What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. But, it's essential to keep calm and not get stressed.
Try to retrace your steps. This will help determine if your car keys have been stolen or misplaced. Contact your insurance provider. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which you can use to track the keys and your vehicle. Police can also give suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, for instance by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to locate the keys. Check every pocket, bag and other possible places where you may have them. Check places you might not usually look like under the seat or in your shoes. You can also utilize 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 but they only work only if the keys are within range of your phone.
If you are using an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it at your local locksmith. If you have a remote or smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership. It is worth checking to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of a replacement lock and key.
Car thefts triggered by people leaving their keys inside are on the rise, and it is essential to ensure they are secure at all times. Thieves can use a device called a relay attack to copy the signal from the car's key fob and then wait for an accomplice to arrive with a device that can unlock the vehicle. This is a common way of taking keyless cars being stolen from large cities where the thieves can access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key outside of your car. Don't leave your insurance or license in your car, as they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company and the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive car insurance policy holder it is crucial to inform your company immediately of the missing keys. This will keep you safe and prevent other people from using your car. Most insurance policies will cover 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's a good idea contact your local locksmith right away and request an identical key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the keys you lost no longer work.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as quickly as you can is recommended, especially if they were 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 provide advice on where to buy a replacement key.
Before contacting your insurance company, you should make sure that you've thoroughly checked your bags and pockets for the keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it somewhere else or you reach into your bag to grab something only to take your keys from it. If you've tried everything and you're still unable to find the keys, it's likely time to call your insurance company.
The choice to make an insurance claim for a lost car key will depend on the type of key and your deductible amount. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are not expensive and can be repaired at a locksmith for less than your deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and need to be ordered directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some cases, the price of a new key can exceed your limit on deductible.
You should also be aware that insurance companies may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This can lead to your claim being denied or scrutinized and that's why it's important to report any keys Mercedes Sprinter Stolen Without Keys immediately.
Buy a new set keys
If you lose your car keys, it's crucial to remain calm and think about what you're going to do. There are many options to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easy to find. This is a great choice if you lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first step is to identify the type of key you have. If you have an old mechanical or traditional key, you can easily replace it by locksmith. These types of keys do not have special features or chips and can only be used to unlock and lock the vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more sophisticated and usually installed in the key fob.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that connects to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you will require the VIN number for your car in order to have a new key made. A dealership can also make a new key for your vehicle, but it may cost more than going to a locksmith.
No matter what kind of car stolen with keys key you have it is important to have a spare key in case you lose one. You will be able return to your vehicle without having to wait around for a locksmith. You will also be in a position to avoid paying for tows and call roadside assistance.
Check the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may not normally look for keys, such as in your shoes if they're on the floor or in the refrigerator in the event that you've had a drink. You could also leave a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you wish to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options if your car keys get stolen. You could make an insurance claim to cover the cost of a replacement key fob and get your car stolen with keys in it's locks changed when you do not have a spare or you can purchase a new key at a hardware store for much less than it would cost to make an insurance claim.
Depending on the type of vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition, it is possible that you will need to visit your dealer or auto dealership to purchase a replacement. Dealers may have to purchase the key chip and then pair it up with your vehicle. This can be expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance might cover towing the car to a dealership or other service shop that can create the new key, as per Reina.
Locksmiths can be scammers who charge too much for services already covered by your auto insurance. There are also those who have been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car manufacturer has sent them a message asking for them to reset their code. These scams are difficult to identify however, you can keep an eye out for them by only entering your code via the website of the manufacturer or application.
Check with your home insurer to see if there is any additional insurance coverage available for lost car keys. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers and dwelling keys without the minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available for all insurance companies however it's worth a look to see if it's offered at your current provider or if you're capable of adding it to your policy.