Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the development of automobiles. Most autos today use electronic keys, but certain models still use the old fashioned turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if someone finds the vehicle and uses it for a long time.
1. Contact the police
The first thing you should do if you suspect that your car key has been stolen is to call the police. They can assist you with the creation of a report and will notify you whether they have found your key or if someone gives it back. It is imperative to report the theft immediately because if you delay the process, someone could be able to use your vehicle without authorization. This could lead to penalties from the city.
The police may provide you tips about keeping your vehicle secure and safe. They can also provide you with the crime reference number you can use to track your case. This is important if you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.
Always keep your spare car keys on hand. These keys can be hidden in places that are easy to access, such as your purse or wallet or even with your family or friends. You can also inquire with your local dealership to see whether they can reprogram the factory key fob.
Double-check every place you think your car key could be. If you can, ask friends or family members to look too. You can also contact local libraries or restaurants to ask if any keys have been discovered. It is common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it's important to check the obvious places prior to moving on to less obvious ones.
Even if you have an extra key, it is still worth calling police to report a theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car, and could assist them in locating your keys before they do. The police may also be able to offer you advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.
In certain cases, you may be able to learn from the police that your car keys were returned to a police station. Then, you can go to the police station to retrieve it. The process can be more difficult if you own a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.
2. Contact for a locksmith
A stolen car key is an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. Whether it was lost or discarded in another location, forgotten or taken by someone who was just looking for a way to steal your car, it could be devastating. Call the police to let them know your keys to your car have disappeared. This will allow them to keep an eye out for the key, and help you get back control of your car if it is stolen.
Next, you'll want to get in touch with an locksmith. The type of locksmith that you need to call depends on the type of vehicle you own. If your car has a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will simply replace your current key. If your car is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob the locksmith must have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which is usually displayed on the dashboard or in the key display). They should also be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle by having evidence such as your registration or title.
In some instances the locksmith might be capable of erasing the car's "memory" of the key that was stolen and stop it from working again. However, this would typically require that you bring the car to the dealership for the purpose of doing so. You'll require a spare, or be willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.
Examine your insurance policy for home for coverage of car key theft and loss. This coverage is included in a lot of policies, and can be an excellent way to cover the cost of replacing keys and lock replacements.
Stolen car keys are a frequent occurrence. If you're a diligent driver and take the appropriate precautions, there is a much smaller chance that your car is stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and provide you with peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. Thieves often browse social media to find detailed details about their victims, including address, workplace and other personal details. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you notice it is missing can prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions may differ, so you should contact your insurance provider to discuss your insurance coverage. Certain companies provide additional benefits such as rental insurance for cars or free replacements.
You'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to order a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing here from the ignition. This will mean deleting the old keys and reprogramming new ones for the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this can be expensive and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.
The thieves could attempt to drive the car after stealing the keys. This could cause costly damage, such as damaged windows and doors. The thief may be penalized when they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at a young stage, your insurance company will cover any damage caused by this crime.
After you've reported the theft of your car keys, it's crucial to verify that they are missing. This will stop you from making a false claim and being charged extra. Begin by looking in your purses, pockets, and any other places where you keep your keys. Then, go back and think about your day and what you may have done to cause the keys to disappear. Did you, for example, put them on the table in your car after you returned from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while you reached in your purse to pull out your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still an excellent idea to inform the police. This will stop thieves from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit more crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a major problem. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion every year. Modern cars are equipped with the latest security features, making it very difficult for thieves steal them. However, older vehicles and those that do not have keyless entry require additional protection. To protect your car from theft, think about purchasing a steering wheel lock or a tire lock and brake lock. These devices are easy to install and will make it difficult for thieves to drive your car away.
If your car keys are stolen, it's crucial to report it immediately to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and, hopefully, recover your vehicle. The police will provide you with a the crime number that your insurance company will use to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership for your car's manufacturer and get new keys made. You will need to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed with your vehicle's computer. This process can take several days and is costly.
In addition to the cost of the new key, you will be required to pay for towing costs and any damages caused by the thief when he steals your vehicle. It is essential to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in areas that are well-lit. Also keep your keys in a secure place and don't leave keys in the ignition.
The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves steal modern cars. They can then use this information to find the code of your key fob, and then start the car. This is known as "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and guards.
You can also prevent your car keys from being taken by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches block signals that thieves make use of to amplify their signal using equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can also purchase an item known as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port to disable the car key that was stolen.