If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
If you've lost your keys, it could be a stressful experience. Take an exhale before you panic, and go about your day to see if you can find them. They might be in your pocket, or inside a bag you took out of your car.
Most importantly, contact your insurance company. They can often pay for the replacement of your car keys if notify them promptly.
Call Your Insurance Company
The most frequent reason for car thefts is leaving keys inside the vehicle. Statistics show that a car is stolen every 32 seconds and costs Americans $8 billion per year. This statistic shows why it's important to keep your keys in a safe location. It's a good idea to invest in high-quality locks and store spare keys.
Contact the police if you are unsure where your keys are. The officers can check their records and offer further tips on how to protect your vehicle. Additionally, they'll be able to give you the crime reference number, which is necessary for filing a claim with your insurance company.
The next step is to determine whether it's worth submitting an insurance claim for lost keys. The decision will largely depend on the kind of key you have and how much it will cost to replace it. For example, some modern cars come with electronic key fobs or smart keys that are more expensive replace than traditional turn-key ignitions.
The majority of auto insurance companies will pay to dispatch a locksmith to help you get into your car when you've been locked out. However, they will not pay for the cost of creating an entirely new key for you, meaning you'll need to pay for that out-of-pocket. Remember that your insurance premiums could rise if you file claims. It is recommended to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of filing a claim prior to making the decision.
If your car is equipped with an enhanced key that needs to be re-sequenced using the computer in your car or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have go to your dealership to get this done. Depending on the policy you have and the dealer for your car it could cost you hundreds of dollars. If you lose an enhanced key, you may want to file a claim if your policy covers comprehensive insurance. Otherwise, it's not worth the extra work and risk of your premiums increasing. If you don't have comprehensive coverage get in touch with an independent insurance agent to discuss the possibility of adding it to your car insurance.
Call the Police
In the past when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith could create a replacement key right on the spot. It can be expensive to replace keys that are stolen or lost in certain vehicles due to their more advanced ignitions. There are two primary types of auto ignitions and keys on the market today Electronic key fobs (sometimes called smart keys) and turn-key standard ignitions.
It's good to know that most insurance companies will cover the cost of replacing stolen or lost keys to cars. This is true regardless of whether they're fob keys or a standard key. The important thing is to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible so that they can begin searching for your keys, and to get a new set without having to pay out from your pocket.
If your car is parked on a public road and you lose the keys, it is crucial to inform the police right away. They can then deter other motorists from using your vehicle and possibly capture them in the course of. In addition, if anyone attempts to use your car but gets caught by the police, they may be fined or even detained.
Inform your dealer about you've lost keys. Most dealers have access to keys that can be used to replace the locks on a variety of automobile models and are able to help you out quickly. They can also rekey your lock and provide you with a key that disables the lock that was previously used, so it will no longer work.
If your car keys have been stolen, it's likely that thieves have stolen your wallet or purse. If this is the situation, it's a good idea to call your credit card and bank to determine if they have any suspicious activity on their records.
You can also use an app for your smartphone to locate your keys in case they are stolen or lost. For instance, Tile and AirTag are well-known options that attach to your keys and employ GPS technology to locate them. You can also call them to hear the car key in your vicinity or view their current location on the map.
Contact a Locksmith
The loss of your keys to your car can be a nightmare. It's difficult enough to get to school or work without a vehicle however, if you lose your keys, it can make things incredibly difficult. If your car keys get lost, there are steps you can take to prevent the worst from occurring.
Calling the police is the first step. This will prevent thieves from stealing your car or even trying to break into your home. This will allow you to locate the person who has stolen your car keys.
The next step is to call a locksmith. A locksmith can replace your vehicle's key. Before they can create a key, they'll need to verify your ownership of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to bring along your ID and registration. The locksmith must know the VIN as well as the name of the vehicle.
Then, you must contact your insurance company. A lot of auto insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key, so it's worth checking the policy of your insurance company prior to taking this step.
If you follow these guidelines, you can limit the damage to your vehicle and avoid headaches. Remember to be patient and look for the keys before you give up! If your car keys are stuck in the ignition, do not try to remove them. This could cause more harm than good.
If you have an old-fashioned key, most locksmiths can provide a replacement in a matter of minutes. If you have a modern key fob, like one that is electronic it might take a little longer. You'll need to visit the dealer. If this is the case, ensure that you provide proof that you are the car owner or the original registration or title. This will speed up the process considerably. A locksmith will likely charge you less than a dealership. It's always here better to be safe than regretting!
Call Your Car Dealer
Car keys are a vital piece of equipment. Without them, your car won't start. It is not uncommon for thieves to steal your keys in order to get into your vehicle. There are ways to avoid this.
Report the theft immediately to police. This will allow police to locate the culprit and you will be issued an identification code for crime which you can use in the future. You should also contact your dealership, a locksmith or another mechanic to get your keys replaced.
If you have an electronic key fob that connects to the computer in your car, you may need to bring it into the dealership in order to have it deactivated. If you've lost your keys in a public area such as a parking lot or a store it will help ensure that your car isn't be taken away because the thief will not have a functioning key to use to get inside.
Based on the model and maker of your car, some dealerships can replace keys that have been lost. Dealers can take away your old keys and connect the new one to the vehicle. This is more complex than just hiring a professional locksmith to make you a replacement key, which is why it's recommended to visit the dealer for this service.
If you notify the loss as quickly as you can the insurance company might be able to help. Certain property insurance policies, which include personal possessions coverage, could also cover the cost of the replacement of keys.