What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen

It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. It's crucial to keep calm and not get stressed.

Then, go back to the steps you followed. This will allow you to determine if the keys to your car were stolen or lost. The next step is to contact your insurance company. You may be able make an insurance claim dependent on the circumstances.

Report the theft to police

The first thing to do in the event that your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. You will receive a crime reference code that can be used to track your keys and vehicle. The police can also offer advice on how to protect your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.

The next step is to find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other places you may have them. Also, make sure to check places you would not normally go, such as underneath the seat or in your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your key or show its last known location on a map however, they only work only if the keys are within reach of your phone.

If you are using an older key without any fancy chips, you can easily replace it at the local locksmith. However, if you have a smart key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase one. In this case it is advisable to check your insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of buying a new key and lock.

Car thefts caused by people leaving their keys inside are on the rise, and it is essential to ensure their security at all times. The thieves can use an instrument known as a relay attack which copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a partner to arrive with the equipment to unlock the vehicle. This is a common way of taking cars from large cities where thieves have the ability to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your car. Also, you should never leave your insurance cards or your license in your car since they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you have lost your keys, contact your insurance provider and the police immediately.

Contact your insurance company

If you're a complete car insurance policy owner, it's important to notify your company immediately about the keys missing. This will help keep you secure, and prevent others from using your vehicle. The majority of insurance policies will pay for the cost of a locksmith, or even the dealer who will make a new set of keys.

It's stressful to lose your keys. The most you would like to see occur is that you are the one who uses them! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith immediately and request an identical key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the keys you lost no longer work.

Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as quickly as you can is always an ideal idea, particularly when they are a smart key. The police can give you a crime number and provide further advice on how to keep your car safe, such as installing wheel locks. They might be able to offer advice on where to buy keys to replace.

You should check your bags and pockets thoroughly before contacting your insurance company. You can easily lose the car key if it's dropped or if your keys are thrown out of your bag when you try to take something. If you've looked everywhere get more info but still can't find them, it's probably time to call your insurance company.

The decision to submit an insurance claim for a lost car key will depend on the type of key used and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are not expensive and can be replaced by locksmiths for less than your deductible. However, newer keys are typically more expensive and must be ordered from the dealer or manufacturer. In some cases keys for cars that are brand new can cost more than your maximum deductible.

It's also important to note that if you're in serious debt an insurance company could run a credit check to determine if there's a possibility of fraud. This could lead to your claim being denied or even investigated. It's therefore important to report your keys as soon as you find them.

Purchase a new set of keys

It is essential to remain calm and plan what you will do next when you lose your car key. There are many options to replace your keys. The majority of options are less expensive than you think. You can also make use of a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great solution in case you lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.

The first step is to determine what type of key you have. If you have an older mechanical or traditional key, you can easily replace it by a locksmith. These keys do not come with any unique features, and they are only used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may need to visit an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace the transponder key, a type of key that is more advanced and typically installed in the key fob.

In the United States, most vehicles manufactured after 1990 are equipped with a chip within the key that is connected to the computer of the vehicle. This means that you'll need to have the VIN number for your car in order to make a new key. A dealership could make a key for your car however, the cost could be higher than going to a locksmith.

Whatever kind of key you have, it is always an excellent idea to have an extra in case. You'll be able to get back on the roads without having to wait for an locksmith. Additionally, you'll be free of having to pay for towing or call for assistance on the road.

Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places you might not typically look for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on or in the fridge if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your keys in a safe place and easily accessible, consider using a Bluetooth tracker.

Get your car repaired

There are a variety of routes you can take when your car keys are stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay for the new key fob and have your locks replaced if you don't have a spare. Or, you can purchase keys from a hardware shop for much less than it would cost to file an claim.

It is possible to visit your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your car has an electronic fob or a traditional key ignition. The dealer might need to order the key chip and then pair it up with your vehicle. This can be expensive. According to Reina the roadside insurance could pay for towing your car to a dealer or other service shop where a new key can be created.

Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths, as there are scam artists who will try to charge you for services that your insurance or dealer already covers. Additionally, some people have been caught using the technique known as "key phishing," where they try to trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer is sending them an email asking to reset their keyless entry code. These scams can be difficult to detect, but you can look out for them by only entering your code through the official website of your car manufacturer or application.

Contact your home insurance company to see if there is any additional coverage for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance for example, provides coverage for keys to your garage and for dwelling openers, without requiring the cost-sharing. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth checking if your current provider has it, or if it's possible to add it to your existing policy.