Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the development of automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic key fobs, and a few still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. If someone finds your car keys and then uses them for a certain period of time, it could make you vulnerable to unauthorised entry.
1. Contact the police
Notifying the police is the first thing you must do if you suspect your car key has been taken. You can file an investigation report and they will let you know when they return your key. It is recommended to take action immediately because if you wait you could let someone else use your vehicle without your permission. This could result in penalties from the municipality.
You can also receive tips from the police about how to keep your vehicle safe. They will also provide you with an identification number for crime that you can use to track your case. This is essential if would like to file a claim with your insurance company to cover the theft.
Make sure that you have your spare car keys on hand. Sometimes, these keys are kept in accessible places, like your wallet or purse or they could be with friends or family members. You can also inquire with your local dealer to see whether it is able to reprogram your original key fob.
Check for any possible places where you might have lost your car key. Ask family members or friends to look it up if they can. You can also call local restaurants or libraries to find out if they've found any lost keys. A lot of people forget where they've put their keys, making it crucial to double-check obvious locations before looking in less common ones.
Even if you've got a spare key, it is still important to notify the police of an incident of theft. This will deter anyone from trying your car and may assist them in finding your key. The police might also offer suggestions on how to safeguard your vehicle, which includes using a wheellock.
In certain cases the police may be able to inform you that your car's key was turned in at a police station. You can then go to the police station to take it back. The process could be more difficult if your vehicle is an automobile that has an electronic key fob.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
A car key that was stolen can be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it somewhere else. Contact the police to inform them know that your car keys have gone missing. This will help them keep a lookout for the key, and help you regain control of your vehicle if it is stolen.
The next step is to get in touch with a locksmith. The kind of locksmith you'll need to contact will depend on the kind of car you own. If your car comes with a mechanical key and ignition the locksmith will replace your current key. If, however, your vehicle has a key fob or is an older model that has a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to have access to the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the back of the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith will also need to verify that you own the vehicle by providing proof such as a registration 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 usually requires you to bring your car to the dealer. You'll either require a spare, or be willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.
Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car key theft and loss. Many policies provide this type of coverage, and it could be a great option to cover the cost of your replacement car keys and lock replacements.
Keys stolen from cars are not common. If you're a responsible driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a less chance that your vehicle will be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking down the thief and provide you with peace of mind. This will also help protect you against identity theft. Thieves frequently look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work place and other personal information. Reporting the theft of a car key immediately you notice it missing can stop this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions may differ so it is recommended to contact your provider to discuss your insurance coverage. Some companies may offer additional benefits, like free replacements or rental car insurance.
If your car keys aren't in the ignition, you'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to have a new set made. This will require deleting the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. Depending on the type of keys, this can be expensive and could cost you $200-$500 per key.
The thieves could attempt to drive the car following the theft of the keys. This can lead to expensive damage, such as damaged doors and windows. The person who stole the keys could also be fined when they drive without a license or violate traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys in the early stage, your insurance company will pay for any damages caused by this crime.
It is essential to confirm that the keys are missing after submitting the loss report. This will stop you from making an untrue claim and getting charged an additional fee. Begin by looking through your bags, pockets and other places you keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day to consider what you might have done that might have resulted in them being lost. For instance, did it happen that you place them on the table in your car after coming home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to grab your phone?
It's a good idea contact the police if you find your keys. This will prevent the thief from being able to use your keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a huge issue. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Thankfully, modern cars come with sophisticated security features that make it very difficult for thieves to take them. Older vehicles and those with keyless entry require additional security. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire and brake locks to protect your car against theft. These devices are easy-to-install and make it difficult to drive away your car.
If your car keys are stolen, it's important to report it immediately to police immediately. This will allow them to track down the thief and hopefully return your vehicle. The police will also give you a an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer and get a new set of keys made. It is necessary to have the existing keys scanned, and the new ones will have to be programmed by your car's computer. This can take a few days and can be costly.
You will also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the criminal as he takes off with your car. It's important to keep your car in a secure parking area and park in areas that are well-lit. Also, keep your keys in a secure location and don't leave keys in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal cars of the present is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port, which is usually located beneath the dashboard. They can then utilize this information to figure the code on your key fob and use it to start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking area with cameras and guards.
You car stolen with keys inside insurance can also try to stop your car keys from being taken by storing them in a secure pouch. The pouches will stop the signal that thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called"relay deactivator" or "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to disable keys that have been stolen.