Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You shouldn't leave keys in your car, but you might forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen, but the car is still there, here's how to do.
The first thing you'll need to do is call the police. This will ensure that anyone who discovers the keys does not use them to commit crimes.
Find a new set keys
Losing your car keys could be frustrating and dangerous regardless of whether it's caused by a momentary forgetfulness or the theft of your keys. Not only will it stop you from getting where you're going but it also means that you'll need to spend time and money to replace your key. But the good news is that it's not as costly and difficult to replace the car key as it was.
Check with your insurance provider or warranty provider to determine whether you're protected in the event of a lost car key. Bring evidence of ownership to the locksmith in case it is covered. They will then be able work with the number of your vehicle identification (commonly referred to as the VIN) that they can use to create a new key for your car without the original.
The easiest type of keys for cars to replace is the conventional or mechanical key. They can be made at home by your local locksmith and are typically less expensive than other types. If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder, or chip or chip, then you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip inside the car key that transmits a unique code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method of starting your car and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complex than just cutting a standard key.
If you lose your transponder key only the dealer will be able to make you an alternative one. They can do this because they have documents of the security systems that are in each car and can easily find details.
If you don't have a spare keys, contact your dealer as soon as you can. They might be able make you a new one immediately or they may have to wait for a replacement key to arrive. This can take a couple of days, but it's cheaper than hiring a locksmith for your car to do the job. It's more convenient than searching for your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to become distracted and forget to leave your phone, wallet or key in your car. The first thing you need to do if you suspect this has happened is to contact the police. It might seem to be a waste of time, but it will aid law enforcement in locating your item stolen. The police will request details regarding the incident including the name of the perpetrator and any other items they might have discovered in the vehicle.
It might be a good idea to also include any other items that you might have on you at the time of the theft, like your license or credit cards. In certain cases when the items end up in the wrong hands they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you've notified the police about the theft, you should contact your car insurance provider and file a claim. Based on the type of coverage you have, your insurer might pay for replacing your keys. They will likely also advise that you install a car anti-theft device like an immobilizer or lock on the wheel, to deter thieves from targeting your car 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 update your vehicle's title and registration information to reflect that it was taken. This will stop someone else from driving your car in violation of the law and driving through red lights, parking tickets, or other offenses by using it.
In some cases, you might be able to obtain additional coverage for stolen items in your vehicle by adding an insurance plan for property protection to your insurance policy for cars. This will protect you from the financial burdens of things such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that you might have in your vehicle. Find out if this coverage is provided by your insurance company by speaking with an agent or visiting their website. You can also inquire with your agent about other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is a way to improve more info the security of your vehicle. Another option is to hide the spare key from your vehicle or at home.
Find your keys using an app for smartphones
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just get a duplicate key made and you were good to go. But now, modern cars require more sophisticated technology in order to operate. The cost of replacing keys that have been stolen or lost has increased drastically.
There are two main kinds of car keys which are electronic key fobs and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. Most of today's cars use electronic key fobs, however there are some that still use traditional ignitions that require a turning of the key to start the car.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to buy key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are many different devices available and some of the best ones include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. If you're out and about, the app will help you locate your car keys by emitting a sound or showing their location in a map. You can also connect the device to friends and family members so that they can help you find your keys.
You may be eligible to file a claim for insurance if you lose or steal your car keys. This is contingent on the nature and specifics of your policy. For instance, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance, these policies may be able to cover the cost of replacing lost keys.
It's also worth talking to your home insurer to see if they offer similar services. If you declare your car keys lost or stolen promptly they might be able to pay for replacing keys.
If your keys to your car are missing, it is crucial to remain calm and devise a plan. Contact the police as soon as you can to avoid additional complications. They will be able to provide you with advice on how to protect your car and will also provide you with a reference number. They may also be able to provide you with a new set of keys immediately.
Call a locksmith
Not so long ago losing your car keys was a minor inconvenience. The only concern you had was that in the event that you lost your car keys it would be difficult to enter the vehicle. As cars have advanced in technology and security, so are their keys. They are increasingly expensive to replace in the event of theft. It's therefore important to have a spare key available and to lock your car and keys up securely.
You should also determine if personal property coverage on your home insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. If it does, you could be in a position to avoid the cost of an auto locksmith, and could be able to save a little money.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police is another thing you must do. The police can then give you additional tips on protecting your car against theft, including the use of a wheel lock and will provide you with an identification number that can assist them to track down the thief.
If you haven't yet completed this, it's an excellent idea to locate an accredited locksmith who can deal with your particular vehicle and the key. Some can make new keys for different types of vehicles, while others will only be able to repair or replace older vehicles that have traditional turn-key ignitions.
It is not unusual to receive the new key to your car within a few minutes of providing the registration details. The dealership will then use a computer system to check the details of your car and create a new key for you.
You should also consider having the keys reprogrammed so that previous owners can't use them. This is a service that you can get at a dealership or a locksmith. This is a great way to prevent your car from being stolen after you've purchased it secondhand.