If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
It can be stressful when you lose your car keys. Before you panic take a deep breath and go through your day to see whether they're in a safe place, like in your pocket or inside the bag you pulled out of the car.
First and foremost, you should contact your insurance company. They can often pay for the replacement of your car keys if report it promptly.
Call Your Insurance Company
The most common cause of car thefts is leaving keys inside the vehicle. According to statistics that show that a car is taken every 32 seconds, and it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. This is the reason why it's important to ensure that your key is always in a safe location. It's also recommended to purchase high-quality locks and store spare keys in a safe place.
Contact the police if you don't know where your keys are. The officers can check their records and give you advice about protecting your vehicle. Additionally, they will be able give you a crime reference number, which is necessary for filing an insurance claim with your company.
Then, determine whether it's worth filing an insurance claim through your car insurance for lost keys. The decision will depend on what type of key you have and how much it will cost to replace it. For instance, some modern vehicles have electronic key fobs or smart keys that are more expensive replace than traditional turn-key ignitions.
The majority of auto insurance companies will cover for an expert locksmith to help access your vehicle when it's locked out. They won't cover the cost of creating an entirely new car key and you'll have to pay for it yourself. Be aware that your insurance premiums can increase if you make claims. It is recommended to weigh the pros and cons of filing a claim prior to making a decision.
If your car has an upgraded key that requires to be re-sequenced with the computer in your car or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have to visit your auto dealership to get this done. This could cost you hundreds of dollars depending on your policy and the car dealer. If you lose a highly-enhanced car key it could be worth the effort to file a claim, but only if you have comprehensive coverage in your policy. Otherwise, it's not worth the additional effort and risk of premiums increasing. If you don't have comprehensive coverage get in touch with an independent insurance agent to discuss adding it to your car insurance.
Call the Police
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could create a replacement key on the spot. Certain automobiles today have more sophisticated ignition systems, and it can be costly to replace your keys that have been stolen or lost. There are two main types of auto ignitions and keys on the market today: electronic key fobs (sometimes called smart keys) and standard turn-key ignitions.
The good news is that a majority of insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost set of car keys, whether it's a fob or standard key. The important thing is to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can, so they can start looking for your keys and also so that you can get a new set without having to pay out of pockets.
If your car is on public property and you lose the keys, it's crucial to let the police know right away. They can then deter other motorists from using your vehicle and even capture them in the course of. If you allow someone else to use your car and is subsequently caught by the police, they could be fined, or even detained.
Inform your dealer of you've lost keys. Dealers can usually help you immediately if they have replacement keys for your vehicle model. They can also reset your lock and provide you an additional key that disables the previous one, meaning that it won't work for any longer.
If your car keys have been stolen, it is possible that the thieves also stolen your wallet or purse. If this is the situation, it's a good idea to reach out to your bank and credit card to see if they have any suspicious transactions on their records.
There are also several apps for smartphones that can be used to track lost or stolen keys. For example, Tile and AirTag are popular options that attach to your keys and utilize GPS technology to locate them. You can also call them to hear your car key nearby or see their last known location on maps.
Contact a Locksmith
Losing your keys to your car can be a nightmare. Losing your car keys can make it difficult to get to work or to school. If your car keys have been stolen, you can take some steps to prevent the most traumatic scenario.
The first thing you must do is call the police. This will stop thieves from taking your vehicle or using it to enter your home. This will help you locate the person who took the keys to your car.
The next step is calling a locksmith. A locksmith can repair the key to your vehicle that was lost. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle prior to being able to make a new key, so it is important to have your ID and registration in hand. The locksmith also needs to know the vehicle's name and VIN.
You should also call your insurance company. Many auto insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key and it's a good idea to check the policy of your insurance company prior to taking this step.
Getting your car keys stolen is not a pleasant experience If you follow these guidelines to minimize the damage and avoid many headaches. Remember to be patient and look for the keys before giving up! And if your car keys get locked inside the ignition, don't try to get them out yourself. It could cause more harm than good!
Most locksmiths can website provide you with an entirely new key even if you have an old-fashioned key. However, if you have an electronic fob or another modern technology, the process might take longer and will require an appointment with the dealership. Bring evidence of ownership, like your title or registration, in the event that this is the case. This will make the process easier. You'll also likely pay less for locksmiths than at the dealership. It's always better to be secure rather than to be sorry!
Contact Your Car Dealer
Car keys are a vital piece of equipment that you can use for your vehicle. Your car won't start without keys. It is not uncommon for thieves steal your keys to get into your vehicle. There are ways to stop this.
Report the theft immediately to police. This will enable police to locate the culprit, and you will receive an identification code for crime which you can use in the future. You can also call a locksmith or another mechanic to request a replacement key.
If you have a key fob that connects to the computer in your car it is possible to bring it into the dealership to be removed. If you've lost your keys in a public place such as a parking lot or in a shop it will help ensure that your car won't be taken away because the thief won't have a functioning key to use to get inside.
Based on the model and maker of your car, some dealerships will replace your lost keys. Dealers can remove your old keys and pair the new one to the vehicle. This procedure is more complicated than simply hiring a professional locksmith to make you a new key, which is why it's recommended to visit the dealer to get this service.
The cost of replacing your car keys can differ, but you will likely receive some assistance from your insurance company when the loss is reported to them in the earliest time possible. Additionally, certain property insurance policies that include personal possessions coverage might be able to cover the cost of purchasing a new set of keys as well.