Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you should never put your keys in your car, but there are times when you forget. If you do and your keys have been stolen, but the car is still there, here's what to do.
It is best to first call the police. This will help ensure that anyone who comes across your keys isn't using them to commit a crime.
Find a new set keys
The loss of your car keys can be stressful and risky, whether it is due to a moment of forgetfulness or when someone steals them. You'll not only be unable to reach where you want to go, but you'll also have spend money and time replacing your key. However, the good news is that it's no longer as expensive and difficult to replace keys for cars as it used to be.
Before you call your local locksmith, make sure to see if your lost car key is covered by your insurance or warranty. If it is, take your proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They will then be able to work with the number of your vehicle identification (commonly referred to as the VIN) which they will use to make a new key for your car without the original.
The simplest type of car keys to replace is the conventional or mechanical key. They can be made on site at your local locksmith, and are generally less expensive than other kinds of keys. If your car has chip or transponder and you want to use it, you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip that is inside the car key that transmits an individual code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method to start your car and reduces possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complicated than cutting a regular key.
If you lose your transponder key, only the dealer can make you an alternative one. This is because they keep records of each car's security system and can find the information in their system quickly.
Unless you have a spare, it's best to contact your dealership immediately. You might be able to obtain a replacement right away or might have to wait until a replacement is available. This could take a couple of days, but it's cheaper than hiring a locksmith for your car to complete the task. It's also easier than trying to locate your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to police
It's easy for you to get distracted, and leave your phone, wallet or keys in your car. The first thing you need to do if you suspect this has happened is to contact the police. It might seem like a waste of time, but it can assist law enforcement in tracking down your item stolen. The police will need to know details about the incident including the description of the perpetrator, as well as any other items discovered in the vehicle.
You may want to include any belongings you may have on you at the time of the theft, such as your credit cards or license. In some cases, if the items end up in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
Once you've reported the theft to the police, you must also call your car insurance company to file a claim. Depending on the type of insurance you have, your insurance might pay for replacing your keys. It is also recommended to install an anti-theft device to your vehicle, like a lock or immobilizer to deter thieves from pursuing it in the future.
In addition to reporting the theft to the police and your insurance company, you must also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will change the car's registration and title details to indicate that it's been taken. This will stop someone else from driving your vehicle illegally, running red lights, parking tickets, or other offenses using it.
You could be able add a protection plan for your property as an extra coverage for items that are stolen from your vehicle. This will help you to protect yourself from the financial cost of things such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that you may have in your vehicle. Find out if this is provided by your insurance provider by speaking to an agent or visiting their website. Moreover, you can always consult your insurance agent regarding other ways to enhance your car's security. Installing an alarm system is a way to improve the security of your car. Another option is to put a spare key set away from your vehicle or at home.
Keep track of your keys using an app for smartphones
In the past, losing your car keys was no big issue. The process of getting a duplicate car key was easy. Modern cars require more advanced technology to function. As a result, the cost to replace lost or stolen car keys has skyrocketed.
There are two types of car keys. The first is the electronic key fob. The second is the standard turn-key ignition. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. click here However, a few remain with traditional ignitions that require turning keys to start the car.
One method to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to purchase a key tracker and attach it to your vehicle. There are a variety of key trackers on the market and some of the best ones include:
Connect the device to your smartphone to use it. Then, when you're on the go, the app can assist you in finding your car keys, either by emitting an audio signal or displaying their location on maps. It is possible to share the device with family and friends to help them locate your keys.
You could be able to file an insurance claim if you lose or steal your car keys. This is contingent on the nature and specifics of your policy. If you have comprehensive or property insurance, it could provide the funds to replace keys lost.
It is also worth checking with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if it offers similar services. If you have reported your car keys as stolen or lost in a timely manner, they may be able refund the cost of replacing them.
If your car keys are missing, you must stay calm and work on the best plan of action. If you can, contact the police department immediately to avoid further complications. They will be able to give you suggestions on how to secure your car and will provide you with a crime reference number. They might be able to provide you with new keys immediately.
Call a locksmith
In the past the loss of your car keys was a relatively minor inconvenience. The only worry you had was that should you lose your car keys, it would be impossible to get inside. But as cars have advanced in technology as have their keys, and are now much more expensive to replace in the event of theft. It's therefore essential to have a spare key available and to lock your car and keys securely.
It is also worth checking whether personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. If it does, you might be eligible to avoid paying for the services of a locksmith for your vehicle, and may be able to save some money.
Another thing that you should do after your keys are lost is to report them to police. The police will provide more advice on how to protect your car from theft such as using a wheellock, and will also give you a crime number they can use to trace the thief.
It is beneficial to locate a locksmith who is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths can create new keys for different automobiles, while some can only repair or replace older cars that have traditional turn-key ignitions.
It is not uncommon to receive a new key for your car within a few minutes after providing your registration information. The dealership will use a computer to check the details of your car and create the key for you.
It is also recommended to have the keys reset so that previous owners can't use them. This is a service you can obtain at a dealership or locksmith. This is a great method to prevent your car from being stolen once you've purchased it secondhand.