Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved along with the development of automobiles. Most autos today use electronic key fobs, however some still have the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. It could also make your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if a person finds it and uses it for a while.
1. Call the police
Notifying the police is the first step you need to do if you suspect your car key has been taken. You can file an investigation report and they will notify you when they return your key. It is important to do this right away because if you put off, someone else might use your car without your permission. This can result in penalties from the city.
You can also receive tips from the police regarding how to keep your vehicle safe. You will also receive an identification code for crime which you can use to trace the investigation. This is essential if want to file a claim with your insurance company in the event of theft.
If you have a spare car key ensure that you keep it in your possession. Sometimes, keys are kept in easily accessible places, like your purse or wallet, or they could be in the possession of family or friends members. You can also contact your local dealership to see whether they can reprogram your original key fob.
Make sure to check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car keys. Request family members or friends to check too if possible. You could also contact local restaurants or libraries to see if they have found any lost keys. It's common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the obvious places first before moving on to less obvious ones.
Even if you've got an extra key, it's worth calling police to report an incident of theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car and may aid in finding your key prior to them doing. The police might also be able to give you tips on how to protect your car, such as using a wheel lock.
In some cases the police might be able to inform you that your car key has been turned in at an officer station. You can then pick up your car key at the police station. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process may be more complicated.
2. Call for a locksmith
A car key stolen is an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen, lost, or left somewhere else. The first step is to contact the police and inform them that your keys to your car are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key, and help you regain control of your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to contact is contingent on the type of vehicle you own. If your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical key and ignition the locksmith will replace your current key. If your vehicle is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob, the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which is usually displayed on the dashboard or key display). The locksmith also needs to verify your ownership of the car by presenting proof like a registration or title.
In some instances the locksmith might be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working in the future. However, this would typically require that you bring the car to the dealership for the purpose of doing so. In this instance you'll need to have a spare key, or be prepared to pay a significant amount for the service.
It is also a good idea to check your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. A lot of policies include this type of coverage and can be a very useful method to cover the cost of replacement keys for your car and lock replacements.
Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive carefully and take the necessary security measures, your car is less likely to be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is crucial to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help you track the perpetrator, and give peace of mind. This will also help protect you against identity theft. Thieves will often browse social media to find detailed details about their victims including address, work place and other personal details. Notifying a lost car key immediately can prevent this.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions may differ and you should consult your provider to discuss your coverage. Certain companies provide additional benefits such as rental car coverage or free replacements.
You'll have to go to website your dealer or automaker to purchase a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys that are in use and programming the new ones to the vehicle. Depending on the type of keys you have, it could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.
Some thieves may try to drive your vehicle after they've taken your keys. This could result in costly damage, like broken doors and windows. The thief may be penalized for driving without a license or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.
It's important that you confirm the keys are indeed missing after submitting the loss report. This will help you avoid making a false claim and being charged extra. Begin by looking through your pockets, bags, and any other places you keep your keys. Then, take a walk through your day to consider what you might have done that might have resulted in them being lost. For instance, did it happen that you place them on the table in your car after getting home from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you went to your purse to retrieve your phone?
It is a good idea to notify the police if discover your keys. This will stop the thief using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Theft of vehicles is a major issue. Every 32 seconds, it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it very difficult for thieves to take them. Older vehicles and those with keyless entry require additional protection. To guard your car from theft, think about purchasing a steering wheel lock or a tire lock and brake lock. These devices are simple to install and make it difficult to take your car away.
It's important that you immediately report the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking down the thief and hopefully recover your car. The police will also provide you with a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer to have new key fobs created. You will need to have your current keys scanned, and the new ones will need to be programmed by your car's computer. This can take a few days and can be costly.
You'll also need to be responsible for any damage caused by the criminal as he leaves with your vehicle. It is essential to keep your car in a secure parking spot and park in areas that are well-lit. Keep your keys in a safe place and do not leave them in the ignition.
The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves can steal modern vehicles. The criminals can use this information to get the code for the key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and guards.
You can also stop your car keys from being stolen by keeping them in a secure pouch. These pouches block the signal that thieves can amplify with equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that you can plug into your car's OBD port to block the key that was stolen.