Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?

Car keys have changed with the advancement of automobiles. The majority of cars today have electronic keys, but some have the traditional turn-key ignition.

Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. If someone steals your car keys and then uses them for a certain period of time, it could make you vulnerable to unauthorised access.

1. Call the Police

Contacting the police is the first thing you should 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 imperative to report the theft immediately because if you delay the process, someone could be able to use your vehicle without permission. This could result in fines from the city.

The police might also be able to offer you some tips on how to keep your car safe and secure. They can also provide you with the crime reference number you can use to track your case. This will be important should you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.

If you have an extra car key, ensure that you keep it in your possession. Keys can be hidden in places that are easy to reach like your wallet or purse, or with family or friends. You can also contact your local dealership to see whether it is able to reprogram your original key fob.

Check all the places you think your car key could be. If possible, ask your friends or family members to look as well. You can also call local restaurants or libraries and inquire if any keys have been discovered. It is common for people to forget where they put their keys. Therefore, it's essential to look for obvious places first before proceeding to less obvious locations.

Even even if you have spare keys, it's still worth calling the police to inform them of the theft. This will stop anyone from attempting to steal your car, and could help them find your key. The police might also be able to offer you advice about protecting your vehicle, for instance the use of a wheel lock.

In some instances the police might be able to tell you that your car's key has been returned to a police station. Then, you can go to the police station to retrieve it. The process could be more difficult if you have modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.

2. Contact a locksmith

A car key stolen is an extremely stressful and frustrating event. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen, lost, or left in another location. The first step is to contact the police and inform them that your keys to your car are missing. This will help them keep a lookout for keys, and also help you regain control of your vehicle if it is stolen.

The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you will need to contact will depend on the kind of vehicle you own. If your car has mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, the locksmith will replace your existing key. If your car is older and has traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob, the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the dashboard or in the key display). The locksmith also needs to verify that you own the car by presenting proof like a registration or title.

In certain instances locksmiths may be able to erase the car's "memory" of the key that was stolen and stop it from working again. This usually requires you to bring your vehicle to the dealer. In this instance, you'll need to either have a spare key, or be prepared to pay a large amount for the service.

Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. This coverage is provided in a variety of policies and can be an excellent way to pay the cost of replacing keys and lock replacements.

Keys stolen from cars are not common. If you drive carefully and take the proper precautions, your vehicle is less likely to be taken.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

It's important to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist in tracking down the thief and give you peace of mind. This will also help protect you against identity theft. The thieves will search social media sites for specific details about their victims. This includes address, workplace, and other personal details. Notifying a lost car key immediately can stop this from happening.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact conditions and terms vary, so it's best to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your policy. Certain companies provide additional benefits such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.

If your car keys are not in the ignition, you'll have to go to your dealer or automaker to get a brand new set made. This involves removing the keys that are in use and programming the new keys to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys you have, this could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.

The thieves could attempt to drive the car after stealing keys. This could result in costly damages, including damaged doors and windows. The burglar could be penalized when they drive without a license or violate traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at a young stage the insurance company will cover any damages caused by this crime.

After you've reported the loss of your car keys, you need to verify that they are missing. This will stop you from making a false claim and being charged extra. Start by searching your pockets, bags and other places you keep your keys. After that, look back and reflect on your day and what you could have done that caused them to be lost. For instance, did you put them on the table in your car when you got home from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you reached into your purse to retrieve your phone?

If you find your car keys, it's still recommended to call here the police. 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

Car theft is a huge problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced security features, making it difficult for thieves to steal them. Older cars and those with keyless entry need additional security. Consider a steering lock or tire and brake locks to protect your car against theft. These devices are simple to install and make it impossible to take your car away.

It is crucial to inform the police about the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking down the thief and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with 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 maker and get new keys made. You'll need to scan your keys and program the new ones with the car's computer. This process could take several days, and it will cost you money.

In addition to the cost of the new key, you'll be required to pay for towing and any damage caused by the theft while driving off with your car. Make sure that your car is in an area that is well-lit and in an area that is secure. Also, keep your keys in a safe location and don't put keys in the ignition.

The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves can steal modern vehicles. They then use this information to find the code of your key fob and use it to start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." To prevent this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and guards.

You can also avoid having your car keys being stolen by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches stop the signal that thieves can amplify with equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called a "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to block keys that have been stolen.