What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. It's important to stay calm and not get overwhelmed.
Retrace the steps you followed. This will help to determine if your car keys are actually stolen or just misplaced. Call your insurance company. You may be eligible to file a claim depending on the circumstances.
Report the theft to the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. You will be issued a crime reference code that can be used to track your keys and vehicle. The police might also be able to provide tips on protecting your vehicle, for instance using an ignition lock for your wheel.
Next, you need to find the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket, and other places you might have keys. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't typically look, such as under the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or show you its last known location on a map, however, they only work only if the keys are within reach of your phone.
If you have a conventional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can easily find a replacement at the local locksmith. However, if you own an electronic key or remote start, you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase one. In this case it is advisable to check your insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.
The number of car thefts that happen because people leave keys in the vehicle is increasing. It is crucial to ensure your keys are safe at all time. The thieves can use a device called relay attack that copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a accomplice to arrive with an equipment to open the car. This is a very common method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your vehicle. Never leave your insurance or license in your car, since they are useful tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, make sure to call your insurer and the police as quickly as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a complete car insurance policy holder, it's important to notify your company immediately of the missing keys. This will ensure your safety and stop other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys, the most important thing you want is for someone else to take the keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They will also be able to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen key is no longer working.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is recommended, especially if they were an electronic key. The police can give you a crime number and provide further guidance on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might be able to provide advice on where to buy an additional key.
Before contacting your insurance company, you should make sure that you've thoroughly inspected your pockets and bags for the keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it down somewhere or if you reach into your bag to grab something only to knock your keys out of it. If you've searched but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call your insurance provider.
The decision to file an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key you have and your deductible amount. The majority of old-style mechanical keys aren't expensive and can be replaced by a locksmith at the cost of less than the insurance deductible. However, modern keys are typically more expensive and should be purchased from the manufacturer or dealership. In some instances the cost of a new key could surpass your limit on deductible.
It is also important to be aware that insurance companies might run a credit check to determine if fraud is a possibility. This could result in your claim being rejected, or even being investigated. It's therefore important to notify your keys as quickly when you notice them.
Find a new set keys
If you lose your car keys, it is essential to stay calm and think through what you should do next. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and most alternatives are less expensive than you think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to ensure that your keys are safe and easily accessible. This option is especially helpful in the event that you lose your car keys often. You can locate these types of devices online or at most electronics stores.
The first step is to determine what type of key you have. If you have a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one from an locksmith or a hardware store. These types of keys do not contain any special features or chips and are used only to unlock and lock the vehicle. If you own transponder keys, which are an advanced version of key, which is usually placed inside the key fob or key chain, you might need to go to an auto locksmith or the dealer to obtain an alternative.
In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip within the key that connects to the vehicle's computers. This means that you'll need to have the VIN number for your car in order to make a new key. A dealership can create keys for your car, but the cost may be higher than visiting locksmith.
Whatever type of car key you own regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in the event that you lose one. You will be able get back on the roads without waiting for locksmith. Additionally, you will be in a position to not have to pay for towing or call for roadside assistance.
Check your pockets and other places where you may not normally search for keys, like in your shoes if they are on the floor or in the refrigerator when you've consumed a beer. You can also leave an extra key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you want to keep your car keys safe and easy to locate you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are a few different routes you can take when your car keys are stolen. You can make an insurance claim to cover the cost of a replacement key fob and have your car locks changed if you don't have a spare, or you could get an alternative key from a hardware store for much less than what it would cost you to file an insurance claim.
It is possible to go to your dealer to change the key, based on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a conventional turn-key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase an electronic key chip and link it to your vehicle. This can be costly. However, your roadside assistance coverage could cover towing the car to a dealership or service shop that could make a new key, as per Reina.
Be cautious here when dealing with locksmiths, since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your car insurance or dealer already covers. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking the reset of their code. These scams are hard to spot, but you can ward off them by entering your code only through the app or website of the car manufacturer.
While you're at it you should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to see if they offer any additional protection for keys to your car that are lost. American Family, for instance, offers coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys without the minimum deductible. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. However, it's worth making sure that your current insurer offers it or if you can add it to your existing policy.