. If you report the here loss of your keys at a young stage the insurance company will be able to cover any damages resulting from this crime.
It is crucial to verify that the keys are missing after reporting their loss. This will stop you from making false claims and getting charged a fee. Start by searching every pocket, bag and other places where you typically keep your keys. Then, take a walk through your day to think about what you could have done that could have resulted in them being lost. Did you, for example put them on your car's table when you got home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to retrieve your phone?
It's a good idea to call the police if you find your keys. This will stop the thief from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit more criminal acts.
4. Schedule an Inspection
The theft of vehicles is a huge problem. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion per year. Modern vehicles are equipped with the latest security features, making it difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older cars and those that do not have keyless entry are still in need of protection. To protect your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or tire lock and brake lock. These devices are easy to install and will make it difficult for a thief to drive your car away.
If your car keys are stolen, you must immediately report the theft to the police immediately. This will help them find the person responsible and possibly recover your vehicle. The police will provide you with a a crime number that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and get new key fobs created. You'll have to scan your existing keys and then program the new ones with the vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and can be costly.
You'll also have to cover any damage caused by the criminal as he takes off with your car. It is essential to keep your car in a secure parking area and park in well-lit areas. Also, keep your keys in a safe location and don't put them in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves can steal modern vehicles. The criminals could use this information to obtain the code for the key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and guards.
You can also avoid having your car keys being stolen by storing them in a screened bag. The pouches will block the signal that thieves can amplify using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called a "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to deactivate keys that have been stolen.