If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
It is stressful to lose your car keys. Take an exhale before you panic and go about your day to check if you can locate them. They could be in your pocket, or in a bag you removed from your car.
First and foremost, you should contact your insurance company. They can often provide the cost of replacing your car keys if immediately report the incident.
Call Your Insurance Company
The most frequent cause of car thefts is leaving keys in the vehicle. According to statistics that a car is stolen every 32 seconds, and the cost is Americans more than $8 billion each year. This statistic is why it's crucial to make sure your key is always kept in a secure place. It's a good idea also to invest in high-quality locks and keep spare keys in a safe place.
If you're not sure where your keys are it's a good idea contact the police department. The officers will be able to check their records and give you tips on how to protect your vehicle. In addition, they will be able to provide you with the crime reference number, which is necessary to file claims with your insurance company.
Then, determine whether it's worth filing claims to your car insurance in case you lose keys. The decision will mostly depend on the kind of key you have and how much it would cost to replace it. For instance, some modern vehicles have electronic key fobs or smart keys that are more expensive to 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 will not cover the cost of making you an entirely new car key therefore you'll need to cover the cost yourself. Be aware that your insurance premiums can increase if you file a claim. It is best to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of filing a claim before making a decision.
You'll need to visit your local auto dealer to have your upgraded key re-paired or re-sequenced to the car's computer. This could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on your policy and car dealer. If you lose a key with a high-end enhancement it could be worth the effort to file a claim but only in the event that you have full coverage under your policy. Otherwise, it's not worth the work and risk of your premiums going up. Contact an independent agent to discuss the possibility of adding comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance.
Contact the police
Not so long ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could create an alternative key right on the spot. It is expensive to replace keys that are stolen or lost in certain vehicles due to their more sophisticated ignitions. There are two types of ignitions and keys that are available today: standard turn-key ignitions and electronic key fobs, sometimes referred to as smart keys.
It's good to know that the majority of insurance companies will cover the cost of replacing stolen or lost car keys. This is true whether they're fob keys or a standard key. The important thing is to notify your insurance company as soon as you can, so they can begin looking for your keys and also so that you can receive a replacement set without having to pay out of pocket.
If your car is on public property and you lose the keys, it's crucial to let the police know immediately. This will deter other motorists from using your vehicle and possibly catch them in action. Additionally, if someone is trying to use your car but gets caught by the police, they could be fined or even arrested.
You should also call your car dealer and tell them that you've lost your keys. Dealers will usually assist you immediately if they have replacement keys for your car model. They can also rekey your lock and give you a new key that will disable the previous one, meaning that it will not work in the future.
If your car keys have been stolen, it's likely that the thieves also taken your wallet or purse. If this is the case, it's a good idea to contact your bank and credit card to determine if they have any suspicious activities on their records.
You can also use an app for your smartphone to locate your keys in case they are lost or stolen. Tile and AirTag, for example, are popular options that connect to your keys with GPS technology. They can also be rung to sound your car keys in the vicinity or to view their last known location on maps.
Call for a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be a nightmare. It's difficult enough to get to work or school without a vehicle however, if you lose your keys it can make things incredibly difficult. If your car keys get stolen it is possible to take steps to avoid the most traumatic scenario.
Contacting the police is the first step. This will prevent thieves from stealing your car, or trying to break into your home. It will also help you track down the person who stole your car keys if they do so.
The next step is to call an locksmith. A locksmith can replace your lost car keys. Before they can make a key, they'll be required to verify the ownership of the vehicle. It is therefore essential to bring your ID and registration. The locksmith will need to know the VIN as well as the name of the vehicle.
You should also call your insurance company. Review your policy to see whether it covers the cost of replacing lost keys.
If you follow these guidelines, you can reduce the damage to your vehicle and avoid headaches. Be patient and do your research thoroughly before giving up! And if your car keys become stuck in the ignition, don't attempt to remove them yourself. That could cause more harm than good!
Most locksmiths can provide you with a new key if you have an old-fashioned key. If you have a modern key fob, such as an electronic one it could take a bit longer. You will need to visit the dealer. If that's the case ensure that you bring proof that you're the owner of your vehicle, such as an original registration or title. This will speed up the process considerably. A locksmith is likely to charge you less than a dealership. It's better to be cautious instead of regretting.
Contact Your Car Dealer
Car keys are an essential piece of equipment for your vehicle. Your car will not start without them. It's not uncommon for thieves steal your keys to gain entry into your car. There are a few things you can do to prevent this from occurring.
Report the theft immediately to police. This will allow police to find the perpetrator and you will get the crime reference number that you can use in the future. You should also call your dealership, a locksmith, or another mechanic to have your keys replaced.
You may need to take your key fob to a dealership to be deactivated in more info the event that it is connected to your car's computer. If you've lost your keys in public like a parking lot or a store it will stop your car from being stolen since the criminal has no working key to access your vehicle.
Based on the model and manufacturer of your car, some dealerships can replace keys that have been lost. Dealers will be capable of removing your current keys and then pair the new key to the vehicle. This procedure is more complicated than just having a professional locksmith make you a replacement key, so it's best to contact the dealer for this service.
The cost of replacing your car keys can differ however you should be able to get some assistance from your insurance company if the loss is reported in the earliest time possible. Additionally, some policies for property insurance that provide personal possessions coverage may be capable of covering the cost of purchasing a new set of keys as well.