Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You shouldn't leave keys in your car, but you may forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen but the car is still there, here's what to do.
You'll need to first contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who discovers keys doesn't make use of them to commit a crime.
Buy a new set of keys
It's a moment of forgetfulness or someone takes your keys, losing car keys can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. You'll not only be unable to get where you want to go and will also need to spend money and time replacing your keys. The good thing is that it's not as difficult or costly to replace keys.
Check with your insurance company or warranty provider to find out whether you're protected in the event of a lost car key. If it is, take your evidence of ownership with you to the locksmith. They can then make use of the number of your vehicle identification, also known as the VIN, to create an entirely new car key, without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the easiest type of car keys to replace. They can be made on site at your local locksmith, and are generally less expensive than other types of keys. If your car has a transponder, or chip and you want to use it, you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip inside the car key that transmits an unique code each time it comes in contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure way to start your car and reduces risk of theft, but it's more complicated than simply cutting a standard key.
If you lose your transponder key and you lose it, only the dealer will be able to make you an alternative one. They can do this since they have documents of the security systems installed in every car and are able to locate the information.
If you don't have a spare keys make contact with your dealer as soon as you can. You might be able to obtain a replacement on the spot or they may need to wait until a replacement is available. It may take a few weeks, but it is still less expensive than hiring a locksmith. It's also less hassle than attempting to locate your lost keys somewhere else.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to become distracted and leave a phone, wallet or key in your car. If you suspect that this is happening the first step is to notify the police. It might seem as a waste of your time, but it can aid law enforcement in locating the item that was stolen. The police will ask for details regarding the incident including the name of the perpetrator and any other items they might have discovered in the vehicle.
It might be an excellent idea to include any items that you might have on you at the time of the theft, like your credit card or license. If the items are discovered by a thief they could be used to commit crimes.
After reporting the theft to the police, you must also contact your car insurance company to file an insurance claim. Your insurance provider may pay the cost of replacing your keys, based on the type of insurance coverage you have. They may also suggest that you install a car anti-theft device, like an immobilizer or lock on the wheel to stop thieves from targeting your car in the future.
In addition to notifying the police and your insurance company, you should also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will change the car's registration and title details to indicate that it has been taken. This will stop someone from driving your vehicle illegally, running red lights or parking tickets, or other crimes.
In some instances you may be able to secure additional insurance coverage for items stolen in your vehicle by adding a property protection plan to your car insurance policy. This can protect you against the financial burden of items such as laptops or phones you may have in your car. You can determine if your insurance provider offers this by speaking with an agent or going to the website of your provider. You can also ask your agent for other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one method to increase the security of your vehicle. Another option is to hide a spare key set away from your vehicle or at home.
Keep track of your keys with an app on your smartphone
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just make a duplicate key and you were good to go. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. The cost of replacing keys that have been stolen or lost has increased drastically.
There are two main types of keys for cars which are electronic key fobs and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. The majority of modern cars have electronic key fobs, however some still have standard ignitions that require a turning of the key to start the car.
One method to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to buy key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are read more a variety of key trackers on the market however some of the best ones include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. When you're on the move the app can assist you in finding your car keys by emitting a sound or showing their location on the map. You can share the device with family members and friends so they can find your keys.
You might be able file an insurance claim on your keys to your car that were stolen or lost dependent on the kind of policy you've purchased and the specifics of your specific situation. If you have property or comprehensive coverage, the policy could provide the funds to replace keys that were lost.
You should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine if it offers similar services. They may be able to reimburse you for the cost of replacing your car keys if report them stolen or lost promptly manner.
In the end, if your car keys go missing, it's crucial to remain calm and develop a plan of action. If you can, call the police department right away to avoid any further issues. They will be able to provide you with tips on how to safeguard your car and provide you with a crime reference number. They may even be able to provide you with a brand new set of keys right away.
Contact for a locksmith
Not so long ago, losing your car keys was a relatively minor inconvenience. The only worry you had was that should you lose your car keys, it would be impossible to get inside. However, as automobiles have evolved technologically, so have their keys, and they're now much more expensive to replace if stolen. This is why it's crucial to always have a backup key and to keep your car and keys secure.
Find out if the personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing an lost or stolen key. You may be able to save money by not having to pay for an auto locksmith.
Another thing to do after your keys are lost is to report them to police. The police will then be able to give you more advice on how to protect your car from theft, such as using a wheellock and also give you a crime number that they can use to track down the thief.
It is a good thing to find a locksmith that is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths are able to create keys for various cars, while some are only able to repair and replace older vehicles with standard turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide your car registration and other information in order to have a brand new car key made, but this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will use computers to verify your vehicle's details and create the key for you.
It is also worth looking into getting your keys for your car changed to ensure that the previous owners cannot use them. This is a service is available at a dealership or locksmith. It's a great way to safeguard yourself from the possibility of your car being stolen after you've purchased it second-hand.