Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have evolved with the development of automobiles. Most autos today use electronic key fobs, however some have the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing your keys to your car can be stressful and frustrating. If someone discovers your keys to your car and uses them for a certain period of time, it can expose you to unauthorized entry.
1. Call the police
Contacting the police is the first step you must do if you suspect that your car keys have been taken. You can create an investigation report and they will notify you when someone returns your key. You should do this immediately, as if you wait, someone could use your vehicle without permission. This could lead to fines from the municipality.
You could also receive tips from the police regarding how to keep your car secure. You will also receive an incident reference number that you can use to track the investigation. This is crucial if you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.
Make sure you always have your spare car keys on hand. Sometimes, keys are hidden in easy-to-access places like your wallet or purse or they might be with friends or family members. You can also check with the local dealership to determine if it can reprogram the factory key fob.
Double-check all the places you think your car key could be. Ask friends or family members to verify the information if they are able. You can also call local restaurants or libraries and inquire if any keys have been found. It is common for people to forget where they placed their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious places first before proceeding to less obvious locations.
Even if you have an extra key, it's important to contact the police to report an incident of theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and might even help them locate your key. The police might also be able to offer you tips on how to protect your car, such as the use of a wheel lock.
In certain cases you might learn from the police that the keys to your car have been returned to the police station. You can then retrieve your car keys at the police station. If you have electronic keys on your vehicle, the process could be more complicated.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
A car key stolen can be a very painful and stressful experience. If it was stolen, left somewhere else and forgotten, or stolen by someone seeking an opportunity to steal your car, it can be devastating. 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 out for keys and assist you to get your car back in the event that it is taken.
The next step is to contact an locksmith. The type of locksmith that you'll need to call will depend on the type of car you have. If your car comes with an electronic ignition and a mechanical key, the locksmith can simply replace the key you have. If, however, your vehicle is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that utilizes a traditional turn-key system the locksmith will need to have access to the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or on the dashboard display). They will also need to be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle using evidence like your registration or title.
In some cases, a locksmith may be able to erase the car's "memory" of the key that was stolen and stop it from working in the future. However, this would typically require you to bring your car to the dealership in order to do so. In this scenario you'll need to have a spare key, or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.
Check your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. A lot of policies include this protection, and it can be a useful way to cover the costs of your replacement car keys and lock changes.
Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you're a responsible driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a smaller chance that your car will be taken.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will assist you in tracking the culprit and provide peace of mind. It also protects you from identity theft. Thieves often browse social media to find detailed details about their victims including address, work place and other personal details. Reporting a missing 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 insurance company to discuss your insurance coverage. Certain companies may provide additional benefits, for example, free replacements or rental car insurance.
If your car keys aren't in the ignition, you will need to visit your dealer or the automaker to get a new set made. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. This could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key, based on the type of key.
The thieves might try to drive the car after stealing the keys. This can cause expensive damages, including broken doors and windows. The burglar could also be fined if they drive without a license or in violation of traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages caused by the theft If you report it in time.
It is crucial to confirm the keys are indeed missing after submitting the loss report. This will prevent you from making a false report and racking up additional costs. Begin by looking in your bags, pockets and other places you keep your keys. Then, take a walk through your day to consider what you did that could have resulted in them being lost. For instance, did you put them on your car's table after returning from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when you reached in your purse to get your phone?
If you discover your car keys, it's still an excellent idea to inform the police. This will stop thieves from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit further crimes.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Car theft is a massive problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features, making it difficult for thieves to steal them. Older cars and those with keyless entry require additional protection. To protect your car from theft, think about purchasing a steering wheel lock or brake and tire lock. These devices are easy-to-install and make it impossible to take your car away.
If your car keys have been stolen, you must report them immediately to the police. This will allow them to locate the culprit and possibly recover your vehicle. The police will provide you with a the crime number that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.
You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer and create new key fobs. It is necessary to have your current keys scanned, and the new ones will have to be programmed by your car's computer. This process can take several days and is costly.
You'll also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the thief who takes off with your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a secure parking area and park in areas website that are well-lit. Also, keep your keys in a safe location and don't put them in the ignition.
One technique used by thieves to steal modern vehicles is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port which is typically found under the dashboard. They can then utilize this information to figure out the code for your key fob and use it to start the car. This is known as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with cameras and security.
You can also keep your keys from being stolen by keeping them in a secure pouch. These pouches will block the signal that thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can purchase a gadget called a "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to deactivate keys that have been stolen.