What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen

If you've lost your car keys, it can be very frustrating. However, it's important to remain calm and not be overwhelmed.

Then, try retracing your steps. This will help to determine if your car keys were stolen or lost. Next, call your insurance company. You may be eligible to file a claim based on the circumstances.

Report the theft to police

Reporting the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which can be used to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. Police can also give tips on how to safeguard your vehicle, such as using a wheel lock.

The next step is to find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible locations where you might have them. Check places you might not usually look like under the seat or your shoes. You can also use an app to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the keys or show its last known location, but only if your keys are within the range of your phone's.

If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can find a replacement at your local locksmith. However, if you own an electronic key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealership to get one. In this instance it is advisable to check your insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.

Car thefts that are caused by keeping their keys inside are on the rise and it is crucial to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves could employ a device called relay attack, which copies the signal from the key fob of the car stolen with keys inside. They then wait for a partner to arrive with a piece of equipment to open the car. This is a popular method of getting cars stolen in cities where thieves have the ability to access sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key else than in your car. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance card or license in your car, as these are important tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, be sure to contact your insurance company and the police as fast as you can.

Contact your insurance company

If you have comprehensive car insurance, it is important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the keys missing. This will help ensure your safety and stop other people from using your car Keys stolen no spare. Most insurance policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith or even the keyless car stolen dealer to make a new set of keys.

It can be extremely stressful to lose your car keys but the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to use the keys! It's a good idea to contact your local locksmith as soon as you can and ask them to make a duplicate key for you. They'll also be able to program the replacement key so that the lost key no longer functions.

Notifying your keys that you lost to the police as quickly as you can is an ideal idea, particularly if they were smart keys. The police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer further guidance on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They might be able to also advise you on where to buy keys to replace.

Before contacting your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your bags and pockets for the keys. It's easy to lose a key if you put it somewhere else or you reach inside your bag to grab something only to you knock your keys out of it. If you've looked everywhere but still can't find keys, it's time to contact your insurance company.

The decision on whether to file an insurance claim after losing a car key depends on the kind of key you have and the deductible you have. Most old-style mechanical keys are not expensive and can be replaced at a locksmith for less than your deductible. Newer keys, however, are more expensive and need to be ordered directly from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases, a new car stolen keyless entry key may exceed your deductible.

It's also worth noting that if you're in serious debt an insurance company could run a credit check to determine if there's the possibility of fraud. This could result in your claim being rejected, or even investigated. It's therefore important to report your keys as soon when you notice them.

Purchase a new set of keys

It is essential to remain at ease and plan what you will do next when you lose your car key. There are a variety of options to get new keys. The majority of options 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 is particularly useful if you tend to lose your car keys often. They are available online or in most electronics stores.

The first step is to identify the kind of key you own. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key, you can replace it easily by a locksmith. These types of keys do not contain any special features or chips and can only be used to unlock and lock the vehicle. If you own a transponder key, a more advanced type of key that is typically found in the key fob or chain, you may need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain an replacement.

The majority of cars in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in their keys that connects to the computer of the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain a new key. A dealership can also make a new key for your car, but it may cost more than calling locksmith.

No matter what type of key you have, it is always a good idea to have an extra in case. You will be able get back on the roads without waiting for an locksmith. In addition, you will be able to avoid having to pay for towing or call for roadside assistance.

Look in the pockets of your clothes and other places you might not typically search for keys, like in your shoes if they are on or in the refrigerator if you've been drinking beer. You can also leave a spare key with an individual from your family or a trusted friend. If you wish to keep your keys in a safe place and easy to locate you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.

Get your car repaired

There are a few different ways to go about it if your car keys are stolen. You can make an insurance claim to cover the cost of replacing a key fob and get your keyless car stolen's locks changed when you do not have a spare or you can buy the new key from an hardware store for less than what it might cost to file an insurance claim.

Depending on the type of vehicle and whether it features an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, you may require a visit to your dealer or auto dealership to obtain a replacement. The dealer may need to order an electronic key chip and link it with your vehicle. This can be expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance could cover towing the car to a dealership or other service shop that can create an entirely new key, according to Reina.

Locksmiths can be scammers who charge too much for services already covered by your car insurance. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car manufacturer has sent them a request asking the reset of their code. These scams are difficult to identify, but you can watch for them by entering your code through the official website of your car manufacturer or application.

Check with your home insurer to see if there is any additional coverage for keys that are lost in the car. American Family's home insurance, for example, provides coverage for keys for garage doors and dwelling keys openers without charging a deductible. This coverage isn't offered by all insurance companies however it's worth a look to see if this coverage is available at your current provider or if you're able to add it to your policy.