Car Key Stolen But Not Car
It is not a good idea to leave keys in your car, but you may forget. If you do and your keys have been stolen, but the car is still there, here's the best way to do.
It is best to first call the police. This will help ensure that anyone who finds your keys doesn't use them to commit the crime.
Get a new set keys
Losing your car keys can be stressful and risky no matter if it's caused by a momentary forgetfulness or when someone steals them. Not only does it prevent you from getting where you want to go, but it also means that you'll need to spend time and money replacing your key. The good thing is that it's not as expensive and difficult to replace the car key as it used to be.
Check with your insurance company or warranty provider to find out whether you are protected in the event of a lost car key. If it is, bring your evidence of ownership with you to the locksmith. They can then make use of the number for identification of the vehicle or VIN, to make a new car key without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the easiest type of car key to replace. These keys can be made at home by your local locksmith and are usually less expensive than other types. If your car is equipped with a transponder, or chip, then you will have to go to the dealer.
A transponder, a small chip inside the car key, broadcasts an unique number each time it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a secure method to start your car and lowers the risk of theft. However it's more difficult than cutting a regular car key.
If you lose your transponder keys only the dealer can make you a new one. They can do this because they have records of the security systems in each vehicle and can easily locate information.
If you do not have a spare key Contact your dealer as soon as possible. They might be able to make you a new one right away or they may have to wait for a replacement to come in. It could take a few weeks, but it's still less expensive than hiring a locksmith. It's more convenient than searching for your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's not difficult to get distracted, and then leave your phone, wallet or key in your car. The first thing to do if you suspect that this has happened is to contact the police. This may seem like a waste of time, but it could help law enforcement find your stolen item. The police will want to know more about the incident, including the description of the person who committed the crime, as well as any other items discovered in the vehicle.
You might want to add the items you carried with you at the time of theft like your credit cards or your license. In certain instances, if the items end up in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
Once you've informed the police about the theft, you should contact your insurance company and submit a claim. Depending on the type of insurance you have, your insurance might cover the cost of replacing your keys. You will also be advised to install an anti-theft device to your car, such as a lock or immobilizer to deter thieves from pursuing it in the future.
You should also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will change your car's title and registration information to show that it was stolen. This will stop anyone from driving your car in violation of the law, running red lights or parking tickets, or other crimes.
In certain situations, you might be able to obtain additional coverage for stolen items in your vehicle by adding a property protection plan to your car insurance policy. This can protect you against the financial burdens of things such as laptops or phones you may have in your car. Find out if this protection is provided by your insurance company by contacting an agent or going to their website. Moreover, you can always consult your insurance agent regarding other ways to improve your car's security. Installing an alarm system is one way to enhance the security of your vehicle. Another alternative is to keep keys that you have set aside from your vehicle or home.
Find your keys using a smartphone application
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could create a duplicate key and you were all set. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. In the process, the cost to replace keys to cars that have been stolen or lost has risen dramatically.
There are two types of keys for cars that are electronic: key fobs with electronic keys and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. Most of today's cars use electronic key fobs. However, some still have 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 traveling is to buy key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are many different devices on the market, but some of the top ones include:
To use the here device, simply connect it to your smartphone. When you're on-the-go, the app will help you locate your car keys either by emitting a noise or showing their location in the form of a map. You can share the device with family and acquaintances so that they can locate your keys.
You could be able to file an insurance claim for your keys to your car that were stolen or lost dependent on the kind of policy you've purchased and the specifics of your situation. If you have property or comprehensive coverage, your policy may pay for the replacement of keys that were lost.
You should also contact your insurance company for home insurance to determine whether they offer similar services. They may be able reimburse you for the costs of replacing your car keys if report them lost or stolen promptly manner.
In the end, if your car keys go missing, you must remain calm and develop an action plan. If you are able, contact the police department immediately to avoid further complications. They can give you advice on how you can protect your vehicle and give you a reference number for crimes. They may be able to provide you with new keys immediately.
Contact an expert locksmith
In the past the time of keys being lost to your car was a minor issue. The only issue you faced was that should you lose your car keys it would be difficult to gain entry. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too do keys. They are increasingly expensive to replace, when they are stolen. This means that it's important to always have a backup key, and to keep your keys and car locked up securely.
You should also check whether personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. If it does, you could be able to avoid the cost of a locksmith for your vehicle, and possibly save a little money.
Another thing to do after your keys are lost is to report them to the police. The police will then be able to give you more advice on how you can protect your vehicle from theft, such as using a wheellock, and will also give you a crime code that they can use to locate the person responsible for the theft.
If you haven't yet done so, it's recommended to find an accredited locksmith who can handle your specific car and its key. Some locksmiths can create keys for a variety of automobile models, whereas others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles with standard turn-key ignitions.
You'll have to provide your vehicle registration information as well as other details to have a new car key created, but it's usually quite simple. The dealership will then use an electronic system to verify the details of your vehicle and make a new key for you.
You should also consider having the keys reset so that previous owners cannot use them. This is a service you can get at a dealership or a locksmith. It's a great way to protect yourself against the possibility of your car being stolen after you've purchased it second-hand.